Soft Wax vs Hard Wax: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered why your professional waxing specialist opts for soft wax vs hard wax for different services? If so, you’re in the right place! These two popular products serve different purposes and have a range of pros and cons. Today, we’re ripping off the wax strip to answer all your questions and show you why each option makes the best choice for certain body waxing and treatment areas.
What is hard wax?
Hard wax is a product with a high melting point that must be brought up to the right temperature before use. However, it begins to solidify once it’s applied to the skin, so it doesn’t require a strip to remove.
What is hard wax used for?
Many practitioners use hard wax when removing hair from sensitive areas. Bikini and Brazilian waxing often call for hard vs soft wax. Additionally, people with sensitive skin types may opt for this type of product no matter which body part they’re waxing.
At The Wax Studio, we only use hard wax for our body waxing services. We find that it’s more comfortable for our clients, and is gentler on sensitive skin.
Pros of hard wax
One of the main benefits of hard wax is that it only adheres to the hairs rather than the skin for a more comfortable hair removal experience. This also means you can go back over treatment areas with more wax to ensure all the hair has been removed at the root without risking excessive irritation.
Hard wax generally doesn’t leave any sticky residue on the skin, either. It also doesn’t require strips to use effectively, which makes it an excellent choice for coarse, thick hairs that soft wax may leave behind.
Cons of hard wax
Of course, there are some trade-offs to hard wax vs soft wax. Firstly, your waxing session may take longer with hard wax since it needs time to harden. And since it doesn’t adhere as strongly, you may need repeated applications to remove all the hair in the area.
It also takes more skill to use hard wax effectively. If it hardens for too long, it can become brittle and crumble instead of coming off clean. Furthermore, applying or removing hard wax in the wrong direction of hair growth can cause breakage at the skin’s surface and increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
All of our estheticians at The Wax Studio have years of experience and expertise to ensure that these side effects don’t occur during your appointment!
What is soft wax?
Unlike hard wax, soft wax has a low melting point and doesn’t harden once it’s applied, so it requires strips to remove. Here’s a closer look at this waxing option:
What is soft wax used for?
Soft wax is often used on larger treatment areas, such as the back, arms, and legs. It’s a speedy solution that’s spread on in a thin layer, covered with a waxing strip, and removed without any wait time.
Pros of soft wax
Folks with thin, fine hairs can enjoy successful waxing sessions with soft wax. While hard wax doesn’t always remove these hair types, the soft version can usually get rid of them, whether they’re long or short. It’s also a great way to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin. Since soft wax is so effective, your appointments may be shorter than with the hard variety.
Cons of soft wax
Despite the perks of soft wax, many find that it’s too irritating for their sensitive skin. For some, it may be more uncomfortable than it’s worth. Additionally, soft wax can be messy and requires strips to remove.
When to use soft wax vs hard wax
Now that you know the basics of hard and soft wax, here are the best options for different treatment areas. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so some people may prefer alternative methods.
For legs, arms, and back
Larger areas like arms, legs, and the back may be well-suited for soft wax. In addition to removing finer hairs that tend to grow here, the skin is usually tougher and can stand up to any irritation caused by wax adhering to it.
For Brazilian and bikini waxing
Thick, coarse pubic hairs are typically removed with hard wax. As it cools and hardens, the substance shrinks and clings to each individual hair to achieve a perfect pull. Hard wax is also an excellent choice for sensitive treatment areas like the bikini zone.
For underarm and facial waxing
Hard wax is also the go-to for underarm and facial waxing. After all, these areas are also sensitive, so wax that adheres only to hairs is preferable. That said, some estheticians opt for soft strip wax to shape eyebrows and other areas that require precision.
Learn more about your waxing options at The Wax Studio!
Whether you’re gearing up for your first Brazilian wax or curious about your options for hair removal, the experts at The Wax Studio are here to help! We’re dedicated to giving our clients the highest quality treatments in the most welcoming, comfortable environment.
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule an appointment online to get started! We can’t wait to help you achieve your ideal aesthetic and feel comfortable and confident in your skin.
