When it comes to hair removal techniques, waxing has always been one of the most common ones used around the world. There are numerous depilatory waxes out there – out of which, we believe roll-on wax is the most convenient option.
Whether you wish to wax your arms, legs, or any other body part, roll-on wax, also often called cartridge wax works well with all areas.
The best thing about these roll-on wax cartridges is that they make the waxing process a whole lot easier and mess-free as compared to older hair removal methods.
Want to learn more about roll-on wax? Keep reading further for the ultimate guide on everything you should know about roll-on waxing.
Roll-On Wax: The Basics
As the name suggests, a roll-on cartridge is a cartridge that is full of soft wax, similar to the wax you may find in waxing tins.
The roll-on itself is completely plastic. One of the most essentials parts of the roll-on is its head, which is also made of plastic that aids in properly spreading the wax.
Another great advantage of roll-on wax is that the plastic is never too hot to handle. However, you can use it while wearing protective gloves for extra safety.
Typically, a roll-on cartridge contains about 3.9 fl oz (100 ml) of wax. In addition to this, they have also introduced cartridges targeted towards the face that are comparatively smaller and make hair removal easier in such areas.
How to Warm Up Roll-On Wax?
While roll-ons are relatively easier to warm up, you will probably need to learn a few tips and tricks on doing so in an adequate manner. Alternatively, you could also invest in a proper heating device and save extra time and effort.
First Method – DIY at Home
The most basic technique of warming up roll-on wax is dipping the roll-on cartridge in a bowl of hot water. This helps to melt the wax in the roll-on without damaging the outer cartridge.
However, one main concern with such DIY techniques is that the temperature is never even or consistent – so there is no guarantee that the wax will melt throughout, which makes using it somewhat challenging. You need to keep reheating the cartridge once it cools off.
Second Method – Use a Heater Applicator Machine
If you want to take a more professional route, we would suggest buying a roll-on heater applicator. It is, after all, the recommended way to heat a cartridge.
The applicator is specifically made to melt the wax evenly and adequately throughout the cartridge, making it the right consistency for application.
The heater applicator can typically store one roll-on cartridge. The device has a layer of metal sheet, which acts as a good conductor for the heat. It also comes with a plug that can directly be attached to any power source.
These heater applicators and bases have spaces where you can store the roll-on cartridges. The device itself has different switches that control the roll-ons.
It has two sections, one of which helps the wax melt, and the other ensures that the temperature remains even for the roll-ons that have already been melted.
Also don’t forget to checkout hard wax vs soft wax.
How to Use a Roll-On Cartridge?
Now, let’s get to the point. Here is a detailed guide on how to do roll-on waxing.
Other than the heater applicator, you will need a few more things before you begin waxing. This is a list of all the things that you will need:
- Muslin strips
- A pre-depilatory lotion
- Powder
- A post-depilatory lotion
First Step
Apply the pre-wax lotion to your skin. This should remove any excess sweat or leftover products from the surface and ensure a smooth waxing application.
Furthermore, pre-depilatory lotions provide your skin with a layer of anti-septic, ensuring you do not get infected.
Second Step
You need to completely dry off your skin by removing all the lotion and preparing for the wax. The best way to do that is by wiping off the lotion and sprinkling some baby powder on your skin to absorb all the moisture.
Third Step
This is the most important step. All you need to do now is apply the wax directly to your skin from the roll-on cartridge.
Ideally, you would want to hold the cartridge at a 45-degree angle at whichever area you are waxing and put slight pressure there while making sure that you move the cartridge in circles for about 35 cm.
To ensure to the wax spreads out evenly, make sure to apply the wax swipe in a singular attempt.
Simply press the muslin strip in the hair growth direction once you have a thin and even layer of wax on your skin. Then, pull it against the growth while keeping the skin tight.
Voila, your waxing is done now!
Fourth Step
Once you are finished waxing, use a post-depilatory lotion of your choice. This helps remove any remaining wax residue and also soothes your skin.
Advantages of Roll-On Wax
A roll-on is disposable, and it eliminates the chances of you reusing the same sticks over again. Usually, people tend to re-dip previously used spatulas into wax tins, which is highly unhygienic, and no salon should be allowed to do so.
The roll-on wax has just the right amount of wax and can be used for singular or multiple areas.
Salons can use it on clients since they are very hygienic, and the wax that is not used never really touches the client so that it can be used again.
You can wax almost all areas with a roll-on. They work well in the legs area as well as the face. You could even wax the bikini line with a roll-on cartridge.
The next great thing about these cartridges is that the wax is water-soluble and does not leave any sticky residue on the skin.
Furthermore, a roll-on takes lesser time and is easier to use. Overall, the preparation time for a roll-on is less because it only involves one or two steps, unlike the traditional system.
You do not even need to clean up after melting a roll-on because the wax remains in the cartridge.
These cartridges are also easily replaceable or can be refilled. Keep in mind that if you do not replace the head of the cartridge, then you are probably risking contamination.
Moreover, there have also been times when the cartridge got too hot, and the user could not handle the heat. S be very cautious while handling the cartridge to avoid such mishaps.
Some of the Best Roll-On Waxes Out There
When it comes to roll-on wax, there are multiple options available. The absolute best ones are bound to contain detoxifying, soothing, and moisturizing agents. Here are some options to consider when buying a roll-on wax for yourself.
1. Detox Roll-On Wax Cartridges:
These roll-ons have activated charcoal and caviar extract that help make a powerful detox combination and leaves the skin glowing once waxed.
2. Jelly Rollers:
As the name suggests, the jelly roller includes jelly extract and makes the application process easier and smooth. Also, the smell is amazing!
3. Karite/Shea Butter Rollers:
If you have dry skin, this formula is for you. The shea butter roll-ons are extra hydrating and contain several vitamins and milk that help eradicate dryness and deeply moisturize the skin.
4. Chocolate Rollers:
Chocolates are not only for eating but also more used for skin treatments as a moisturizing agent.
If you want soft and smooth skin at the end of your waxing routine, we would suggest opting for a chocolate roll-on.
5. Ayurveda Azulene Roll-On Wax Cartridges:
If you did not already know, azulene is a well-known cosmetic ingredient used in many products because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing characteristics. If you have sensitive skin, we would suggest using this roll-on.
6. Lotus Flower Rollers:
A more gentle version of the roll-on formula is made with lotus flower extracts mixed with titanium dioxide to tackle any irritation to the skin post-wax.
Tips for Effective Roll-On Waxing
Here are a few more tips and tricks that would help perfect your roll-on waxing skills:
1. Test first
It is always best to test a cartridge first before applying it to anyone. You can test the roll-on by applying it to a wax strip first.
2. Apply Minimal Pressure
It is recommended to use minimal pressure while applying the roll-on wax and never push the cartridge to roll onto the skin. Remember to use it at a 45-degree angle.
3. Clean the Roll-on
Make sure to clean the roll-on when there are any drips from the head in-between applications. You can do so by using wax oil.
4. Maintain Temperature
It is essential to maintain persistent temperature on the heat dial to ensure a smooth wax application.
5. Make use of Cartridge Skirts
Collect any further wax dribbles with the cartridge skirts. Also, make sure to always clean the heater as well for any type of wax residue.
6. Try Not to Reuse Roll-Ons
As mentioned, these roll-ons are disposable. Try not to use the same cartridge on different people without replacing the head.
You can refill the cartridge and change its head, then use it on another person. However, if it has a fixed head, then please do not.
7. Overheating is Dangerous
If you are using more than one heater, make sure that you are moving the cartridges in between to not overheated.
Things You Should Do Post-Wax
1. Apply Something Cold
Cold substances or cold compresses are excellent when it comes to calming own any sort of redness or bumps and irritation or any inflammation within the skin.
It is also suggested to massage an ice cube onto the waxed area. You can do this either directly or through a cloth or sponge.
Cool gels are made from naturally calming ingredients such as Aloe Vera or tea tree oil which helps in soothing freshly waxed skin. You can also reapply multiple times after your waxing appointment until you feel better.
2. Wear Loose Clothing
Pre and post-wax, you would want to wear loose clothing. This helps avoid any sweating or irritation since that could increase the risk of infection.
Moreover, fabrics like cotton are better than polyester or spandex since they allow the skin to breathe and air to pass through.
3. Moisturize and Exfoliate
Approximately 2-3 days after your waxing appointment is the right time to exfoliate. You can moisturize one day after your waxing day to avoid clogging any pores.
What Not to Do After Waxing
1. Don’t Touch
If you touch the skin too much, the natural oils within your skin can clog your pores, and the bacteria on your skin can cause infections. You will have to resist any urge to scratch or touch the waxed areas.
2. Try Not to Use Oily or Drying Skin Products
We know that you may think moisturizing immediately after waxing is good. However, you may want to avoid thick moisturizers or scented body washes, sprays, lotions, etc.
These substances can clog your pores, and fragrances may cause further irritation leading to infection.
3. Don’t Pull Ingrown Hair
There are high chances that you will notice ingrown hair after waxing. But you must NEVER pick at them until at least 48 hours post-wax.
To get rid of ingrown hairs, you can exfoliate the area and focus on that area only. If the exfoliation does not remove any ingrown hairs, you can try using a special ingrown hair lotion.
4. Avoid Directly Sunlight
Ideally, you would want to wait 48 hours before going anywhere near direct sunlight to avoid the risks of burning or scarring.
Your skin is extremely sensitive after waxing, which is why skin exposure can be increasingly damaging during this time.
5. No Swimming
Similar to everything, please try to wait a minimum of 48 hours before you go swimming or go to the beach after your waxing appointment.
The salty water further makes your skin increasingly sensitive and causes bumps on your skin.
Moreover, the chlorine within the pool is also not good for your skin.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Roll Things Up!
When it comes down to concluding whether you will love roll-on wax or not, you will only know once you find out. We hope this guide helped in answering any questions that you had about how to use roll-on wax.
Let us know whether you would ever want to try roll-on wax, and if you have already tried it – how did your experience go? Would you recommend it? We would love to hear from you.