Waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal procedure that can remove hair from the root. The hair removed by waxing takes 2 weeks to 6 weeks to grow back. This method is proven to be effective in removing a large amount of hair at once. The hairs that regrow are softer as compared to the ones that come back after shaving.
The downside of waxing is pain, which is more felt in sensitive areas. People with sensitive skin experience extreme pain while getting their hair removed with this procedure.
Waxing is done with the help of wax, which is made of paraffin or beeswax base. It has resin for adhesion and lubricators such as essential oils for hydration and scent.
Hot wax is warmed before application while the cold wax involves wax applied to the strips that would not require the need to be heated up.
Cold waxing can be effective for those with skin sensitivity to hot wax.
Cold Waxing Vs Hot Waxing
Cold waxing involves cold waxing strips, which have wax pre-applied. It has a drawback that sometimes the wax present in the strip is not enough and you would need to use more than one strip.
Hot wax needs to be warmed up in a wax heater or a microwave to a temperature around 130°F (54°C). It then needs to be applied in a thin layer over the area in the body where hairs are being removed.
Benefits of Cold Waxing
- No Burns: The main benefit of using cold wax over hot wax is that there is no risk of burns that can happen when using hot wax. Cold wax can be applied at lukewarm or room temperature.
- More User Friendly: The cold wax strips are pre-cut and shaped for particular areas. Make sure the hair is ¼ to 1/3 inches long to get a good result.(1)
- Requires Less Money: Cold wax strips can be great for touch-ups for travel. It is less messy and less time-consuming. It is also less expensive than getting a hot waxing done by a professional.
Benefits of Hot Waxing
- Precision: Hot wax is better with regards to precision. It can be spread exactly how it is needed to be.
- Better at Removing Hair: Hot wax sticks more firmly than cold wax and is more effective in removing shorter and finer hairs from the root.
- Need Not Wait Long: If you do not want to delay your waxing session due to improper hair growth, hot waxing can be a better option.
Drawbacks of Cold Waxing and Hot Waxing
Cold waxing works best for fine hair like that of the upper lip and other facial hair. If the hair is coarse and thick that might need to go over the area several times, which could lead to skin irritation.
Hot wax can be spread according to the body contour and works well with shorter hair as well. If you don’t pull it hard after applying hot wax it sticks to the skin. Also, hot wax if very hot can cause burns on the skin.
Precautions While Using Cold Wax Or Hot Wax
While using hot wax make sure the temperature of the wax is tolerable, as it can cause a burn. Although you cannot burn yourself while using cold wax, the skin can get irritated if you apply the strip on the same area again and again.
Avoid going for any chemical treatments such as retinol, chemical peel, or acid peels before undergoing any kind of waxing.
Cold waxing is as painful as hot waxing and it can too lead to bumps, in-grown hair, and sun sensitivity. Make sure you wear sunscreen after getting waxed.
You can develop folliculitis (inflammation of follicles) after waxing.
Waxing is a hair removal method and has hot and cold waxing techniques. Both these techniques have their own positives and negatives. Choose the technique depending on your skin type and hair length.
Also Read:
- What is Waxing?
- Underarm Waxing: Is It Same As Waxing Other Body Parts, Risks, Things To Know Before Getting An Underarm Wax
