Warm Vs Cold Wax – what’s the difference?

Well not a lot actually.  Cold wax such as the Persian Wax has been used for centuries by women in the Middle East whereas warm wax brings the salon experience to your home.

Cold Wax

A sugar based formula – great for people with sensitive skin or those who find hot wax irritates their skin.  The key to this kind of wax is to spread thinly and use the warmth of your skin to help it adhere.  It’s also ideal because it only needs water to rinse without need for astringents and if you make a mess/drop some on the floor it will clean up very easily.  Great for messy people and you don’t need to treat with ingrown hair prevention oil such as Azulene oil.

Warm Wax

This is the more salon style formulation, heated to a pleasing temperature and applied in a very fine layer to the skin.  Using the strips provided – whip it right off like would a plaster – hard and fast.  The warm wax is easier to apply in very fine layers which makes the waxing more effective.

Parissa recommend this one for experienced waxers although the included photographic instructions and the ease of use shouldn’t put a novice off.  Just make sure you don’t overheat the wax, follow the instructions implicitly and be sure to apply very thinly and whip really fast!  Remember to apply the Azulene oil afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs.  £13.70 from Boots

If you are looking to remove short, coarse hair from eyebrows, face or bikini line you will need the Hot Wax.

For total beginners it may be worth trying the wax strips first.

Waxing Tips

General Tips

• – 2 week rule: previously shaved hair is strong & resistant. Wait 2 weeks or until hair is ~ 1/4″ (1/2 cm) long before first use
• Always wash skin with soap & water or oil-free toner before using Cold Wax. Dry well.
• – For cleanliness always wipe one side of the spatula against lip of jar when retrieving the wax.
•  Less is best – the thinner you spread the product the better the results.
•  Always spread on IN DIRECTION of hair growth. Strip off IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
• Always pull strip back along itself in one quick movement. Don’t peel or pull off slowly.
• The faster the strip is removed the better the results.