Read on to demystify the myths and facts when it comes to waxing!

1- Waxing causes premature aging

False. Waxing will remove the hair from the root. As skilled professionals being proficient in how to hold the skin so that the hair is removed without pulling the skin is imperative. The eyebrow and upper lip area is where the skin is the thinnest, even still, the hair is able to be removed without damage to the skin. Waxing is also a process that is done once every 4-6 weeks not a daily process. Aging is caused by free radical damage such as sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, genetic predisposition, and overall health, not waxing.

2- You need hair to keep you clean 

False. When speaking of bikini waxing, we have all heard the myth that we need hair to keep bacteria at bay. Pubic hair can trap sweat, oil and bacteria that can cause odor. Keeping pubic hair or removing it is not a determination of hygiene. In modern times, we have access to daily showers which is the key to hygiene. Choosing to keep or remove hair will not determine hygiene.

3- Swimming is fine after waxing

No, false again. Whether speaking of a full leg wax, a bikini wax or any other body area, clients should avoid swimming for 24 hours after a waxing service. The bacteria present in a lake, ocean or pool can cause issues post waxing. Using a pre and post product to eliminate bacteria will help to keep the client’s skin clean. Cirépil Purifying Blue Lotion is ideal to cleanse the client’s skin prior to waxing and can also be used post waxing for an added benefit.

4- Waxing makes the hair grow back thicker

False! Waxing will damage the hair follicle over time. This damage will make the hair finer and much of the hair will not grow back. Shaving makes the hair follicle stronger resulting in thicker more coarse hair. The full benefit of waxing is usually achieved after 3 consecutive waxing services spaced 4-6 weeks apart, without shaving between appointments. Voila! Less hair and virtually pain free waxing.

5- Pregnancy is a contraindication to waxing

Nope. False. Waxing is perfectly safe during pregnancy. Of course, the client can receive the green light from their Dr. for added safety, but pregnancy is not a contraindication. With waxing, hair is removed from the root with no damage to the skin. If the skin is swollen, if varicose veins are present or if the skin is compromised in any way that would be a no-go. Hormone levels may be a bit inconsistent and could make the skin more sensitive but overall, expecting ladies will be very happy to get waxed during this time. Opting for a wax designed for sensitive skin like Cirépil Boudoir will ensure an even more comfortable waxing experience. But a bit of caution, any ingrown hair product or post waxing product containing salicylic acid is not advised for pregnant women.

6- Waxing will cause hypergmentation.

False. When waxing is done properly with a high-quality low temperature wax, the skin will not be compromised, and hyperpigmentation will not result. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused by damage to the skin. When waxing, if the skin is burned, has lifted or has been bruised, the skin is damaged and undesirable results will ensue. Using a hypoallergenic low temperature wax, like Cirépil Cristalline along with proper technique will obtain optimal results.

7- Waxing hurts A LOT

No pain, no gain? Not in this scenario. This is a false statement.

While everyone’s pain tolerance varies, when waxing is done properly with a high-quality wax, very little discomfort should arise. The horror stories of clients using ice packs for 24 hours post waxing are not the experience that should be offered to a client. During the waxing process, the wax should easily release from the skin thanks to the Pre-Depilatory Oil and when the waxing service has ended, the skin should feel back to normal within minutes. The waxing service is a beauty treatment, not a painful experience.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 03 November 2021.

Why is it important to prepare the skin before waxing? isn’t faster to just apply the wax on and remove it?

Here are 5 reasons why preparing the skin before waxing is crucial for you and your client.

1- Cleaning the skin before waxing is very important.

Use a product that has a low alcohol content to help eliminate bacteria and remove any residual oil or residue from the skin.

The Purifying Blue Lotion by Perron Rigot is perfect for the job. Just a couple of sprays on a cotton round or esthetic wipe are all you need. Wipe the area to be waxed to create a clean slate. Not only will this prevent bacteria from entering the skin after the wax has been removed, but it will help prevent breakouts post waxing.

2- To create a comfortable and almost pain free waxing treatment, use a pre wax oil.

The oil will create a barrier between the skin and the hair. The wax will then lift off effortlessly removing only the hair. Even pressing lightly on the skin around the wax that was applied to the skin will release the wax from the skin creating an anchor to remove the wax. No longer will you be flicking the wax trying to remove it, and you clients will thank you. 

Pre & Post Depilatory Oil by Perron Rigot has been voted the best oil to prep the skin prior to waxing. Just note that one drop is all that is needed and blot well to remove any extra oil. The skin should have a slight sheen not shiny. The result of using the oil is less pain, less redness and a very comfortable experience for the client.

3- The days of applying powder before waxing are long gone.

Talc is a known carcinogen. Nobody wants that. Even corn starch is dangerous to breathe in. Aside from the hazards of powder, oil will give you better results. Using oil before waxing not only protects the skin and makes the service virtually pain free but the oil acts as a magnet for the wax to grasp the hair not the skin.

Without the oil to prepare the skin, hair will be left behind after the waxing. Then you will need to apply more wax, this will cost product and time. For the most effective result and to save time, preparing the skin is vital for the best result-no hair left behind.

4- When waxing clients with dry skin, sometimes the wax will stick to the skin making for an uncomfortable experience.

Pre & Post Depilatory Oil is a perfect solution. When the oil is used to prepare the skin before waxing, dry skin is hydrated, and the wax will not stick to the skin.

Even after the waxing service the skin is left better than before making a Cirépil waxing service more of a beauty treatment leaving the skin beautiful and uncompromised. The oil can be used to prepare the skin when using either strip or stripless hard wax.

5- Skin lifting is greatly reduced. 

Of course, always perform a thorough consultation with the client to confirm that no contraindications are present. Then be sure to use a hypoallergenic wax made for sensitive skin for sensitive areas like the eyebrows, underarms and intimate waxing.

Hard wax beads are recommended for the face, not strip wax. By preparing the skin with a pre-depilatory oil, the barrier created between the skin and the wax will help prevent skin lifting as long as no contraindications are present. This is because the hair will be removed but the wax will not adhere tightly to the skin, only the hair. The wax will adhere to the hair, not the skin.

Video using Cirépil Blue Purifying Lotion and Cirepil Pre & Post Depilatory Oil.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 15 December 2021.

It is a highly debated subject in the waxing industry. 

How to prepare the client’s skin before waxing? What is not a debate in preparing the skin before waxing. We all do that. (Hopefully.) 

Cleaning the skin before waxing is the first step to remove any oil, makeup, moisturizer and germs.

Cleaning is the first step before waxing. 

The Cirépil Purifying Blue Lotion by Perron Rigot has a low alcohol content making it perfect as the first step. A clean surface will help you to see the skin more clearly, will help prevent the spread of bacteria and will create a clean surface to move on to preparing the skin for hair removal. But then comes the controversy. 

Oil or powder to prepare the skin before the wax?  Once upon a time, powder was used before waxing, by most estheticians or cosmetologists. Did it work? Well, yes. Some people think if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. People do not like to change their tried-and-true methods. 

But what if there were a solution that resulted in a more comfortable experience for your client, saved you time and saved you money. And, wasn’t cancer causing. It is now factual, talc causes cancer. Not only does talc put your client at risk but also yourself. Sure, you can opt for cornstarch but even inhaling the powder all day is not safe for your lungs, plus you and your workspace will be covered in powder. Dusting constantly. Oil is the solution. One drop, done. No mess, no risk. Cirépil Pre & Post Depilatory Oil by Perron Rigot is the solution.

When it comes to getting the job done, most wax will leave hair behind when using powder. On the other hand, the oil acts like a magnet for the hair. When you apply the wax, the hair will stick tightly to the wax. This saves time and money. You will only need to go over the area one time, saving wax and time. 

Waxing isn’t the most pleasurable experience, but with a high-quality wax and a pre oil it becomes nearly pain free. The oil acts as a barrier between the skin and the wax. When you remove the wax, it releases effortlessly taking all the hair with it but not pulling on the skin. 

What if it doesn’t work? You tried the oil but no way, it doesn’t work for you. You likely used too much oil or maybe the wrong oil. One drop is all you need for any body area. Then blot the area really well. The skin should have a slight shine but shouldn’t look shiny. If too much oil is used, the wax won’t adhere. It will roll off upon application. Not to worry, simply re-cleanse the skin and apply the wax. 

The best part about using oil is there will be very little wax pieces or residue left behind when you have finished waxing. But, if there is any wax residue left behind, you can use the oil post waxing as well. 

Video using Cirépil Blue Purifying Lotion and Cirepil Pre & Post Depilatory Oil.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 19 January 2022.

The Naked Truth of Esthetics Education.

Almost every state in the USA, requires an esthetics or cosmetology license to practice esthetics. Depending on which state you live in; your license might be aesthetics or esthetics. 

Either way, the school requirements to graduate vary vastly state to state. As few as 300 hours may be required in some states and others 750 or more. Most states require a written test before obtaining a license and many states also require a practical test, meaning hands-on. However, the written and practical tests are basic. Sure, you will have mastered sanitation, the layers of the skin, skin disorders, and maybe extractions. 

But have you learned how to wax a client? Have you performed a bikini wax? A Brazilian? Do you understand the different types of wax and clearly understand waxing contraindications? At the very least, did you see a demonstration of waxing being done on a client while in school? If yes, shout out to your esthetician or cosmetology school! But I would guess most of you would answer no.

Understanding the esthetic teacher license can help to understand why the lack of education is common in the US. Formerly, esthetics teachers needed practical experience to obtain their license. Currently, obtaining a teacher license is easy, you can obtain your esthetics license and your esthetics teacher license back-to-back. This means teachers may have never worked in the field doing clients and have missed out on practical experience. Making advanced education and training crucial. Not only post-graduation but for the lifetime of your career. You will not be ready to take a client the day you pass your test and receive your license. 

Classes and practice will secure your success. Especially in a specialized segment of the esthetics field. Working in a medical setting, a destination spa, a lash bar or a waxing studio are all different skill sets and all need advanced education. 

Waxing is one of the most lucrative services in the esthetic arena due to the low overhead and short service time. Waxing is also not taught in depth in school. There are hundreds of in person and online courses. How do you choose? Choose a hands-on or online waxing class that is taught by an experienced professional who has many years of experience. 

Perron Rigot, the makers of Cirépil wax, now has a training center in the USA, the Perron Rigot Institute. This is a great place for hands-on learning. Expertise and high-quality wax make it easy to learn. They also have a waxing course that you can take online to make it even easier. Learning the right way to wax a client with the number one wax is ideal. No matter which area of esthetics you specialize in, adding waxing is a perfect way to fill gaps in your schedule or book your entire day with waxing services. Make money and help people feel and look good. Win-win. 

Educate yourself with advanced hands-on or online classes first, then fill your books!

Register to Cirépil Online Waxing Classes Now!

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 16 February 2022.

All is going as planned, you graduate from esthetics school, take hours of advanced classes, work at an established business to build your clientele and voila, you are ready to branch out on your own. You aren’t alone. 

The number of individual suites, lofts and shared spaces for skin care and waxing has boomed in recent years. Having your own business is both freeing and stressful with many questions on what to do and how to do it.  Most people weigh the pros and cons before deciding to dive into business ownership. Entrepreneurism encompasses a lot to do and a lot to know that must be investigated beforehand. 

You need to research laws and guidelines for your state before developing your waxing business.

any esthetician community groups are talking about this, with many questions left unanswered. 

• Can I have my business in my home? Sometimes, but often no.  
• Can I start my business fresh out of school with no clientele? You can, but it will be more difficult with no clients on the books. 

So many more questions. Research, research, research and hire an attorney.

Begin by researching the laws and guidelines for your individual state relating to your business and develop your service menu accordingly. 

You will need to know which services to offer clients and that they are within your scope of practice. What requirements are in place for your physical space, is there a required square footage or is it mandatory to have a sink in your treatment room. For most service providers, we focus on our skills but what about the business end. Are you ready? You know you need a business license, an inspection, and a website but what about protecting yourself from the unexpected.? Once you have found the answers to all the important questions and have developed a sound business plan, you will need liability coverage.

In a perfect utopian world, every eyebrow wax we perform will result in the perfect flawless shape and their skin will look as if hot wax didn’t just pull hairs out of their eyebrow. Every service we offer has risks. In the real world, things happen, and are usually out of our control. You must protect yourself with a safeguard in place. That would be liability insurance.

How do you get liability coverage?

When choosing where to purchase your insurance, it may be best to opt for an insurance company that specializes in the esthetics field, there are many choices, but ASCP Associated Skincare Professionals is a good place to begin.  More informations here. 

This is a better option than traditional insurance companies that may have little knowledge of what we do or questions we may have. 

Such as, are we protected for Brazilian waxing services or dermaplaning?  A traditional insurance company may not know what these services are and what they encompass. But insurance through a company that is part of the industry knows what we need before we do, and they have many resources for us in addition to liability insurance. 

Once you have determined where you will purchase your insurance, you will need to be sure all the services you offer are covered. Some policies will not protect against Brazilian waxing or microblading without an additional rider. Or if you offer skin care services that fall within the medical esthetics field such as micro needling, you may also need an additional rider. 

What if you work for a big salon, studio, spa, or chain, do you still need coverage? Yes absolutely, and I will say it louder for the people in the back. You need coverage. In an unfortunate event, the business may be sued but the esthetician may be as well. You need your own coverage as well. Plus, there may be a situation where you offer services to a client that is in a different location, such as a hotel spa party or a wedding. It is very affordable so make it a priority to safeguard your future.

In addition to protecting yourself through insurance, do not forget to include a waiver or release form for every client and every appointment. 

Whether you take the leap into business ownership, are an independent contractor or an employee, protect yourself and your name.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 07 April 2023. 

Being an esthetician is extremely rewarding. Most of us love our job for the social interaction, creating masque formulas, the fast pace plus the flexibility to travel and create our own schedules that fit our lifestyle. We love what we do, and helping people look and feel their best is the cherry on top. 

However, let’s face it, we work to make money. When we look at our schedule and there is an opening or a gap, we aren’t happy. Once that time has passed, the opportunity to make money in that time slot has expired.

Being booked solid while making the most money within each appointment time is the objective. There is no better way to increase your daily total than by adding add-on services. Gaining new clients is a good target but beginning with the clients that are already on your books is often something that is overlooked. Start with what you already have. Adding an add-on service isn’t just pennies. People tell me it’s not worth the effort for so little return. But let’s look at how an add-on service can change your income.

If you offer a $30 add-on service to all of your clients, and four clients say ‘yes’ each day, you will bring in an additional $28k in a year. Not only that, but clients will be happy with their new service and will continue to book that extra service in the future. The client is happier because you anticipated their needs and met them, and your bank account will be buffered.

What services are good to offer as an add-on? Add an underarm wax to a bikini wax. Add a specialty masque to a facial service. Clear, dewy skin and a fresh appearance, this is why clients love facial services. The face is what most people see first, and the eyes are the window to the soul. And this is also the reason why eyebrow waxing is one of the most requested services. The eyes can literally change your expression. Offer an add-on eyebrow wax to a facial. If the client is already booked for an eyebrow wax, offer other services that can emphasize the eyes. Lash lifts can open the eye so much that clients are beyond thrilled. A lash tint is quick, easy and has little overhead. What’s more, a lash tint makes a major impact. Is your client preparing for a beach vacation? There is nothing better than a lash tint for swimming. You emerge from the water looking like you have the darkest longest lashes.

Another option is brow lamination which is smokin’ hot right now. Everyone wants the fluffy eyebrow where the hair remains in place. Brow tinting will compliment an eyebrow wax nicely leaving the client looking more finished. Some clients want the hair tinted darker while some clients want the skin to be tinted to appear as if the brows are filled in. This could be done with henna, which is another add-on service. Add-on services revolving around an eyebrow wax are a quick and easy way to make clients happy and to make more money.

However you choose to create add-on services, don’t underestimate how this strategy can alter your future bottom line and client satisfaction.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 16 January 2023. 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

April showers may bring May flowers, but May is also #SkinCancerAwareness month. 

As estheticians, we have strict guidelines when it comes to treating our clients. The laws vary state by state but what is clear is that we do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat layers below the epidermis. 

However, we are in a unique profession. Aside from doctors, we are among few professions who will have physical contact with our clients and possibly see a client disrobed. With that comes responsibility that may include empathy, professionalism and to observe and treat the skin within our scope of practice. When we see a skin condition that needs medical attention, we have a responsibility to let the client know. 

Prep the Skin prior to waxing

For Cirépil waxing services, it’s important to prep the skin prior to waxing. The first step is to cleanse and prepare the skin with Cirepil Purifying Blue Lotion and Pre-Depilatory Oil before waxing.

This step is very important to ensure the waxing service will be effective and comfortable. At this point, while prepping the skin, we are likely assessing the skin and looking for contraindications that may have been missed in the consultation. Or we may be noting the direction of hair growth or the presence of moles to be avoided during the waxing service. In addition, we should notice any suspicious skin abnormalities, referring the client to a doctor if necessary. Keeping the conversation calm and casual, not alarming, or scary. The client will take your advice and you may save a life, especially when it comes to skin cancer. To be clear, we are not performing skin cancer checks. But as estheticians, we look closely at the skin and notice irregularities, conditions or diseases including moles that could be cancerous. We then refer to a Dr.

There are 3 types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and the most serious, melanoma. In cases of melanoma, cells known as melanocytes grow uncontrollably. While melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more dangerous due to its ability to spread to other organs. All three skin cancers may present themselves in different shapes, colors, and sizes and all need medical attention.

Educate your clients with ABCDE’s skin cancer detection

Educate your clients on the importance of scheduling their yearly skin cancer check and using the ABCDE’s for skin cancer detection.

Asymetrical- moles are asymmetrical in appearance.

Borders- the borders of moles are irregular, not well defined but instead blurred or jagged.

Color-the mole contains multiple colors or different shades of the same color.

Diameter- a mole larger than a pencil eraser or ¼ inch, but some are smaller.

Evolution- the mole changes shape, size or color over time.

Aside from early detection, prevention is key. Protect the skin from UV rays by wearing sunscreen, even in the winter, on shady days and especially if you when in front of a computer. The blue light UV rays can damage the skin and cause premature aging. Seek shade, wear UV protective sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

Awareness saves lives. Spread the word and encourage your clients to schedule their skin check up!

More info:

How to spot skin cancer.

Do you Use Protection? Here’s why you should:

Official website of aad. 

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 19 May 2021.

2- Master your skills

Master your waxing technique with education and practice.

A client who receives a waxing service from an esthetician who is unsure of what to do or not do, will surely feel the discomfort that brings about dread for their future appointments. This does not need to be the case. Apply the wax firmly to fully encapsulate every hair. A wax such as Cirépil, will ‘shrink wrap’ each hair so that every hair will be removed in one attempt. Remove the wax close and parallel to the body in a swift motion. Removing the wax in a slow or hesitant way does not feel good. Apply firm, but gentle pressure with your hand after the wax is removed. And tweezing may be necessary at times but keep it to a few hairs. Tweezing is not fun (for the client, lol) especially for an underarm or bikini.

3- Environment is important

Room temperature, music and privacy are the most important points clients mention when it comes to a positive waxing service.

Dim lights, a heated bed and spa music that could lull you to sleep in minutes may be a perfect setting for facial services but not for waxing. Turn off the heated bed especially for large body areas like back, Brazilian or legs. The waxing service creates anxiety for the client. The body temperature will rise, many times the client will be physically sweating. For the same reason, the room should be cool. Almost chilly, clients will thank you.

The music. To perform the most comfortable waxing service, turn up the music and be sure it’s upbeat. If you want clients to return for years to come, you want their response to be, ‘wow, that was so fast, I didn’t even feel it’. Upbeat music makes the time pass faster. Slow sounds of rain will only shift the focus to the waxing, and the discomfort.  A quick pain free waxing is the goal, but comfort also comes from the environment you offer. A calming, reassuring and non-judgmental approach goes a long way. Bonus points for offering privacy, leave the room for the client to change. 

4- Prepare the skin

The best wax brand cannot perform to its highest potential if the skin is not prepped properly.

Applying wax to skin that is not prepped will result in a more painful wax, irritated skin and hair left behind. Toss the powder. We know talc is a carcinogen. Plus, breathing talc all day is not ideal for the lungs. But more importantly, oil is more effective for hair removal and for comfort. Cirépil Pre-Depilatory Oil is applied very sparingly creating a barrier between the wax and the skin. The wax lifts off effortlessly taking every hair with it but leaving the skin unaffected. Be sure to first cleanse the skin with Cirépil’s Purifying Blue Lotion to remove debris and sanitize the skin

5- Frequency 

Waxing damages the hair follicle which results in the hair not growing back or growing back finer and more sparse. 

Once the client shaves, the process starts over. The hair grows in coarser and thicker after shaving. It will take approximately 3 consecutive waxing services spaced 4-6 weeks apart to enjoy the benefits of waxing. The first Brazilian wax, for example, is uncomfortable. But the second time around is significantly better. With each subsequent wax service, waxing becomes more comfortable and will begin to last longer. Encourage clients to continue waxing to avoid starting over with the waxing process. Waxing will become virtually pain free as long as there is no shaving in between waxing services. Pre booking your clients will help them to plan and stay on track.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 20 April 2021.

It’s a catch 22, you hate having hair, so you shave every day. The idea of waxing and the need to let the hair grow first in is not appealing to the people who hate having hair.

How can you possibly let your hair grow in all the time? 

Ok. Waxing is misunderstood. 

For people who hate having hair, waxing is the way to go. It is a process but easy to receive optimal results in a short time.

Once you have waxed an area consecutively 3 times without shaving in between the magic begins. No hair for weeks at a time! And when the hair does grow back, it grows in fine and sparse. You will have a lot less hair and it will be baby soft. 

1. Waxing VS Shaving: here’s how it works.

With shaving, you are removing hair at the surface. This strengthens the hair follicle which results in thicker and more coarse hair. When the hair grows back in, it is so thick the skin is irritated with itchy red bumps. And the hair begins to grow back in within hours. Irritation and very rough stubble are the result. Ouch.

With waxing, you will let the hair grow in for about 3 weeks but only for the first appointment. The wax removes the hair from the root. You should be able to see the hair follicle on the wax. It is important to use a high-quality wax to avoid breaking the hair. Breaking the hair offers the same result as shaving. Stubble and ingrown hair.

The very first wax appointment may leave a few hairs behind because the hair is growing in 3 different stages, so you have long, medium and short hair. The long hair is easiest to remove. The shortest hair is more difficult. A creamy high-quality wax will remove even the shortest most coarse hair.

Cirépil Escential Rose works well for this. It is a creamy wax that will seep down to the base of the hair creating a shrink wrap around the base of the hair. For a client who hasn’t let the hair grow in long enough, this wax is sure to remove every hair. 

The waxing process will make the different hair growth cycles become the same length at the same time. This process takes 2-3 months which is 2-3 appointments. The benefit of waxing once a month without shaving in between is the hair becomes the same length at the same time.

Wax is literally magic. It not only destroys the follicle resulting in softer hair and less hair, but the hair is all removed at one time. It will take weeks for the hair to grow back. When it grows back, all the hair will come in within days. Then you get waxed. It’s like clockwork. Once the hair is softer and easy to remove, switch to a hypoallergenic wax like Cirépil Boudoir. It smells like cotton candy and is easy to use. It’s best to commit to waxing vs going back and forth between waxing and shaving. This way you will receive the full benefit of the waxing treatment.

2. Waxing VS Shaving: Recap.

> Shaving:

• Big time investment everyday. 
• Stubble everyday-sometimes within hours of shaving.
• Buying razors and shaving gel or cream.
• Painful bumps and ingrown hair.
• Irritation that is itchy that can last for days.
• The hair grows in thicker, more coarse and more dense.

> Waxing:

• One appointment approximately once a month.
• Super smooth skin.
• Hair free for weeks.
• Easy on the budget.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 18 October 2022.

Should you wax clients with hard wax (aka hot wax) or soft wax (aka strip wax)? So many factors come into play. The body area, skin type, cost, and skillset.

Regarding body area, let’s start from the top down.  As a general rule, strip wax should not be used on small sensitive areas like the face. Strip wax is more aggressive because it adheres to the skin a little tighter than hard wax. The face is an area where the skin is thinner plus with the added complication of clients applying products to their skin such as cleansers, moisturizers, and active serums, the risk of adverse reaction is higher. Clients may also receive chemical peels, microdermabrasion or other resurfacing treatments on their face, which are contraindications to waxing. Hard wax is gentler on the skin which means less chance of lifted skin. These days, most skin care products include at least one ingredient that is a contraindication to waxing. Clients may not even know what ingredients are in their products. Products used for lightening, brightening, firming, smoothing, anti-aging, clearing and acne will almost certainly contain ingredients that exfoliate and thin the skin.

While beneficial for the skin, the client must discontinue use of the products prior to getting waxed. Because serums and topical treatments can spread, even use on the décolleté, neck or chin might affect the skin under the eyebrows. Once you have ascertained that no contraindications are present, proceed with the waxing process using hard wax for the face. Using hypoallergenic wax is also a smart strategy. A hypoallergenic wax like Cirepil Boudoir, is created for sensitive skin and will remove all the hair without unnecessary irritation, and it has a subtle scent reminiscent of cotton candy!

Other sensitive body areas include the underarms and the bikini area. Both areas require the use of hard wax which will be much less painful for the client, cause less or no ingrown hairs and will leave the skin with little irritation or redness. Cirepil Cashmere is an excellent choice! It is a hypoallergenic wax that was created for intimate areas with sensitive skin.

Arms and legs are larger body areas that fare well with strip wax. While hard wax can certainly be used for every area of the body, it might be more cost effective to use strip wax for larger areas. The back and chest are sensitive and prone to breakouts post waxing, so a hard wax is ideal.  For skin types that aren’t sensitive, strip wax may be the way to go.

Strip wax is easier to apply and remove when first learning the waxing process. This is because it does not require advanced skill. Yes, there is still a lot to know before attempting to wax clients, but strip wax is more basic. Hard stripless wax is technically more complex, but once mastered, the waxing process is much quicker, you won’t be slowed down with any sticky clean up.

Strip wax and hard wax beads both require the same pre and post wax attention. The skin must be prepared to protect the skin, to create a barrier between the wax and the skin for comfort and to ensure every hair is removed with only one application of wax. A post waxing product should also be used to calm and soothe the skin.

Hair removal is a lucrative service to add for your clients and will be successful whether done with hard wax beads or soft strip wax. The client’s preference, body area and your own preference will determine which wax will be used. But, be sure to have both strip and hard wax in the treatment room melted and ready to go.

More article :

What’s the difference between a Bikini Wax vs a Brazilian Wax?

5 Waxing Tips from Top Wax Pros 

Why waxing is better? Comparison of different hair removal methods.