Soft Wax vs. Hard Wax

Soft Wax vs. Hard wax

It seems hard wax has taken over the world of waxing with what seems like a new revolutionary wax coming to the scene every week.

Am I dated by sticking to my old habits by working with soft wax?  I’m a believer in trying new things but also a believer if it works for you then don’t change it.

Here’s my opinion…after graduating esthetics school there is the dark realization that you have to persuade someone to hire you with no experience so that you can learn how to hone in your craft. Unfortunately, you don’t really learn how to wax in school. My program offered a day of wax training which was great but not enough (I know some programs don’t offer any training). You really need to understand skin, contraindications, texture, hair types and reactions. Especially, when doing brows, face and bikini area. This only comes with practice.

Most estheticians/waxers try to get a job somewhere to truly start learning. I was able to get my foot through the door and was able to learn from a great company. She believed in me and trained me. Your first job introduces you to your first type of wax in the working world. In my case it was soft wax. Now a days many gear toward hard wax. Hard wax has a reputation for being less painful. So, I believe that is why people gravitate to working with it. Maybe it feels less intimidating to work with. For me soft wax removes hair more effectively. That doesn’t mean hard wax doesn’t it just depends on the wax and waxer’s technique.

What it comes down to is the waxer. Some waxers work hard wax like magic. SOME. I had someone give me a brazilian with hard wax and she had to cut a piece of the wax off because it dried and cracked! (Note:*this was at a high end Las Vegas Resort Spa))

Hard wax can be more forgiving and you can go over the same area twice. Not with soft wax. Once you go over an area it is strongly advised not to go over that area again. So what does that mean? You better get that pull right to get that hair up because you can’t redo. Now there are ways around it over time with experience.

It comes down to training and practice. For new beginners, you have an advantage. Watch all the videos you can find on you tube, buy some of the more popular waxes (soft and hard) and practice on friends. Don’t go crazy, pick two or three of each and narrow down what you like to work with. However, learn how to work with both.

If you open your own studio use what works for you and stick to it. If it gives you results and your clients are happy that’s all that matters at the end.