When it comes to waxing, there is no dearth of choice. Whether you’re waxing at home or going to the parlor, you probably have an option between two hair removal methods: wax strips vs. hot wax.
There are always circumstances and situations where the former pans out better than the latter, and vice versa, but that doesn’t stop us from taking a closer look at their plus points.
But first things first.
What are Wax Strips?
When you mention waxing, the first thing that pops up in mind is strip waxing. Strip waxing is the age-old method of applying a thin layer of runny wax with the help of a disposable wooden spatula.
Wax strips are then used to press against the wax and then peel it off in one swift motion, removing hair alongside.
What Material is Used for Wax Strips?
Now, what are these wax strips made of? The most common materials used to make wax strips include muslin and pellon.
When it comes to choosing between the two, you’re essentially choosing between woven and non-woven fabric, respectively.
Muslin is often considered the go-to fabric for waxing. Since it is woven, this makes it easier for hair to stick to it and ensure a smooth surface behind.
It can be heralded as the strongest wax strip there is as it ensures a solid grip, getting the job done.
On the other hand, Pellon is also an effective and popular wax strip material, but one that is non-woven. While pellon is more forgiving than muslin and hurts less, it is less flexible.
Therefore, it may not be considered the first choice for a number of waxing services as it can be hard to bend and maneuver through smaller surfaces of the body.
| Muslin | Pellon | |
| Effectiveness | yes | |
| Lower Pain | yes | |
| Flexibility | yes | |
| Grip | yes |
What is Hot Wax?
Hot wax is usually thicker and is cooked in a pot. This hot, sticky wax is applied to the skin, most likely with the help of a disposable wooden spatula.
But instead of a thin coat, a generous film of hot wax is applied a few times and in different directions, leaving one edge with a little extra wax.
The wax isn’t immediately removed. Your attendant may apply hot wax to other areas as she waits for this wax to dry. Tap the hot wax with a finger to assess how soft or hard it is.
Once it is hard, i.e., ‘ready’, since soft wax won’t be as effective, peel away from the corner where a little extra wax was applied in one swift motion.
The hot wax method does not use any wax strips, and you can simply peel the wax off using just your fingers.
Why Hot Wax?
While you can avail of waxing services at the nearest parlor, it doesn’t hurt to know how wax is made at home.
Hot wax is generally considered better as it mitigates the possibility of painful ingrown hair, ensures less breakage and, therefore, long-lasting waxing. It is also argued that hot wax adheres to the hair much more effectively than cold wax.
Hot Wax vs Wax Strips
Whenever you see the waxing menu at a salon, you’ll see both see hot wax and wax strip options.
Both have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. When we come down to the differences between the two, there are many. Let’s shed some light on these.
Wax Thickness
Hot wax is thicker in comparison to strip wax. Strip wax is runnier, so it can easily adhere to the wax strips.
Hard wax is meant to remove hair quickly, so its temperature helps. The hot wax will open pores and allow the hair to be removed more effectively.
Wax Temperature
Hot wax is slightly hotter than strip wax, you could say just by a few degrees. Hot wax usually sits at a temperature of 48 to 50 degrees Celsius, while strip wax is warmed up to 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.
Method
When using wax strips, you apply a thin coat of wax to the area that you’re waxing. Then you use a wax strip on the area where the wax was applied, press the wax strip onto the surface, and remove with one swift motion. On the other hand, hot wax isn’t removed as quickly.
Hot wax is applied to the area you’re going to wax a few times. Both options use a wooden spatula for application.
However, unlike strip wax, where the wax is removed immediately, you wait for the hot wax to dry and harden. It is then peeled off using your fingers in place of the wax strip.
Cost
When you go to the parlor, you’ll find that hot wax would be more expensive as compared to wax strips as hot waxing is more time-consuming and requires more precision and skill.
Moreover, you can get affordable wax strips at the market for as little as $12! A DIY hot wax kit may cost you somewhere between $25 and $100.
Longevity
Hot wax opens up pores and hair follicles, allowing the hair to be peeled out from its root. This means less breakage, and thus, a longer hair re-growth period.
This varies from person to person, but as a general rule, you’ll be free of hair for at least 5-6 weeks.
Although strip wax is also effective, it might have a marginally shorter re-growth period as compared to hot wax, about 4-5 weeks.
When to Choose Wax Strips vs. Hot Wax?
The effectiveness of both hot and wax strips depends on a number of factors, as mentioned below. Let’s analyze each of these in detail to determine the best waxing method for your needs.
Area of the Skin
When you’re choosing between wax strips and hot wax, you should always take into consideration the area that you’re going to wax.
Wax strips are generally considered more effective for larger surface areas of the skin, like your arms, legs, back and stomach.
In comparison, it would take ages for the hot wax to be applied and peeled off the larger areas of the skin.
In comparison, hot wax is preferred for more sensitive, smaller areas of the skin. This is why hot wax is commonly used for bikini or Brazilian wax, underarm wax as well as facial waxing.
Hot wax adheres to the hair better, so it peels off the hair instead of tugging on the skin, making it less painful. Wax strips may tug the skin and hair both, causing some pain.
This is why hot wax is more suitable for sensitive, smaller areas of the skin, while wax strips are used for larger, less sensitive and thicker skin.
Thickness and Length of the Hair
Another fact that you should take into account is the length and thickness of your hair. Since this differs for everyone, there is really no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing between hot wax and wax strips.
Generally, hot wax is more suitable for thicker and shorter hair, like facial, underarm and bikini wax.
Since hot wax shrink-wraps around the hair follicle, it is able to pluck the hair out from its root. This depletes the possibility of ingrown hair as a result of breakage.
In comparison, wax strips are preferred for thinner and longer hair since longer hair is relatively easier to pull out. When using wax strips, you should let your hair grow at least 1.4th inches long.
This way, wax strips would be more effective since this length allows the wax to grip the hair better, given that it isn’t even that thick and may slip away easily.
But can you use wax strips for sensitive areas? It is advised that you can use wax strips for a bikini or facial wax if you have relatively thinner hair growth there or if you have a high pain threshold.
After all, wax strips on thick hair might hurt! Similarly, hot wax may not be as effective on thinner hair, and it will take a long time to wax your arms and legs using your fingers.
Pros and Cons of Wax Strips
Pros
Easy Application and Removal
Strip wax is easy to apply and remove. Unlike hot wax, you don’t have to get your hands dirty or anything. If you want to ensure a clean hair removal process, wax strips are the more suitable option for you!
Safe
Using wax strips for hair removal is also considered safer as compared to using hot wax. Hot wax, as the name suggests, has a higher temperature, and also, since it is thicker, even a small splash can cause a severe burn.
In comparison, wax strips ensure safety as you can simply use a spatula to apply wax and the wax strips to remove it. Strip wax is also thinner, so it is naturally less dangerous.
Simple
Using wax strips is much simpler than mastering the art of using hot wax for hair removal, which is why waxing can easily be performed at home, which brings us to the next pro.
Feasible
Wax strips are a more feasible option. You can use wax strips for hair removal at home, while the hot wax method will require you to make the wax, ensure it reaches a certain temperature and so on. This might be a hassle, especially if you’re performing DIY waxing.
Faster
Using wax strips is also a faster hair removal method compared to hot wax. Since the thin wax will spread to a larger surface area, you can get the job done much faster, especially when you’re running late!
Less Expensive
Wax strips pan out to be a much more affordable hair removal method as compared to hot wax.
Since only a thin layer of wax is applied, you’re using less product and getting more done. In comparison, thick and repealed coats of wax are used for when using hot wax for waxing.
Cons
Redness and Ingrown Hairs
Wax strips may incur the possibility of redness and ingrown hair, which can be painful. This is why it is not suitable for use on sensitive skin.
Pain
Hair removal with wax strips is generally more painful, as the wax strip tugs at the skin and hair both.
Faster Re-growth
Since there is a higher chance of breakage with wax strips, you are likelier to experience a quicker reappearance of hair on your skin, which can be a hassle!
Pros and Cons of Hot Wax
Pros
Less Painful
The warmth of hot wax opens up the pores as you wait for the wax to harden, which makes it easier for the hair to be pulled out from its root.
That effectively makes the process less painful, heralding it ideal for sensitive areas to ensure less redness and abrasion.
Fewer or No Ingrown Hair
Since hot wax wraps around the hair follicle, it is able to successfully remove the hair completely, without causing any breakage.
This will mitigate the possibility of ingrown hair, which can be painful to deal with and may lead to an infection.
Promotes Skin Hydration
Hot wax uses ingredients that promote skin hydration. This is important as waxing often leaves the skin dry and scaly. Ensure a smooth canvas with hot wax.
Effective
Hot wax really adheres to the hair, making a tight grip on the follicle, even if the hair is as short as 1mm.
This is why it is more effective in removing pesky, thick hair, ensuring longer re-growth periods at the same time.
Cons
Time-Consuming
Hot wax requires more precision, which is why it is more time-consuming, especially in caparison to wax strips. Hot wax would take a long time if used to remove hair from larger areas like arms and legs.
Complicated
Hot wax requires precision and attention, so you need to really know how to do it. Otherwise, you may not be able to effectively remove all the hair.
You may even need to entail the services of an expert whenever you need to use hot wax for hair removal.
Expensive
Hot wax services at the salon can be significantly costlier than using wax strips.
Final Word: Wax Strips vs. Hot Wax?
Wax strips are more convenient and easier to use, but hot wax is more effective. However, if you ask which one to choose, you need to think of the area you’re waxing and the thickness and length of your hair.
But, if we have to give a statement, we’d say that hot wax and wax strips should be used in tandem with each other.
While hot wax should be used for smaller, sensitive areas ad thicker facial, underarm and pubic hair, wax strips should be used for less sensitive, larger surface areas like arms, legs, back and stomach.
If you’re still confused, give both hot wax and wax strips a try and see which of these hair removal methods works for you best. Happy waxing!