7 Different Types of Waxes For Hair Removal (2024)

Waxing is unpleasant enough as it is, but deciding on which type of wax to use for hair removal can be just as painful. All waxes were not created equal, but they were created to remove hair in one capacity or another. It can just be a little confusing which kind to use for what. While traditional waxes can be decidedly split into either the soft or hard variety, things get a little more complicated from there. Where does sugaring fit into the equation? (Does it even count as wax?) Which type of wax should be used on the bikini area?

We got the scoop on all the forms of wax from esthetician and waxing wizard Jodi Shays and European Wax Center Education Manager Gina Petak. Shays says when it comes to choosing a wax type, "Use whateverwaxyou feel you could be more efficient with."

Ahead, we break down the different types of wax to use for hair removal.

Meet the Expert

  • Jodi Shays has been a licensed esthetician in California for 20 years.She is a member of Byrdie's review board.
  • Gina Petak has been a licensed esthetician and skincare expert for over a decade. She is a European Wax Center education manager.

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Warm Soft Wax

Soft warm wax is cream or resin-based and used for strip waxing. It is gently warmed and applied in a thin layer over the skin. A cloth strip is pressed on and removed, taking the hairs with it. The spreadable wax is often used to cover larger areas like the legs and arms. While extremely efficient at picking up even fine hairs, soft wax sticks to the skin as well, so it should only be applied once per area.

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"Cream-based warmwaxesare more gentle on the skin," Shays explains. "A honey/resin-based warmwaxis considered old school, it can be too hot and sticky, which will leave the skin irritated after. However, there are many skilled estheticians who can still deliver a greatwaxwith a honey/resin-basedwax." Shays does not recommend honey or resin-based products for sensitive skin. "It can be too hot, sticky, and abrasive."

For sensitive skin, look for a cream-based wax with titanium dioxide, which acts as a buffer between the wax and skin.

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Warm Hard Wax

Hard wax is an effective option both for areas with thicker hair and fine, thin hair. The wax is applied warm and hardens as it cools. It's also known as strip-free wax because, in its hardened form, it acts as the strip itself. A small amount of pre-epilation oil typically goes on the skin after it’s cleansed to protect it from the wax. Shays explains that after warming the wax to a spreadable state, it "hardens to a flexible material that is pulled off by a 'lip' created by the provider."

Hard wax is applied in a thicker layer than soft wax, but also in the direction of hair growth—an important detail. "Pulling in the wrong direction of hair growth can cause hair to break and become ingrown," warns Petak. The wax grabs on to the hairs in a shrink-wrapping manner as it hardens rather than sticking to the skin like soft wax. This makes it more suitable for smaller, more sensitive areas like the lip, nose, underarms, and bikini area. When used on larger areas, like the legs, Shays explains it "can create breakage of hair towards the end of the pull."

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Its gentle nature is great for those with sensitive skin but on the flip side, it's not strong enough to grab the hairs from the bulb, meaning you may have to go over a single area multiple times. "This will lead to irritation on the skin," Petak explains. Be sure to use a quality product when working with hard wax. "Cheaper varieties of hard wax can cool down to be brittle and not flexible," Shays says this creates a mess and an inefficient wax.

Like with soft wax, the hair needs to be long enough for the wax to grab. "We recommend hair be at least 1/4" long (about the size of a sprinkle)," Petak says. "It's a good idea to stop shaving at least five days prior."

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Cold Soft Wax

Cold wax iseither taken right out of the pot and applied directly to the skin, or comes prepared on a strip. This method is appealing to many because it eliminates the risk of burning your skin from wax that's too hot. Although it’s convenient, it’s firmer, and it can be tricky to get a thin layer on evenly. Shays says it's typically not as effective as warm wax and can leave hairs attached to the skin. Many alsofind cold wax more painful to remove than wax that's heated. Some even find it easier to slightly warm the wax before use to soften the formula for spreading.

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Pre-Made Wax Strips

Pre waxed strips come with the right amount of cold soft wax already attached and are ready to use, no heating required. This method is the most user-friendly, mess-free option and is recommended for beginners. Not only are they easy to use, but there’s no chance of putting on too much product. And depending on how much hair you’re removing, a strip can often be used more than once per area.

It’s always recommended that wax strips be slightly ‘heated’ up a bit by rubbing them between your palms, which allows them to stick more to the hair. Cold strips require the least preparation and with less moving parts of the whole operation, this is by far the most convenient option for traveling. As with any cold wax, there is no risk of burning your skin. Shays suggests using pre-made strips for smaller areas because they aren't spreadable like warm wax.

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Sugar Wax

Sugar wax is one of the oldest known waxing methods, originating in the Middle East. It's also one of the most natural and simple formulas, generally consisting of some combination of sugar, lemon, and hot water. "Sugaring isnotawax: It is form of depilatory, but doesn’t have the same base," Shays explains. Technically a wax or not, there's a reason this hair removal method has been around for centuries.

It's extremely gentle—for a wax—so it's ideal for sensitive and reactive skin. Sugar wax works a lot like hard wax by the way it grabs the hairs without sticking to the skin. This type of formula will allow multiple passes in one area without the irritation a soft wax would cause. Sugar wax can come as a sticky ball to be applied with the fingers or like a soft wax to be used with strips. Because it can be easily moved around, sugaring can remove hair from large or small areas of the body, however, it is most effective against fine to medium hair types.

Unlike a resin-based hard or soft wax, sugar wax is water-soluble which makes clean up much easier. This also results in fewer ingrown hairs because the product won't be stuck in open hair follicles, blocking hair regrowth.

Apply sugar wax opposite how you would traditional wax: against the grain, then removed with the grain.

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Fruit Wax

Fruit wax is stripless like hard wax, only with the added skin benefits of fruit enzymes and extracts like papaya, strawberry, pomegranate, cranberry, and plum. The gentle wax nourishes the skin with antioxidants and vitamins as it removes hair, essentially doubling as skincare (a win in our book).

Fruit wax is generally a great option for those with sensitive skin because it won't cause bumps, rashes, or marks, but you'll want to make sure you're not allergic to any of the ingredients. As with any natural beauty product, you can expect to pay a little more for a fruit wax than a simple resin-based option.

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Chocolate Wax

Chocolate wax is tender on the skin and known as one of the least painful types of wax. It's hydrating and full of soothing and nourishing ingredients like almond oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, glycerin, vitamin E, and other minerals. Cocoa itself is rich with antioxidants and acts as an emollient in the wax. The almond oil gives it anti-inflammatory properties—a benefit much appreciated while having hairs ripped out from their follicles.

Key Ingredients

Almond oil is a hydrator that is rich in vitamin D, vitamin E, and various minerals. It helps soothe the skin from irritation and protect it from UV radiation damage.

Chocolate wax can be soft or hard, but it's always applied warm. It has a low melting point so it's unlikely to cause burns. The luxurious experience comes with a price tag to match but for many, the glowing skin and spa-like indulgence is more than worth it.

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7 Different Types of Waxes For Hair Removal (2024)

FAQs

How many types of Rica wax are there? ›

Rica wax has the following varieties: For Normal skin– Titanium, For Dry skin– Chocolate, Strawberry. For very Dry skin– Coconut, Olive Oil.

How many types of cold wax are there? ›

5 Best Cold Waxes Available In India.

Which wax is best for skin? ›

Fruit Wax. This kind of body wax works just like hard body wax and is recommended for people with sensitive skin. As the name suggests it's infused with fruit extracts, making it antioxidant and vitamin-rich. It's much gentler than soft wax and nourishes the skin while removing hair.

What type of wax removes pubic hair? ›

A Brazilian wax generally involves removing hair from your entire pubic region. There are two popular kinds: the French wax and the Hollywood wax. A bikini wax involves removing hair from areas seen outside a bathing suit or underwear while leaving the hair on your pubic bone.

Which wax is best for beginners? ›

Which Hair Removal Wax Is Best For Beginners? Nova's Hard Wax is best for beginners because of the formula's professional qualities. Nova's hard wax can be used for all-over body waxing, meaning that beginners don't have to spend extra time learning about what type of wax to use where.

Which wax is used for face? ›

When waxing the face, hard wax is generally used. Additionally, it is our professional opinion that, when it comes to sensitive skin such as the bikini area, hard wax is also the best option. It attaches itself only to the hair, not the skin, reducing discomfort and minimizing the possibility of irritation.

Which wax is painless? ›

Hard wax is gentler on your skin. It's better suited for sensitive areas, and is less painful to remove. Soft wax is better suited for large areas, like your legs or back. If you're new to waxing, you may want to start off with a waxing session from a licensed esthetician or dermatologist.

How painful is Rica wax? ›

Little or negligible pain upon hair removal. Pre and post-wax oils make waxing easy and non-sticky. To know Rica wax price in India, check out the table at the end.

Which wax is best for underarms? ›

Underarms. The hair that grows in this area is more coarse than say, your leg or arm hair, so it requires a different approach. Hard wax is going to be your go-to. You'll avoid the awkwardness of trying to pull off waxing strips with your opposite hand and hard wax is also easier on the sensitive skin.

What is the hot wax? ›

What is hot wax? Hot wax is a hair removal wax that is typically heated to around 55-65 degrees. The hot wax treatment involves layering warm wax onto your client's skin which then adheres to your client's hair and not the skin.

Is Hot wax painful? ›

A thick layer of Hot Wax opens pores and nourishes your skin from the inside! The treatment with Hot Wax is less painful because of the open pores. It helps to remove all hairs with roots without pulling the skin, which often is very painful in the thin skin intimate zones.

What is the most popular wax style? ›

Brazilian waxes are one of the most popular options when it comes to primping ya pubes. Unlike the French version, when you go Brazilian they take the hair off the top and sides of the bikini line, but also all the way under and around the back, too. (Yep, that means around your bum).

What type of wax lasts the longest? ›

Nothing leaves a longer-lasting glass-like shine than high-grade carnauba wax. Of all the different types of carnauba waxes, this is the best car wax for the longest lasting finish and shine of a vehicle's exterior.

Which wax brightens skin? ›

Pearl Shine Hydrosoluble Wax₹350.00

The Body Care Pearl Shine Wax is used for skin lightening. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin after waxing . This wax has superior gripping strength that is gentle to the skin when used.

Which wax is best in winter? ›

HONEY HERBAL One of the best hair removal for use in winter season( full hot wax 600 gm) Wax (587 g) Smooth and even skin. One of the best benefits of waxing is that your skin will feel smooth and even.

Can you wax your Vigina hair? ›

Waxing the pubic area has become a very common service in the hair removal business. Women and men prefer the look and feel of being hair-free. To most, it's a confidence boost, hygienic, and, for some, it's the only option for hair removal as shaving irritates and causes issues with ingrown hairs.

Which hair wax is not harmful? ›

Ustraa Hair Wax is formulated with Natural ingredients, it is safe for hair.

Does hair wax damage skin? ›

Waxing often causes inflammation and that this can lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation. This means that waxing can darken your skin or cause dark spots to appear as a reaction to the hot wax and skin damage.

Which one is better hair wax or gel? ›

Unlike a hair gel, you should apply a wax on dry hair. It gives you a warm, matte finish that's perfect for formal hairstyles. Hair wax is water and oil based and can be slightly harder to wash off with just water. If you want to go for a smart hairstyle like a slicked back hairdo, using a hair wax is your best bet.

Which wax is best for legs? ›

Warm Soft Wax

The spreadable wax is often used to cover larger areas like the legs and arms. While extremely efficient at picking up even fine hairs, soft wax sticks to the skin as well, so it should only be applied once per area. "Cream-based warm waxes are more gentle on the skin," Shays explains.

Should I shower first or wax? ›

Do take a warm shower before waxing. This will help to open the pore for easy hair removal. Do relax during your waxing service, because tense muscles make the area more sensitive. Do not take extremely hot showers or sauna after waxing.

Which wax is best for thick hair? ›

VidaSleek's Spa Wax is an all-natural, extra strength hair removal wax that will completely remove thick, coarse, unwanted hairs. Hair regrowth will appear slower, softer and finer than other hair removal methods. With continual use of VidaSleek Spa Wax, hair will slowly stop growing all together.

Which wax is best for upper lip? ›

Creamy wax may be significantly better for the delicate skin on the upper lip because it's one of the gentlest waxes. It's also easier to work with than honey waxes, because it's less sticky.

How do you wax your lips? ›

Apply the wax in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth: on the upper lip, start in the middle of the upper lip and spread toward the corner of your mouth. Only wax one side of the upper lip at a time. To spread the wax, use the edge of the spatula. Apply the epilation strip and smooth down.

Can you wax your neck? ›

Getting your neck waxed (front or back) can be beneficial to both men and women. A lot more men are now turning to neck waxing instead of just getting it trimmed every time they go in for a haircut. They also enjoy not having to deal with that annoying stubble that happens when you shave.

Which is the hardest known wax? ›

Pure Carnauba wax has the highest melting point of all natural waxes and is widely accepted as the hardest commercial wax known to man.

What part of waxing hurts the most? ›

According to science, the forehead and the fingertips are the areas most sensitive to pain in the human body. Luckily, we do not need to wax them. Shins, toes, and face are, however, highly sensitive as well and to be waxed properly, the esthetician must use professional waxes specially made to treat these areas.

Why is my wax not removing hair? ›

If the wax is not pulling out hair, the main factor is usually a lack of pressure. If you do not apply enough pressure, the hairs cannot fully adhere to the wax strip. Learning how to apply wax to the skin with the appropriate amount of pressure usually eliminates the problem of the wax not pulling out hair.

What not to do after waxing? ›

DON'TS: THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR WAX:
  1. Avoid bathing or (too) hot showers.
  2. Avoid direct sunlight or sunbathing (or artificial tanning).
  3. Avoid saunas or steam baths.
  4. Don't swim.
  5. Don't wear tight or non-breathing clothes to avoid infection: waxed skin needs air.
  6. Avoid perfumed products on the waxed skin.

What to apply after waxing? ›

Immediately after waxing:
  1. Apply a cool compress or take a cool shower to reduce irritation and sensitivity. ...
  2. Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation.
  3. Avoid perfumed products, lotions, and creams, which can irritate sensitized skin.

How many times do you have to wax before hair stops growing? ›

The person's skin type, hair texture, and their particular hair growth cycle will determine how many sessions are needed before the hairs are permanently removed. Hairs can stop showing up after 8 months of treatment in areas where it grows naturally finer, as well as with people with fine hair.

Does waxing stop hair growth? ›

The Truth: As the hair is pulled from the roots, this reduces hair growth. It varies from person to person, but even though your hair will grow back less, it may not necessarily be thinner. You'll just have less of it.

Does waxing hurt more if hair is longer? ›

"Hair should be at least a quarter of an inch for the wax to adhere to the hair properly," Tobia advises. Hair that's longer than this can be more painful to wax; if the hair is too short, "there's a chance that there will still be random hairs that aren't removed from the wax."

How long does a wax last? ›

Waxing should last anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your personal hair growth, the location of your wax, and the accuracy of the application. If you're not sure waxing is for you, there are many other forms of hair removal that will last anywhere from days to weeks and even more long-term.

What are some good waxes? ›

Best Car Waxes For 2022
  • Meguiar's G7016 Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax : Best Overall Wax.
  • Mother's California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Liquid Wax : Best Carnauba Liquid Wax.
  • Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Pro Graphene Spray Wax : Best Spray Wax.
  • Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax : Best Soft Wax.
2 May 2022

Is it better to wax or hair removal? ›

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, laser treatment is the best method. It's a long-term solution that's far less painful than waxing. If you're prone to ingrown hairs, it's the only method you should choose, as it completely destroys the hair follicle.

Which hair wax is not harmful for hair? ›

You can also opt for an alcohol-free hair wax for styling your hair. Next, look for a hair wax that contains natural oil and natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed extracts, sunflower wax, etc. Also, sulphate and paraben-free hair waxes are highly recommended.

Is waxing better or Veet? ›

Waxing is one of the most commonly known methods of hair removal. While not as painless as other methods, waxing with Veet offers much longer results in comparison, allows for up to 4 weeks of smoothness. The upside, the hair growing back is much softer and easier to remove in the future vs.

Should I shave before waxing? ›

Let hair grow out.

Wax can't pick up your hairs when they're too short: they should be at least a quarter of an inch long for your waxing session, recommends Jodi Shays, owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spa. For this reason, avoid shaving between waxes.

Does wax cause hair loss? ›

While using pomade might make your hairline more obvious, there's currently no evidence that pomade, wax, gel or other hair styling products are linked with hair loss.

Should I wash my hair after using wax? ›

Make sure that you're washing your hair thoroughly; a second lather and rinse are recommended to remove waxes. You'll also need to make sure you're washing it often enough – if you're using wax every day, you will probably want to wash it out and give your hair a clean start every day too.

Should I remove my pubic hair with wax or shave? ›

If you have sensitive skin, it's best to avoid waxing, tweezing, depilatories, and even laser removal or electrolysis, which may be too harsh and cause long-term damage. Trimming or carefully shaving are the best options.

Is Nair better than waxing? ›

In comparing hair removal creams vs. waxing, hair removal creams remove hair without pain while waxing can cause some discomfort. But when it comes to long-lasting results, waxing takes the lead.

What lasts longer wax or Nair? ›

While hair removal creams remain a good depilatory option, the results typically only last for a few days or, at best, one week. Waxing is the longer-lasting option because the results can last up to six weeks, depending on the rate at which your hair grows back.

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