Are you over the chore of daily shaving, don't want to shell out the cash for laser hair removal, but still want to get rid of unwanted hair? Look no further than waxing. It's one of the most popular methods of hair removal, and for good reason. Minimal pain aside (depending on who you ask), waxing offers ultra-smooth, long-lasting results.
But like any other beauty treatment, there are things to consider when it comes to waxing— as in should you use hard wax or soft wax? Both will completely remove hair from the follicle, but in slightly different ways and with varying benefits. Such as hard wax adheres to the hair shaft versus the skin (so no paper strips are needed for removal), and hard wax won't take off the first layer of skin like some old-school waxes and soft waxes do. For even more benefits, as well as when and how to use hard wax, we tapped hair removal expert, Gina Petak, and dermatologist, Shari Sperling, DO, FAAD. Read on to learn all there is to know about using hard wax for hair removal.
Meet the Experts
- Gina Petak is the education manager at European Wax Center.
- Shari Sperling, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
What Is Hard Wax?
Hard wax is a type of wax that adheres to the hair shaft (versus the skin) and hardens and removes on its own, eliminating the need for paper strips. According to Petak, because the wax sticks to the hair, this allows certain areas to be waxed multiple times to ensure all hair is removed without damaging or irritating the skin. "[Old-school honey waxes remove] the first layer of skin along with the hair, which means you can’t go over the area multiple times and can leave stray hair behind," explains Petak. "If you notice your skin being more red after a wax using paper strips, it’s because of the removal of the first layer of skin. It’s often said that hard wax is a much less painful experience than soft wax for all parts of the body." That said, there are soft waxes that contain glyceryl rosinate, which is meant to act as a buffer to adhere to the hair only.
Key Takeaways
- Hard wax adheres to the hair shaft versus the skin which means no paper strips are needed to remove it.
- Hard wax does not remove the first layer of skin like some old-school waxes and soft waxes. This means you can wax the same area multiple times without causing any skin damage.
- Overall, hard wax is gentler than soft wax, which can be beneficial for sensitive skin.
The Benefits of Hard Wax
Hard wax has a multitude of benefits. For one, it's gentler on the skin: "Hard wax is good for people with sensitive skin, as it is applied as a thicker layer and is removed without a strip," says Dr. Sperling. "It tends to be a little less painful and better for smaller, delicate areas of the body."
It also removes hair cleanly from the root, and doesn't leave a sticky mess behind. Petak says that when it comes to soft wax, you run the risk of having wax residue left on the skin, but since hard wax dries on its own, it's much easier to remove and therefore much cleaner. Then, there are the results: "Waxing removes hair from the root so results last about 3-4 weeks," says Petak.
Potential Side Effects of Hard Wax
There aren't many drawbacks to hard wax other than a possible skin allergy. "You should always patch test new products to ensure you don’t have an allergy," advises Dr. Sperling, adding that at-home treatments can cause injuries like burns or extensive exfoliation and tearing of the skin if done incorrectly. Also, for larger areas (like the legs and back), soft wax is recommended, as hard wax can break off easily.
How to Use Hard Wax to Remove Hair
Here's how to get rid of unwanted body or facial hair using hard wax.
- Cleanse the area to remove any dirt, makeup, oil, and lotions.
- Apply a pre-wax oil to protect the skin and create a barrier between the skin and the wax.
- Heat the hard wax in a wax warmer or microwave, stirring it slightly to cool it down.
- Using a stick and pressure, apply the wax in the same direction of hair growth to try to avoid breakage. Make sure to create a lip at the end (using light pressure) to have something to hold on to while removing.
- Wait for the wax to harden (this usually takes about five minutes).
- Pull the wax off in the opposite direction of hair growth. Repeat on all desired areas.
- Apply an ingrown serum once hair is removed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, post-wax you should avoid hot baths, wear loose clothing, and apply a non-comedogenic lotion to the area. If you're experiencing any pain, ice the area with a cold pack.
Byrdie Tip
Hard wax needs to be warm and pliable (but not hot) to work. If using a wax warmer, the ideal temperature is 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be a similar consistency to honey.
When to Use Hard Wax vs. Soft Wax
Hard wax is typically used for bikini and Brazilian waxes, as it works well on coarse hair and smaller sections. Also, since it shrink-wraps the hair, it's often gentler on delicate facial skin—nose included—and can remove any short noticeable hair.
Hard wax isn't the solution to everything, though. While it can be used on smaller areas, many find it more efficient to use strips on larger areas like the legs or chest. Soft wax is also preferred for a do-it-yourself full pubic hair removal, as it's great for cleaning up your own bikini line (the hair outside a normal panty line). For anything more, like a Brazilian, let the pros do the work with hard wax.
Hard Wax vs. Sugaring
Sugaring is going to be a bit more gentle on the skin than hard wax. Sugaring is made using all-natural ingredients (sugar and lemon juice), so it's also a safer bet than hard wax if you have especially sensitive skin. However, if you have very thick, coarse hair, sugaring might not be able to get you as smooth as hard wax can.
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Hair removal: How to wax.
