Please note, this is a brief overview of the types of treatments available. This course will only qualify you to perform warm & Hot waxing treatments as detailed in subsequent modules.

When it comes to hair removal, “warm wax” and “hot wax” generally refer to two distinct types of waxing, each with its own common names and variations.

Here’s a breakdown:

Warm Wax (Soft Wax)

Warm wax, also known as soft wax, is typically applied in a thin layer and removed with a strip (cloth or paper). It adheres to both the hair and the skin.

Common names and variations include:

• Strip Wax: This is the most common alternative name, as it requires strips for removal.
• Pliable Wax: Describes its soft and flexible consistency.
• Resin-based wax: Many soft waxes are formulated with resin.
• Cream-based warm wax: A type of soft wax often considered gentler.
• Honey-based warm wax: Another traditional type of soft wax.
• Roll-on wax: A specific application method for soft wax, often in a cartridge.
• Liquid warm wax: Refers to its heated, liquid state.
• Pre-lined wax strips / Pre-made wax strips: These are soft wax pre-applied to strips for at-home use.

Hot Wax (Hard Wax)

Hot wax, also known as hard wax, is applied thicker and hardens as it cools. It is then removed by pulling the wax itself, without the need for strips. It adheres primarily to the hair, making it generally less irritating for sensitive areas.

Common names and variations include:

• Strip-free wax: The most common alternative name, highlighting that no strips are used.
• Peel-off wax: Describes the way it’s removed from the skin.
• Hard wax beads/pellets: Refers to the common form in which hard wax is sold.
• Film wax: A modern type of hard wax that creates a flexible film.
• Gel wax: A type of hard wax with a gel-like consistency.
• Cream wax (hard): A creamier formulation of hard wax.
• Beeswax (as a component): Often a primary ingredient in hard wax.
• Polymer-based wax: Many modern hard waxes are made with synthetic polymers for flexibility.
• Rosin-based wax: Traditional hard waxes often contain rosin.
• Hybrid resin-polymer wax: A blend of traditional and synthetic ingredients.
• Low-temperature hard wax: Formulations designed to be applied at a gentler temperature.

While “warm” and “hot” are often used interchangeably in general conversation, in the context of waxing, “warm wax” specifically refers to soft wax (strip wax), and “hot wax” refers to hard wax (strip-free wax).

Depilation & Epilation

Depilation is a temporary method of hair removal which removes the part of the hair visible on the surface of the skin.
Epilation removes the hair entirely from beneath the visible surface of the skin.

Shaving

The most popular method of depilation is shaving, which can be done manually or with an electric razor at home.

Advantages:
• It is very cheap to do, relatively painless and can be carried out at home.

Disadvantages:
• It is only a short-term solution.
• It can cause a shaving rash which is sore and can look unsightly and you can also cut yourself.
• If you do not shave regularly the area can feel rough and stubbly as the hair regrows. It can cause ingrown hairs that can become infected.

Depilatory Creams

Depilatory creams dissolve the hair using chemicals.

Advantages:
• It is relatively inexpensive and can be carried out at home.

Disadvantages:
• It is only a short-term solution.
• It can cause skin irritation and can have an unpleasant odour.

Abrasive Glove

An abrasive glove breaks the hair off at the skin’s surface. It is rubbed against the skin and abrasive friction removes the hair.

Advantages:
• It can reduce number of ingrown hairs and folliculitis

Disadvantages:
• The hair can regrow quickly
• It is quite a time consuming method
• It can cause skin irritation and abrasions

Tweezing

Tweezing (or plucking) is a method of epilation in which individual hairs are removed completely from the hair follicle. This method is most suitable for eyebrows.

Advantages:
• This is good for small areas and can be done at home or professionally.
• This is a relatively cheap method, which lasts about four to six weeks.

Disadvantages:
• It can be painful
• It is only suitable for small areas

Threading

During a threading treatment, individual hairs are removed completely from the hair follicle. A twisted thread catches hairs as it is rolled across the skin and removes them. This is suitable for eyebrows and small areas of hair on the face. Threading hair is an ancient method commonly practiced in Egypt and India, but is becoming very popular here in the UK. Threading will last up to six weeks.

Advantages:
• It is a very quick method but has to be done by a trained professional.
• This method is ideal for clients who have very sensitive skin.
• It is relatively pain-free and less messy than waxing or sugaring. It does not cause irritation. It is also not very expensive.
• Regrowth is fine and soft.

Disadvantages:
• If the treatment is not carried out correctly, the hairs can break off instead of being totally removed from the hair follicle.

Waxing

Hot or warm wax is applied to the hair and can be used to remove larger areas of hair on the face and body and the results last about four to six weeks.

Advantages:
• Large areas of unwanted hair can be removed quickly.
• It is relatively inexpensive.
• Regrowth is fine and soft.

Disadvantages:
• Waxing can cause hairs to in-grow. This can be painful and the hairs can become infected.
• Some clients find the method painful.
• If not carried out correctly, the hairs can break off instead of being totally removed from the hair follicle.

Warm Wax

Warm wax is used at low temperature and remains soft throughout use. It is made up of a variety of ingredients, usually including mixtures of glucose syrup, resin, zinc oxide, oil, water, fragrances, rosin, white and yellow beeswax. Warm waxes can also often be blended with fatty acids, candelilla wax and plasticides.

Warm wax should be heated to 43 degrees Celsius and be applied with a spatula in the direction of the hair growth. It should then be removed against the direction of the hair growth with a fabric strip.

Warm wax is suitable for most areas of the body. It is of particular benefit to clients who suffer with sensitive skin as the working temperature is lower than that of hot wax. If the hair is too short it will not be removed completely.

Hot Wax

Hot wax is used at high temperature. It cools and sets on contact with the skin, allowing it to contract around the hair shaft. Hot wax can include ingredients such as pine resin, palm wax, plant extracts and blends of other waxes and resins as well as large amounts of beeswax.

Hot wax should be heated to approximately 50 degrees Celsius and contracts around the hairs as it cools. The hair is then removed when the wax is pulled away. The wax should be applied using a spatula against the direction of the hair growth. A second layer should then be applied with the direction of the growth, followed by a third layer against the direction of the hair growth. When the wax is cooled, grip the edge of the wax and pull off the skin directly, without the use of any fabric strips.

Hot wax is particularly efficient in removing strong hair growth and shorter hair, making it preferable for intimate waxing.

Sugaring

Sugaring is an ancient method of hair removal using the natural product sugar. The sugar paste is applied by hand and can be made at home. The paste is only warmed slightly so it causes less skin irritation.

Advantages:
• It is relatively inexpensive
• Results can last up to four to six weeks.
• It causes less skin irritation, as less heat is required to make the sugar paste soft enough to work with.
• Only natural ingredients are used.
• Sugaring is a clean method of hair removal.
• Sugaring hair removal is the best substitute for a person whose skin reacts to wax.

Disadvantages :
• For the best results, sugaring hair removal should be carried out by a trained professional, as it is not easy to do this yourself.
• If not carried out correctly, hairs can break off and the results are then not long lasting.
• It can cause ingrown hairs.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal. A sterile electrolysis needle is inserted into a hair follicle and a short wave diathermy current is directed to the base of the hair follicle to destroy the blood supply to the hair. This treatment must be carried out by a trained professional.

Advantages:
• This method of hair removal treatment is very selective and so is ideal for small areas.

Disadvantages:
• This can be an expensive treatment.
• It is time consuming and not ideally suited to large areas.
• Some clients find electrolysis painful.
• Scarring and pitting of the skin can occur if the treatment is not carried out correctly.

Laser/ IPL/LHE

These are light based hair removal treatments which use heat to damage the hair follicle and retard growth.

Advantages:
• Permanent hair reduction can be achieved with this method.
• These methods are very good for treating larger areas of unwanted hair.
• The treatment must be carried out by a trained professional.

Disadvantages:
• This method is expensive.
• It is not very effective when treating unpigmented (grey) hairs and red or blonde hair.
• If not carried out professionally, the treatment can cause burns and skin discoloration.
• Some people find treatment painful.