Skin Beauty Essentials: What Are the Main Differences Between Hard and Soft Wax?

Skin beauty

For many women and men, daily or semi-daily shaving is a necessity. It can also be a nuisance. Shaving takes valuable time, leads to nicks and cuts, and causes sensitive skin to become inflamed and irritated. By the time the skin heals, it is time to shave again, and the cycle begins anew. For this reason, many people turn to wax as a method of hair removal. Though it can take longer and can come with its own set of challenges, the results last much longer. Waxing removes the entire hair follicle from the skin, not just the visible hair, so the skin stays smooth and hair-free for a long time. When opting to use wax to remove body hair, it is important to consider which type of wax will be used: hard wax or soft wax. There are five main differences in hard and soft waxes, including their compositions, application methods, comfort levels, effectiveness, and costs.

  1. Composition of the Wax

Both hard wax and soft wax are resin-based materials. They both contain a resin called rosin, which can be extracted from coniferous trees naturally or prepared synthetically in a lab. In addition to rosin, soft wax also contains beeswax, which makes it a little bit softer. Many manufacturers often add additional ingredients to both hard and soft waxes to improve their scent, softening ability, moisturizing ability, and more. Such ingredients include aloe vera, green tea extracts, cocoa butter, chamomile, and fruit extracts. None of these ingredients are required, but they can make using the wax more pleasant. Regardless, it is important to consider a person’s skin type and which ingredients are best suited for their needs when shopping for hard wax beans or soft wax.

  1. Application Method of the Wax

The application of both types of wax will always begin with the person applying the wax having clean hands and all of the necessary materials at hand, including the wax, a wooden spatula, waxing strips, and a wax heater. Both types of wax need to be warmed in preparation for application. The main difference is that soft wax requires a higher temperature for melting, and hard wax melts at a lower temperature. After melting, both types of wax can be applied using a wooden spatula. Following the application of hard wax, it will dry to a hard consistency. Then, it can simply be peeled off with the hands. Soft wax will retain a softer, more watery consistency after application and must be removed using waxing strips. In general, soft wax requires that the hair to be removed is at least ¼ inch long, while hard wax can be used on hair as short as 1/16 inch.

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  1. Comfort Level of the Wax

Unfortunately, both hard and soft wax can hurt. The level of pain depends upon the area being waxed and the type of wax being used. Hard wax is generally less painful, because it adheres only to the hair and not to the skin, while soft wax adheres to hair and skin. The use of hard wax is especially desirable in sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line. However, one exception to this rule is that soft wax is preferable if a full Brazilian wax is being performed. This is because the hair in these areas can be extra coarse and grow in different directions, making the use of soft wax a little bit more comfortable.

  1. Effectiveness of the Wax

Both types of wax are effective, but depending on the area being waxed, one type can prevail. Soft wax is more effective than hard wax when covering large areas, such as the legs. This is due to the fact that hard wax can crack and break in large areas, making it less efficient. Hard wax is more effective than soft wax when covering small areas, such as the face and bikini area, because it can adhere to hairs that are very fine and short.

Another thing to consider when choosing the most effective wax is whether it is expected to remove all of the hair in one sweep. If so, soft wax can be a good choice. If multiple applications and sweeps are expected, hard wax is a better choice. Since soft wax adheres to skin as well as hair, it is only possible to apply and remove one time. It removes skin cells along with the hair, leaving the skin too sensitive for a second pass. Hard wax can be applied to and removed from the same area more than once.

  1. Cost of the Wax

Soft wax is by far a cheaper option than hard wax. A person can purchase a soft wax kit from any major retailer for between $5 and $15 per pack. Hard wax, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $20 for the wax beads alone and up to $90 for a quality kit. For a person waxing in the privacy of their own home, soft wax is the most affordable choice. If a waxing that utilizes hard wax is desired, it might be a better idea to go to a salon. This would cost more than purchasing the kit, but it would come with the benefit of having a professional perform the procedure using professional-grade materials that are normally better than what a layman would buy for themselves.

Waxing is a great option for removing hair from any part of the body. It removes the entire hair follicle rather than just the visible hair. This means a person can remain hair-free for up to six weeks. Though it can be painful, for many people it is much more appealing than having to shave daily. Before committing to having a body wax performed or performing one at home, it is necessary to consider the part of the body being waxed, the pain tolerance level of the person being waxed, and the desired outcome. Thinking through these things can help a person decide if hard wax or soft wax is best for them.

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Skin Beauty Essentials: What Are the Main Differences Between Hard and Soft Wax?
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