Lots of men and women choose to use waxing as part of their body hair grooming routine. This is because there are many advantages to waxing over shaving. Removing the hair from the root rather than slicing off the top with razors means finer regrowth, fewer ingrown hairs, and reduced skin irritation.
However, finding the right body wax for you can feel like an impossible mission. There are so many varieties that it’s hard to know where to begin, and which product best fits your individual needs. Use this guide to the different types of body wax to discover your perfect match.
Hard wax
Suitable for patches of thick hair as well as thinner hair, this is a popular hair removing wax option that’s commonly used in salons.
Hard wax is applied warm so that it’s spreadable, then left to harden into a solid but flexible material. You or your beautician can mould ‘lips’ into the wax to create peelable sections so it’s self-stripping.
Be careful not to apply the wax too hot as this could burn the skin, and remember to pull in the direction of hair growth to prevent breakage.
Soft wax
Soft wax will be the more familiar option for many. This can be applied warm or cold and is then removed using stuck-on wax strips. You can even buy wax strips ready-coated in a cold wax.
This wax has superior reach and grip and is therefore excellent at picking up even the finest hairs. However, it can also stick to the skin, so ensure you’re only applying it to each area once to avoid unnecessary irritation.
Sugar waxing
Sugar waxing or sugaring is one of the earliest recorded forms of hair removal, dating back to around 1,000 years BC and favoured by the iconic Ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra.
Sugaring is a fantastic choice if you have sensitive skin because it uses entirely natural ingredients and is gently exfoliating. You should make sure to follow up with a moisturising lotion to prevent your skin from becoming dry after use.
Sugar wax is a mixture of granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. When combined and warmed, it creates a spreadable paste that can be pulled off when cooled, just like hard wax.
Anti-inflammatory wax
If you don’t fancy attempting do-it-yourself waxing but you have sensitive skin, seek out a salon that offers the option of anti-inflammatory waxes.
Tea tree is a favoured ingredient for those who suffer from eczema and psoriasis or other dry skin conditions. It has healing properties and will help to cool itchy skin.
Chocolate waxing is another option that’s kind to sensitive skin. Imbued with almond oil, it is intensely hydrating and is unlikely to cause irritation.
