The Different Types of Wax for Hair Removal

Published March 9, 2024

In pursuit of hair removal, waxing is one of the most popular ways of it. Waxing is a very effective way to unlock a smooth, hair-free, radiant complexion. It is far less expensive than laser hair reduction. It also tackles the problem at its root quite literally. It leads to slower regrowth, so you’ll enjoy your bare skin for longer. It also gives other benefits, such as exfoliating and getting rid of dead skin cells. 

There are different types of waxing for hair removal. There are exact waxes based on your exact needs. It helps to know all of them so you know which is best for you. It will serve you that awkward conversation at the salon on what to choose from because your aesthetician might not have all the time in the world. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about different types of wax. We’ll have you started on your journey toward baby-smooth skin the hairless way. Let’s start. 

Different Types of Wax for Hair Removal

There are two main types of wax. Hard and soft. 

Hard wax is a type of wax that hardens on the skin. It is typically waxed and then laid to the treatment area, where it adheres to the hair, not the skin, before removal. While you can use a strip to remove the wax, it isn’t needed. It is what is usually used at salons. 

Soft wax is a thinner type of wax. It is soft to the touch and needs to be removed with a strip. It is typically used on at-home waxing strips. It doesn’t need to be warmed up. It attaches to the hair and skin, unlike hard wax. 

1. Warm, soft wax 

Soft, warm wax is a cream or resin-based wax. It is used for strip waxing. It is delicately warmed and laid in a thin layer over the complexion. A cloth strip is pressed on and removed, taking the hairs. This type of wax is often used to cover bigger areas such as legs and arms. 

It is exceptionally efficient at riding up even the finest of hairs. It calls for easy spreading. It sticks to the skin as well. Yet, it should only be applied once per area to avoid irritation. 

Best for body areas like: Legs, arms, back, chest

Advantages of warm, soft wax hair removal 

• Exfoliation 
• Efficiency with fine hair
• Ideal for more significant body parts
• Speed waxing 
• Cost-effective 
• No material strip is needed for the removal 

Disadvantages of warm, soft wax hair removal 

• Skin adherence
• Risk of skin irritation 
• Potential for burns
• Not ideal for thick hair

2. Warm hard wax 

Hard wax is ideal for areas with thicker and delicate, thin hair. Here, the wax is laid warm and hardens as it cools. It is also dubbed strip-free wax because, once set; it functions as the strip itself. A small amount of pre-epilation oil generally goes on the complexion after it is cleansed to protect it from the wax. 

Hard wax is applied in a thicker layer than soft wax. Yet also in the direction of hair growth. Pulling in the wrong direction can cause hair to break and become ingrown. 

This type of wax grips onto the hairs in a shrink-wrapping manner. It is as opposed to sticking to the skin like softwax. Thus, it is more suitable for smaller, sensitive areas like the lips, nose, underarms, and bikini. 

Its gentle nature is fantastic for those with sensitive skin. Yet, it may not be strong enough to grab the hairs from the bulb. It may require reviewing a single area multiple times for the best results. 

Best for body areas like: Bikini line, underarms, facial hair 

Advantages of warm hard wax hair removal 

• Pain reduction 
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Slower hair regrowth
• Adheres to hair, not skin
• Open pores for easy removal 
• Ideal temperature 

Disadvantages of warm hard wax hair removal 

• Skills required 
• Time-consuming
• Cost
• Temperature control 
• Potential allergies

3. Cold soft wax 

It can typically be purchased in a jar or a premade waxing strip. All you need is a craft stick for those in a jar or pot. It is required to scoop it out and lay it directly on your complexion. 

Cold, soft wax will never burn your skin. It works wonders if used correctly. Yet, it can be trickier to apply an even layer. Moreover, since it also adheres to the skin, it can irritate if you go over the same area more than once.

Best for body areas like: Legs. arms, back, chest 

Advantages of cold soft wax hair removal 

• Reduces ingrown hair
• Less pain 
• Convenience
• Portability
• No mess
• No burns
• Less redness 
• Thinner hair growth 

Disadvantages of cold soft wax hair removal 

• Less effective on coarse hair
• Skin irritation
• Inconsistent results
• Requires more time
• Risk of bruising and inflammation

4. Premade wax strips 

Premade wax strips have the right amount of cold wax clung on and ready to use. It requires no heating. It is the most user-friendly wax. It is also a mess-free choice. It is ideal for first-timers as there’s no chance of putting on too much product. 

Wax strips are recommended to be slightly heated up. You can do so by rubbing them between your palms. It will allow them to attach more to the hair. 

It requires the most minor preparation. It is also by far the most convenient way for traveling. As with any cold wax, there’s no risk of burning your skin. 

Best for body areas like: Legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, upper lip, chest, and back 

Advantages of wax strips hair removal 

• Long-lasting results 
• Less regrowth 
• Easy and convenient 
• Cost-effective 
• Smooth skin 
• Stronger grip

Disadvantages of wax strips hair removal 

• Pain 
• Ingrown hairs 
• Skin irritation 
• Risk of skin damage

5. Fruit wax 

It’s a rather unusual type of wax. Fruit wax contains many skin care benefits. It prides itself in being naturally exfoliating and skin-nourishing. Exfoliating fruit enzymes can delicately buff away bum texture. Extracts from fruits such as papaya and strawberry are abundant in antioxidants. They are also anti-inflammatory. They can also boost brightness. 

Fruit wax is hard wax. You don’t need to employ a strip to remove it after application. What’s more, it’s safe even for super-sensitive complexions. 

Best for body areas like: Legs, underarms, arms, bikini area, face

Advantages of fruit wax hair removal 

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Skincare benefits
• Effective hair removal
• Slows hair growth 
• Pleasant aroma
• No unpleasant marks
• Added goodness of fruits 

Disadvantages of fruit wax hair removal 

• Effectiveness on coarser hair 
• Cost
• Allergic reactions
• Availability 

6. Sugar wax 

Sugar wax is one of the oldest known waxing techniques. It originates in the Middle East. It is also one of the most natural and simple formulas. It is generally made of sugar, lemon, and hot water. 

Sugar wax is exceptionally gentle. It’s ideal for sensitive and reactive complexion. It works like hard wax because it clings to hair without sticking to the skin. It will allow multiple passes in one area without the irritation a soft wax would trigger. 

It can be easily moved around, too. Thus, sugaring can be excellent for removing hair from large or small areas of the body. It’s most effective against fine to medium hair types. 

Sugar wax is also water-soluble. It makes cleaning up much more manageable. You can also experience fewer ingrown hairs. It is due to it not getting stuck in open hair follicles. 

Best for body areas like: Legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, face

Advantages of sugar wax hair removal 

• Less irritation
• Reduced hair regrowth
• Natural ingredients
• Better adhesion to hair
• Finer hair regrowth
• Ability to remove short hairs
• Longer lasting results

Disadvantages of sugar wax hair removal 

• Pain and discomfort
• Risk of inflammation 
• Risk of irritation and infection
• Effectiveness
• Skill required

7. Chocolate wax 

Chocolate wax is tender on the skin. It is known to be one of the least painful types of wax. It’s hydrating. It also contains nourishing and soothing compounds like almond oil, glycerin, vitamin E, and other minerals. Cocoa itself is abundant in antioxidants.

Chocolate wax can take the form of soft and hard wax. Yet, it is typically used warm. It has low melting points, so it’s unlikely to trigger burns. 

Best for body areas like: Bikini area, face, underarms 

Advantages of chocolate wax hair removal 

• Reduced pain 
• Skin hydration 
• Effective hair removal 
• Skin rejuvenation 
• Reduced hair growth 
• Removal of sun tan 

Disadvantages of chocolate wax hair removal 

• Allergic reactions 
• Cost
• Availability
• Skin irritation 
• Not suitable for all hair types