Waxing Products - Hair Removal Supplies & Depilatory Equipment

Professionals rely on a variety of waxing supplies to wax away hair. This includes the wax itself, wax heaters or wax warmers, strips if required for the wax, and applicators. Gloves are also a necessity, and you will need a cleaning solution to apply to the skin prior to waxing. Professionals may apply soothing balms after waxing.

For sanitation, professional waxing salons rely not only on cleaning solutions and standard cleaning equipment but also on specialized products like wax pads to catch drips that would otherwise fall on tables.

There are two types of wax: Hard wax and soft wax. Hard wax is best for treating sensitive areas of the body especially those with coarse hair, like Brazilian wax treatments. This is because the wax wraps around individual follicles of hair and will not adhere to the skin underneath. Hard wax is thicker than soft wax and is removed without the use of waxing strips.

Soft wax tends to adhere to both the skin and hair follicle and requires waxing strips to remove it. While it can be more painful to remove than hard wax, soft wax is generally less expensive and won't break apart the way hot wax sometimes can upon cooling. This type of depilatory wax is most commonly used on large, less sensitive areas like the legs, back, or arms.

Among waxing products, hard wax is best for hair removal in sensitive areas of the body like the bikini line, underarms, and face. Once applied, the hard wax will wrap around the hair follicles and harden as it cools. The cooled, hardened wax is then quickly removed without the need for waxing strips. Because hard wax will not adhere to the underlying skin, removal is generally less painful than soft wax alternatives. The non-stick property of hard wax also diminishes the chance of damaging the delicate skin beneath it.

Hair growth varies from one person to another. Unlike shaving, the hair is pulled directly from the root during the waxing process. Even when a person is waxed consistently every four weeks, the amount of hair that grows back may not change; over time, however, the amount of time between waxing sessions may increase. Other people may indeed see less hair growing back. Individual hairs will not be thinner, although the tapered shape of new hair growth looks and feels thinner than the blunt ends caused by shaving.

When using any hair removal products or depilatory products, it’s best to apply them to clean skin without any moisturizing products applied first. However, it’s a wise idea to moisturize and exfoliate during the days leading up to the wax appointment. Skip it on the day of—or wash it off—so that the wax can better adhere to the hairs that need to be removed.

There are several ways to remove residual body wax from the skin. Keep oil or petroleum jelly among your waxing products along with cotton pads. When you need to remove wax, simply dip a cotton pad in either of these two products and press the soaked pad to the wax until the saturated and softened. Then you should be able to wipe it away using a clean cotton pad. Wax removers like Satin Smooth Satin Release® Wax Residue Remover Oil are specifically made for this purpose.

To remove wax from spa equipment or waxing tools, products like caronlab® Wax Remover Citrus Clean is a great alternative.

One of the best waxing supplies to have on hand is an aftershave moisturizer or post-wax treatment to help calm irritated skin. Avoid products that use lots of alcohol or other irritating ingredients. Choose a product like Resiné By HAIRAWAY® Cool Finishing Gel designed specifically to prevent bumps and soothe the skin. Aloe vera is another good option that will calm and moisturize skin.