5 Benefits of Hard Wax

Hard wax, sometimes referred to as stripless wax, is depilatory wax that is removed without the use of strips. The wax literally dries and is removed on its own. Opt for a high-quality hard wax that dries immediately, and your strip waxing life will be forever changed.

Strip wax, also referred to as soft wax, is applied very thin, like a nylon or a very thin coat of paint.

Hard wax is applied just slightly thicker than strip wax in an even layer, a little thicker around the edges. If using a premium wax and proper technique, the wax lifts off easily and releases from the skin in a very comfortable way. Your clients will notice the difference. Some hard wax is applied very thick which wastes product and money.

Cirépil hard wax is applied thinner. Cirépil Blue is the original patented formula. The Blue beads were invented by Cirépil and I have yet to find blue beads that compare. There are a lot of imitators. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, they say, but after trying many versions of blue beads, I always find my way back to the original blue beads. 

Having both strip wax and hard wax is ideal. Strip wax is great for large areas but not so good for smaller more sensitive areas. Hard wax is great for any area of the body.

Perfecting the application of hard wax is the key. Learn, then practice. Don’t worry about how long it takes you to do a service. It is easy to succumb to the pressure of trying to speed through a waxing with the many 10-minute Brazilian videos so hyped up it can make you feel this is the only way to do a Brazilian wax. Remember, you cannot do fast what you cannot do well. First, practice. You will naturally become faster and waxing with hard wax will become easier and quicker. My first Brazilian took 45 minutes-and it wasn’t perfect, it took a while to get to the 10- or 15-minute mark. Brazilians aren’t the best place to start when learning hard wax techniques, anyway. Master your technique by practicing on the arms, legs, underarms and bikini and once you feel comfortable then add Brazilian waxing. 

If you offer only hard wax, paper or cloth strips are one less item to add to your inventory list. Even if you offer both soft and hard wax, you will use fewer strips, saving money and time. 

If you are of my generation, you remember the days when looking for a AHA moisturizer meant a trip to the dermatologist. Hop to today, and most facial products have ingredients that will thin the skin, in turn affecting the waxing process. Whether glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinols or any other ingredient that will clear, smooth, brighten or lighten, clients rarely know what is in their products and typically don’t mention the products on the consultation form. You must do a thorough consultation and investigate what products they are using to determine if there is a contraindication. The face, especially the eyebrows has thin skin making a soft, or strip wax, less than ideal because it adheres to the skin.  For this reason, stick to a hard wax for the face and brows. You can use the an all-purpose, like Cirepil Blue, which is great for eyebrows and the upper lip. Or you can use a more gentle hypoallergenic wax for sensitive skin, like Cirepil Cristalline.