This is the salon professional’s guide to using hot wax. Here, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about hot wax, including the benefits of hot wax, what kind of waxing, hot wax is best suited to and how to perform the perfect hot wax treatment.

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. Hot wax is best suited to being used in smaller areas as it is fairly time-consuming to apply. Hot wax is known for giving excellent results as it adheres better to the hair follicles on the skin.

Benefits of hot wax:

  • Less likely to cause irritation and redness.
  • Leaves no sticky residue on the skin.
  • Suitable for all types of skin & hair.
  • Removes hair as short as 1mm.
  • Can be used for clients with very sensitive skin.

What is the difference between hot wax and strip wax?

The main difference between hot wax and strip wax is that strip wax involves the use disposable strips which intend to remove the hair once pulled off. Whereas the hot wax treatment is applied onto the area of choice, left to harden and removed once it has set.

Strip wax is a runny wax that is applied thinly using a spatula; the hair is then removed by pressing a waxing strip against the wax and quickly peeling it off. Hot wax is applied thickly and is applied with a spatula in layers. Once the wax has hardened, the wax is then peeled off in one piece.

Strip wax is usually used on larger areas such as legs, arms and the back. It is a great option for less sensitive areas as it forms a firmer grip which could lead to tearing when the hair is removed. Strip wax is also beneficial because you can cover large areas quickly, making it a time-efficient option.

Hot wax is ideal for waxing those more sensitive areas, and areas with shorter hairs, which is why it is often the wax of choice for underarms, and bikini waxing. As the hot wax heats up it opens up the pores and hair follicles for a better removal, not to mention a lessened risk of ingrown hairs.

 

What are the benefits of using hot wax?

Hot wax removes short hairs, meaning that the client doesn’t have to leave so long in between treatments – this is particularly advantageous when it comes to facial waxing, as it means that your client can have the hair removed more often.

How to choose the right waxing technique with expert, Marie-Louise Coster

 

As a procedure I would recommend hot wax for intimate waxing – in fact, I would argue it is the only way to carry out an intimate wax procedure professionally, safely and comfortably – and facial waxing, but please ensure you are properly trained before you start playing around with it.

It is a great introduction to the salon, if you don’t have it already, and clients will notice a huge difference – and we all know that without happy and loyal clients we will have no business.

 

How to use hot wax in 4 easy steps

A hot wax procedure is not difficult, it just takes practice and training. Beauty therapist Marie-Louise Coster shares her top tips on how to use hot wax safely and effectively.

Step 1:

Clean the area to be waxed and apply your preparation oil – this oil is essential and will allow the wax to adhere to the hair and not to the skin making it a much more comfortable procedure for the client.

Step 2:

Check the temperature of the wax first on yourself and then on the client, and once you have established that the temperature is ok, apply your wax in a small square with the first application being against the hair growth and further build the wax patch up with the hair growth.

Step 3:

Establish a thick edge to the wax ready for removal. You may apply a couple of patches at a time but ensure there are gaps between each patch so as they don’t all remove together. If doing the bikini area you can always apply a patch on each side at a time.

Step 4:

When removing the patch take your fingertips underneath the edge of the patch and flick the end up, then remove the patch in the direction going against the hair growth. When all hair has been removed soothe the area with an after wax preparation. The most uncomfortable part of hot waxing (if you were to claim there was any) is ‘flicking up’ the edge of the wax in order to remove the patch, but as a procedure, it is not painful at all and is much kinder and more gentle to the skin in delicate areas making it the perfect choice for client comfort.

Top Tip

Hygiene is paramount and during an intimate wax procedure, it is crucial that you wear gloves – due to the chance of blood spotting and the exchange of other bodily fluids. It is also crucial that you DO NOT double dip your spatulas. Either use the drizzle method or use a new spatula for each application.

 

Our bestselling hot wax

Lotus Hot Film Wax White

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The Lotus Hot Film Wax is a flexible and pliable wax that can be easily removed in one quick action. This versatile wax can be used on all areas of the body, including the lip line and is particularly effective on stubborn hair around the underarm and bikini line.

Key Features:

  • Not tested on animals.
  • Vegan friendly.
  • Available in blocks of 500g.

Make a saving!

  • Buy 5 for £6.18  £5.15 each and save 8%
  • Buy 10 for £5.52  £4.60 each and save 18%
  • Buy 50 for £4.74  £3.95 each and save 29%

 

Monuwax Hot Wax infused with Karite & Argan Oil

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Ideal for clients with sensitive skin, the Monuwax Hot Wax infused with Karite & Argan Oil is a quick-drying hypoallergenic wax that is infused with plum botanicals to support sensitive skin.

Key Features:

  • Peelable without the need for removal strips and suitable removal for more stubborn hair.
  • Flexible texture.

Lotus Wax

 

Our bestselling Lotus Creme Wax is perfect for use on short hair growth. It has a lower melting temperature than traditional soft wax allowing for a more comfortable application, particularly on sensitive skin.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for all hair and skin types.
  • Not tested on animals.
  • Vegan friendly.

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What waxing accessories do I need to get started?

Once you have carried out the relevant training and have gained the qualifications you need to practice as a professional waxer, you will need to stock up on waxing supplies. It is recommended that you stock both hot wax and strip wax to maintain choice for the client and efficiency for the waxing professional.

Lotus Paper Wax Strips x 100

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Our 210mm x 70mm Lotus Paper Waxing Strips are constructed from viscose for natural softness and are bonded with polyester for extra strength and flexibility. These bestselling wax strips are excellent value for money with approximately 100 strips per pack.

Hive Petite Spatula x 50

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Ideal for smaller areas such as eyebrows and upper lips. The Hive Petite Spatula’s offers a thin, flat, round-end that is thinner in the width. You can also use these with all types of depilatory wax.

Hive Disposable Leg Spatula x 100

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Perfect for waxing larger areas such as legs, these flat round ended birchwood spatulas help to provide an extremely accurate wax application.

Pre waxing care and aftercare

Just Wax Cleansing Pre Wax Gel 

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This cooling pre-wax gel gently removes all traces of oils and impurities from the skin for effective and hygienic waxing treatments.

How to use:

  • Apply with cotton wool over the area to be treated.
  • Allow to dry.

Just Wax Sensitive Pre Wax Cleanser

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This soothing lavender and aloe vera formula gently cleanse the skin before waxing.

How to use:

  • Apply with cotton wool over the area to be treated.

Just Wax Sensitive After Wax Lotion 

 

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Leave your client’s skin smooth, soft and hydrated with this soothing lavender and aloe vera formula.

How to use:

  • Smooth on to waxed areas immediately after treatment.

Hot wax FAQs

Can hot wax burn your client’s skin?

Wax should be gently warmed to a temperature of 105.8°F or 41°C or higher is recommended. The heat is essential not just to adhere to the skin but to prevent bacterial growth. The wax cools quickly once it touches the skin.

How to use a hot wax heater

We always recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions when using a hot wax heater to ensure that you are heating your wax optimally.

Learn how to wax via online training

Here at Salons Direct, you can find the essential online training to become a professional waxer.

Just Wax Intimate Waxing Online Training

This professional online training provides you with the skills and knowledge required to successfully perform an intimate waxing treatment using hot wax skills.

Theory: 3 hours estimated (self-paced learning)

Practical: 4 hours (9.30am-1.30pm or 2pm-6pm)

This course covers:

  • Skin preparation & correct client positioning
  • Intimate hot waxing procedure for underarm and bikini
  • Unique Just wax Multiflex waxing procedure for Hollywood and Brazilian techniques

Product Requirements:

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Just Wax Essential Waxing Online Training

This course is essential for anyone wishing to offer this very popular beauty treatment or to refresh their knowledge and improve waxing proficiency. The emphasis is placed on acquiring practical competence using Award-Winning Just Wax Warm Wax.

You will complete your theory in your own time and pace via an online learning portal. Your practical will be completed Online via a LIVE webinar hosted by one of our educators.

Your ONLINE practical face to face training will cover:

  • Guided learning using strip and spatula waxing procedures of the full leg, bikini, underarm, brow tidy (not shaping) and upper lip.
  • Unique Speed Waxing Technique – half a leg in 4 minutes.

What you will require for this course:

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Shop our wide range of waxing products at Salons Direct.

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