Hot Wax vs Strip Wax - What's the Difference?

Our skin is the biggest organ in our body so it’s vital that we make the right decisions about what we put on it and how we treat it, and this includes which waxing method we use. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between hot wax and strip wax, this article will explain the major differences, the pros and cons of both and how to decide which method is right for you.

Strip Wax vs Hot Wax: What Are the Differences?
So, just what are the main differences between strip wax and hot wax?

Strip wax is the method that most people think of when it comes to waxing. This type of wax is runny and using a disposable spatula, beauty therapists will apply a thin layer of the wax onto the skin where the hair is to be removed. The waxer will then immediately rub disposable wax strips against the wax and quickly peel it off, removing both the wax and the hair.

Meanwhile, hot wax has a much thicker consistency and is also applied to the skin in thicker layers. The wax is then left to harden and when ready is peeled away without the use of a wax strip.

Pros and Cons
There are advantages and disadvantages to both waxing methods.

Strip Wax
The advantage of using strip wax is that it is a much quicker process and since it uses less wax and takes less time, it’s also more efficient, making it ideal for covering larger areas of the body such as the back or legs, for example. However, a major disadvantage is that strip wax grips strongly to both the hair and the surrounding skin so when used on sensitive skin or used incorrectly, the removal of the wax can lead to skin damage, such as bruising or even tearing. It can also increase the risk of ingrown hairs.

Hot Wax
Hot wax requires a level of expertise so it’s recommended that novice waxers don’t try it at home and instead opt for hot wax treatments at a reputable salon. This method of waxing can be a messier, more time-consuming process and your waxer will need to ensure the wax is at the perfect temperature for the treatment to work properly and to avoid damaging your skin.

On the other hand, hot wax dilates pores and many people report that this makes the hair removal more comfortable and less painful and it also makes hot wax more suitable for thick, coarse or stubborn hairs. Hot wax is perfect for smaller body areas such as the face or bikini line.

Which Method Is the Least Painful?
While it’s true that hot wax opens the pores more, meaning hair can be removed with less resistance (and therefore pain) that doesn’t mean hot wax is the better option of the two.

Hot wax is ideal for waxing intimate or sensitive areas, such as the eyebrows, underarms or bikini line, where it is the least painful of the two methods. However, hot wax doesn’t work as well on thinner hairs, so when it comes to large surface areas such as arms, legs and back, it probably wouldn’t be any less painful than using strip wax. In fact, it would take so much time to apply the wax to a large area and then wait for it to harden that psychologically, it might feel more painful overall due to the waiting and anticipation!

In conclusion, hot wax may be less painful for small, sensitive areas but when it comes to waxing, a little discomfort is to be expected with both methods and which you choose will depend on your skin and hair type, the area being waxed and your own personal preference.