Too thin, too thick or just right? Hard Wax Consistency, answered!

Ensure your Cirépil Hard Wax is the correct consistency in these 3 simple steps. 

3 Simple Steps to be sure your Wax is ready and just right!

1) Melt the Wax

First things first, melting your wax properly is important. Be sure to melt your wax in the Cirépil Happy Heater which will melt the wax evenly and at a low temperature.

Pour your hard wax beads into an empty tin. Place the tin into the heater. Turn the temperature control knob to the highest setting, ‘6’. After about 20 minutes, the wax touching the sides of the tin will be melted with a small island of beads in the center. Turn the temperature knob down to 4.5-5.0 and stir the wax. 

The wax should now be ready to go. But how do you know if the wax is the right temperature and consistency, especially when other factors such as room temperature can affect the melting process?

Here are a few more key points.

2) Wax Temperature

Cirépil wax is a low temperature wax. This means it is applied at a low temperature, just a bit warmer than body temperature. When applied it should feel very comfortable, not hot. But low temperature wax also means the wax is melted at a low temperature.

Cirépil hard wax is created in creamy, gel or ultra fluid gel textures.

The Original Blue hard wax, an all purpose gel wax, will be thinner than a cream wax but a little thicker than an ultra fluid gel. The temperature of the wax affects the consistency. Typically, the thinner the wax, the hotter the wax. The thicker the wax, the cooler the wax. But don’t be fooled, you must check the temperature of the wax on yourself and your client to ensure the wax is a safe temperature. Continue to adjust and check the wax temperature throughout the day. You will likely need to turn the temperature control up after refilling the hard wax beads into the heater. The temperature of your treatment room will also be a factor. If your room is warm, you may need to keep the wax a bit cooler and if the room is cool, you may need to turn the heater up just a bit.

3) Stir the Wax

When you stir the wax, observe how the wax is responding on the spatula. If the wax is very thin, almost watery, it’s too thin and likely too hot. If the wax is too thin, it will be difficult to get enough wax onto the applicator for wax application. If the wax is too thick, the wax will be difficult to adhere and spread onto the skin, it will be tacky, sticky and might leave behind many ‘wax strings’.

When the wax is too thin it won’t stay on the spatula dripping off quickly. If the wax is too thick, the wax will remain on the applicator without dripping off. Cirépil wax is unique because it sets up very quickly. For this reason, twirling the wax round and round on the spatula or trying to create a wax ball at the tip of the spatula by rotating the spatula many times isn’t ideal because the wax will set up on the spatula and will then not adhere to the skin and remove the hair properly. The wax can be removed from the heater and immediately applied. Scoop, scrape one side of the spatula and apply, removing all the wax off the applicator onto the skin, then spreading in an even layer leaving a thicker edge.

The perfect consistency is when the wax will slowly drip off the spatula.

Think of cake batter or brownie batter that form perfect ribbons when stirred and when dripping off a spoon. When the wax is the right consistency, it will be very easy to apply and spread. The wax will remain warm enough to sink to the base of the hair encapsulating the hair for a complete removal from the root. If the wax is too thin the wax will be hard to apply in a thick enough layer, will break upon removal, crack or might be too hot. If the wax is too thick, it will not be able to spread, either rolling off or stopping short in the application. If the wax is too cool, it will not sink to the base of the hair which could lead to hairs not being removed. Although creamy waxes are thicker and ultra fluid gel waxes are thinner, the way in which the wax drips off the applicator in a perfect consistency still holds true.  A thicker consistency cream wax should still drip slowly off the applicator, the same as an gel or ultra fluid gel wax should also be thin enough to drip but not dripping too quickly. Wax dripping completely off the wax stick very quickly is too thin. Wax that doesn’t drip off the wax stick at all or very slowly is too thick. Wax that has thick ribbons when stirred and drips off the wax stick in beautiful thick ribbons is just right. 

Mastering the correct consistency takes a little time, but once mastered, you will be able to work swiftly, removing every hair with every strip while maintaining ultimate comfort for the client.

Discover Cirépil Happy Heater in video

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 12 February 2021.

Before vs After with Cirépil Tattoo Wax

In addition to waxing tattoos to bring them back to life, you can also wax the area prior to a tattoo to avoid the area being shaved, dry, by the tattoo artist. Nothing is more uncomfortable than a tattoo that is healing combined with irritation and bumps from being shaved dry with a pink disposable razor.

In addition to waxing tattoos to bring them back to life, you can also wax the area prior to a tattoo to avoid the area being shaved, dry, by the tattoo artist. Nothing is more uncomfortable than a tattoo that is healing combined with irritation and bumps from being shaved dry with a pink disposable razor.

Discover Cirépil Tattoo Wax in video

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 08 January 2021.

What are questions I should ask on my intake form?

​Daily habits that affect the skin

You will want to understand how much water, alcohol and caffeine is consumed. These all affect the hydration of the skin.

How much do they exercise? Here is also a direct correlation to hydration but also skin condition. Let’s say your client is training for a marathon and running many miles per day and are scheduled for a Brazilian wax, the question will open up the conversation to ask more questions and even to look for chaffing on the skin, which you wouldn’t wax over.

Medication, orally or topically

Blood thinners, antibiotics and other medication can leave an adverse effect from waxing. It is very important that you ask, and the client tells you what medications are being taken. The client should always check with their Dr. to be sure it is safe to proceed with waxing.

Skin care products being used

This is a big one.

The ingredients in over the counter skin care products have evolved from basic ingredients to advanced ingredients that used to need a prescription for use. Clients may not know what they are using. First, ask if their skincare is a prescription. Prescription products may not be compatible with waxing. Next ask if their regimen is professional skincare quality or over the counter (like from the drug store). Professional products may have a higher percentage of active ingredients. Typically, products formulated for smoothing, lightening, brightening, clearing and more, are the ones that will contain ingredients that thin the skin making waxing inadvisable.

Once you understand what products are used, next you need to understand where the product is used. Does an acne medication used on the chin effect the eyebrow area? Yes. Does a smoothing cream used on the decollete effect the upper lip? Yes. Ingredients travel and may be trans epidermal. And Accutane? At least 1 year since the last dose and do a test strip. A small percentage of people may not be able to tolerate waxing after the use of Accutane, even years later.

General health

Any serious health issues could affect the skin. The skin is an organ and connected to the entire organ system. Cancer, diabetes, and other disease can affect the skin as well. Now, we will add covid_19 to the list due to documented cases of skin rashes and other skin conditions.

How should I proceed?

Quality wax

First off, it is very important to use a high-quality wax. There are so many waxes on the market to choose from, your clients come first, choose wisely. Cirépil, the inventors of the Original Patented Blue wax beads-an all-purpose, high-quality wax and a good choice to feel confident in the safety of your clients. If the client is sensitive, opt for Cristalline, a hypoallergenic vegan wax

Check the temperature

Check the temperature of the wax on your wrist AND your client’s wrist to be sure the temperature of the wax is comfortable. Cirepil waxes, both soft and hard waxes, are low temperature wax and very comfortable for the client. 

Do a test strip on the area to be waxed

Do a test strip on the area to be waxed. The skin should not be red or irritated. Cirepil waxes are very gentle. Every hair is removed, leaving behind only beautiful skin

Check the temperature

Check the temperature of the wax on your wrist AND your client’s wrist to be sure the temperature of the wax is comfortable. Cirepil waxes, both soft and hard waxes, are low temperature wax and very comfortable for the client. 

Prepare the skin before waxing

Using one drop of Cirépil’s Pre Depilatory Oil will create a barrier between the hair and the wax, protecting the skin and resulting in a very comfortable wax removal. The key is to only use a drop and then blot the area. It is a game changer! Toss the powder.

Follow your instinct

If it doesn’t feel right don’t do it. Not every client will reveal all the products they use or maybe they forgot they applied a new serum.  Look at the skin, if you see the light sheen indicative of retinol use or anything out of the ordinary have the client discontinue all active products and come back in at a later date. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Clients will love your caution and professionalism.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 17 December 2020.

Hard Wax has unique benefits that differ from strip wax. Let’s explore

1) Clean Up

If you have ever spilled strip wax, which is likely every esthetician, you know the scene. A crazy busy day, rushing around with back to back clients and then bam, wax spills everywhere. We have all been there. A very sticky mess that is a nightmare to clean up. You try everything, it’s timely, costly and frustrating. Soft wax, or strip wax, is stickier by nature. An accidental spill, cleaning your equipment and especially removing sticky residue from the clients skin makes your job harder. Hard wax is different, there is no residue left on the client saving a lot of clean up time. Any wax that spills or drips can usually be cleaned easily by waiting for the wax to harden and lifting it off the surface.

 2) Comfort

Hard wax is easier for the esthetician without the sticky clean up but the main benefit is the client experience. The wax will adhere to the hair, not the skin, creating a more comfortable waxing service. Because the wax encapsulates the hair like shrink wrap, the hair releases so easily, it is virtually pain free.

3) Results

Hard wax is mostly a pain free experience but as much as clients feel the difference, they see the results in terms of their smooth skin being left with little or no irritation. When the hair is encapsulated by the wax and removed effortlessly from the root, the hair will not break, leading to longer lasting results and no ingrown hair. Because of this, the word is out! Clients will call studios and spas asking specifically for hard wax. Don’t miss the boat. Clients are becoming more savvy, they know what they are talking about. Be sure to offer waxing with a hard wax to meet their every need. Start with an all-purpose wax, like Cirepil Blue wax beads.

 4) No Strips

 5) Facial Wax

Discover Hard Wax in video

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 02 December 2020.

Let’s explore 5 steps to take when waxing sensitive skin.

1) Check for Contraindications

Remember, irritation from waxing may be due to sensitive skin, a histamine response or an allergic reaction but a contraindication could be to blame as well.

Be sure to check for contraindications prior to waxing with a thorough consultation. Ingredients in many skincare products, either over the counter or prescription, can thin the skin and may be a factor in sensitivity to waxing. The skin is not sensitive but has become sensitized from products being used. Waxing is still possible, simply discontinue the product before waxing. Depending on the ingredient this could be anywhere from 2-14 days or more. If another contraindication is present, waxing can resume once the contraindication has been resolved.

2) Better Wax Selection equals to Better Results

While waxing creates a normal inflammatory response from the histamine in the body, a better wax selection will create better results. Many times, poor quality wax is the culprit to sensitivity and irritation post waxing. 

Always choose a high-quality wax. Your clients deserve it and it will make your job easier and safer!

 3) Hypoallergenic Wax

Hypoallergenic wax work wonders for sensitive skin and is the key to resolve any issues.

Hypoallergenic high-quality wax is a great way to approach waxing sensitive skin, or any skin type! To understand more, hypoallergenic is defined as something that is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Which makes this wax ideal for sensitive areas like eyebrows, underarms or Brazilian waxing.

Many times, a client may feel they are allergic to the wax, when it may be the body’s natural histamine reaction. Hypoallergenic wax is typically free of rosin and beeswax, ingredients that may cause sensitivity in some people while leaving others unaffected. 

Cirépil by Perron Rigot Cristalline is rosin and beeswax free, fragrance free, cruelty free and vegan. That’s a big punch covering all areas for sensitive clients. 

 4) Choose Hard Wax

Hard wax (or stripless wax) is wax that is removed without strips, adhering to the hair not the skin. Ideal for sensitive skin or anyone looking for a more comfortable experience. And hard wax leaves no sticky residue on the skin!!

Cirépil by Perron Rigot Cristalline is both, hypoallergenic and a stripless hard wax. It comes in the form of wax beads and melts quickly, is applied thin, dries instantly and is super easy to use! It’s a magic wand for waxing sensitive skin and will help to eliminate unnecessary redness, itchiness and breakouts after waxing. To summarize it’s the best wax for sensitive skin!

 5) Before and after Wax Care

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 10 November 2020.

If you have not yet added men’s waxing to your waxing menu, you are missing out on a large demographic AND losing potential income! 

Waxing for Men is a growing business!

There was a time when men felt awkward to receive spa services and metrosexuals were the only male clients booking salon services on a regular basis. Those days are long behind us. We have entered a new day!

The male demographic is quickly growing for salons and spas, especially when it comes to waxing services. Most men now realize the benefits of not only pampering themselves like with a massage, but maintenance like hair removal.  One of the most requested services that men seek is waxing. Some men want a full body waxing for sports or for the way it looks but men enjoy waxing for the same reasons as women, less stubble and smooth skin plus with waxing you can remain hair-free for weeks!

Waxing is not only offered at high-end salons like in the past, but many waxing studios and boutiques have popped up across the country making it more comfortable than ever for a man to hop in for a brow wax. Men are comfortable, the stigma has vanished, so how do you incorporate men’s waxing when most of your clients may still be women?

Ask for referrals!

It’s easy to grow your clientele by adding male waxing to your menu. Start where you are.

Talk to your clients and ask for referrals. Referrals are the best place to begin! Ask your current clients to send their friends, husbands, boyfriends and family to you. Eyebrow waxing and back waxing are the most requested waxing services for men, so definitely include them to your menu and start there– then expand. As male waxing clients get more comfortable with the waxing process and enjoy the many benefits, offer an add-on service like a chest wax or a male Brazilian! Cha ching!! It is also a great idea to offer a men’s waxing package. Many times, clients are unsure what they need. For men, you could include waxing for the nose, ears and a back for the ‘Professional Male’ or the ‘Manzilian’ (male Brazilian) paired with a ‘Man-ly Manicure’.

Create a smart menu that meets the needs of the client, highlights the services you offer and one that is inviting and intriguing.  The clients will love it and will thank you for offering a service they now love and will book every 4-6 weeks. Then check your service totals. Success!

Choose the best Products!

First be prepared by stocking up on the right supplies. Of course, you will need a high-quality depilatory wax. Even better if it is designed for men. Cirépil by Peron Rigot Homme is specially formulated for male waxing. It’s an all-purpose hard wax in a bead form. It melts quickly and is very easy to use. It has a light marine scent-so clean!

Men love it! Men may not enjoy a floral scented wax and will be happy to not leave smelling like a bouquet of roses.

Homme is also great for any hair type or body area. For extra sensitive areas you could also have a hypoallergenic wax on hand, like Cirépil by Perron Rigot Cristalline.

For men who have dense or coarse hair be sure to clean the skin thoroughly before and after waxing with the Cirépil Purifying Blue Lotion and recommend exfoliation to avoid breakouts after waxing. Explain that the hair will become finer and more sparse over time. And less hair will grow back with continued waxing. The back is an area prone to break out a few days after waxing. A salicylic acid serum or wash will help greatly, but also over time the breakouts will occur less often due to damage to the hair follicle from the waxing process. 

With the right products and a little strategy you will gain success in growing your business with men’s waxing!

Men love it! Men may not enjoy a floral scented wax and will be happy to not leave smelling like a bouquet of roses.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 17 November 2020.

So, your client is a Brazilian waxing virgin and is ready to take the plunge! But they are feeling nervous. Understandable. Ask anyone to strip down to endure a little discomfort while in compromising body positions, that is high on the list of anxiety inducing situations.

How can you make the experience one to remember, in a good way? Getting a Brazilian wax doesn’t have to be something uncomfortable. In fact, most clients breathe a sigh of relief after their first experience IF certain criteria have been followed by the waxing professional.

A Brazilian wax is removing all the hair in the bikini area front and back. That’s right everything is removed in the front plus between the cheeks in the back.

The popularity of the Brazilian wax has grown due to the benefits it offers; comfort and smooth skin that lasts for a month. The hair will grow back finer and sparse. Softer hair and less of it is a huge perk. Spin class? No problem. Beach time? No worries. 

The hurdle for the client is to get through the first appointment. The process becomes easier with each appointment thereafter. As the hair follicle is destroyed through the waxing process it becomes less painful. After waxing long-term, most clients literally won’t feel discomfort. But for the first timer, it can be a bit uncomfortable. The goal for us, as estheticians or waxing experts, is to make the appointment go smoothly. Literally. A pain free Brazilian wax will create a client for life. 

The client will need to let the hair grow in for a few weeks and discontinue any ingrown hair products a few days before the appointment and then game time!

5 steps to make the first time easy for the client.

1. Educate yourself

Graduating from esthetic or cosmetology school may be a big accomplishment but sadly you may not be prepared to dive right in to do a Brazilian wax on a client.

Just like other services such as advanced skincare services or even hair color, you will need advanced education and practice. Be sure to search for highly reputable classes that will help you to understand all the components of Brazilian waxing.

A hands-on class is ideal. Then practice. While learning, the Brazilian wax could take 45 minutes or longer. This will be too long for a client in terms of comfort and their schedule. Once you feel confident and you are able do the service in 30 minutes or less you are ready to go.

Perron Rigot Institute is the number one place for in person hands-on classes and the popular online course ‘Intro to Professional Waxing’.

You can register here

https://cirepil-online-series.teachable.com/

2. Choose the Best Wax.

Search for a high-quality wax that will create a comfortable experience for the client plus makes it easier for you to work efficiently. Cirépil BLUE is the best choice, being voted #1 for many years in a row by estheticians plus it was the original first ever hard wax bead.

A wax that breaks or that you need to go over the same area several times will take longer, use more wax and create a poor experience for your client.

3. Work towards the goal.

For the hesitant client, working towards the goal of the full Brazilian is often very helpful. Let’s say the goal is to receive a Brazilian wax for their trip to Hawaii, begin the process a few months before. Start with a basic bikini.

The next appointment, do an extended bikini wax. This is in between a bikini and a Brazilian going in further on the sides and lower on the top.

The next appointment, go for the whole Brazilian. The hair that has been previously waxed is much less painful the second or third time. Doing is slowly means that only some of the hair will be being waxed for the first time making for a much more pleasant experience.

4. Prep the skin.

To make a Brazilian wax easier for the client and to protect the skin, the skin must be prepped before waxing.

Try using a pre waxing oil. This will create a barrier between the wax and the skin and will help the wax to release easily without pulling the skin. 

5. Keep it cool.

Nothing like high anxiety to make a client literally start sweating. Almost every Brazilian wax client will have an anxiety response increasing body temperature and sweating.

Keep the waxing studio cool. A warm environment will make the client uncomfortable, will make the wax more difficult to remove and will slow down the process.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 08 June 2022.

With so many hard wax options, how do I know which hard wax beads to use on my client? Do I need to use a different wax for eyebrows than I use for legs? Which wax is best for Brazilian waxing? If you feel confused or overwhelmed with too many hard wax options, rest assured that with Cirépil, finding the correct wax is easy. 

1. The texture of the wax.

The texture of the wax may be a preference for the waxing specialist, but different textures also perform in different ways. 

A creamy texture wax is a little thicker and will set up slightly slower than gel textures. This allows the wax to seep to the base of the hair, shrink wrapping the hair once it has grasped the root of the hair tightly. A creamy wax is also stronger. It will set up thicker and have more power to remove a hair. This makes creamy wax a good option for short, coarse or shaved hair. This type of wax will be applied in the thickness of a banana peel. A creamy wax is a great option for thicker or dense hair but performs great on any hair.

A gel texture wax is applied thinner than a creamy wax but thicker than an ultra-fluid gel texture wax. A gel or a creamy wax are both all-purpose waxes. The benefit of an all-purpose wax is that it can be used on any body area, skin or hair type. The number one voted all-purpose wax is Cirépil BLUE hard wax beads. It is easy to use and very effective. Every hair is removed with the first attempt. The gel textured wax will set up very quick. 

The ultra-fluid gel texture is just that. A wax that is ultra-fluid and easy to apply in a thin layer. Not as thin as a strip wax but almost. The benefit of the ultra-fluid gel texture is that it will set up quickly, no drying time! This allows you work quicker. If you stay up late scrolling waxing videos on YouTube or Instagram, you might see the long application strips that are easily applied and removed. An ultra-fluid gel texture can achieve this easily while remaining flexible. Great for legs and eyebrows as well!

2. Scented or unscented?

The preference of a scented or unscented wax is the preference of the waxing specialist that has several determining factors.

Scented wax will create a sweet, floral or clean scent in your workspace. Scented wax offers a nice benefit to protect the waxing studio from unpleasant body odor. The client may like that the scent lightly lingers on their skin. 

An unscented wax may be preferred if the wax room is small with little ventilation, in which the scent may overwhelm the space. If many other scents are present such as candles or skin care products the scents may compete, an unscented wax is a better option in this case.

3. What about sensitive skin?

Hypoallergenic waxes are a great choice for sensitive skin. Clients who have a histamine response to waxing such as hives, redness or irritation will benefit from a hypoallergenic wax. 

Typically, free from rosin and Bee’s wax which may cause sensitivity in some people. The absence of animal ingredients, make the vegan option is a huge plus. Hypoallergenic wax is great for sensitive areas like the face, underarm or Brazilian waxing. 

Having an all-purpose wax and a hypoallergenic wax is ideal. Then decide of you prefer a scent or no added scent. Really, all the waxes within the Cirépil line are acceptable to use on any skin and hair type. As you can see, certain wax options are a better choice than others for specific situations. 

Before waxing a client, be sure you have completed the basics such as performing a consultation and securing the client’s signature on a waxing release. Then pick the best wax and always check the temperature before applying to the client.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 09 August 2022.

Waxing was once thought to be something exclusive for woman.This is no longer the case. Men are receiving waxing services in record numbers. Male waxing salons are popping up nationwide. Men’s waxing has become so mainstream that most men receive waxing services to date. The most popular waxing service for men is eyebrow and back waxing. If you do not yet offer men’s waxing, you are missing the boat. 

Where to begin if you haven’t been waxing men but want to build a male clientele.

1. Begin with your current clients

Ask your current clients for referrals. Ask them to send their brother, husband, or boyfriend. Referrals are the best way to start building a male clientele. People also like to come together for their appointments-double the clients. So easy! Once the word is out that you are offering male waxing services, people will spread the word. 

2. Marketing! Communication about your waxing services.

Announce it! You cannot grow a business of new services if people are unaware of the services that you are now offering. Hop onto social media outlets to announce the exciting news of the new services being offered. Or host an event such as a Father’s Day Clean Up special or Men’s Night Out promotion that is catered to men. Google ads and local groups are also a great place to highlight your services and recruit more male clients.

3. Add-on services.

Whether you are a barber, hair stylist or esthetician, add-on services pack a punch when it comes to client satisfaction. Choose add-on services that take little time. Not only is this lucrative but goes a long way to build your male clientele. For men who have never received an ear or nose wax, they may not know they need it or how much they will love it. Once they receive it, they will include it with every future appointment. Even waxing between the eyebrows offers an instant result that men will love. Adding a $25 service to 4 clients a day will bring in $24,000 of additional revenue per year!! Plus, satisfied, and happy clients.

4. Start off slowly.

If you aren’t ready to dive into male Brazilian waxing, that’s ok. Decide what are the best waxing services for your demographic and for your business model. You might want to start small with eyebrows, nose or ears. Even the nape of the neck is an easy area to wax, and men will love results. Back and chest waxing is highly popular and will bring clients into your waxing studio for sure. So many men shave their chest and shoulders. This leads to stubble and irritation. Plus, shaving only keeps the area smooth for one day. But they may not know the benefits of waxing or that it is an option for them. Once they wax, they will never go back to shaving. Male Brazilian waxing takes skill and once you have the education you need, you will be busy! Men are looking for service providers who offer Brazilian waxing. Adding male intimate waxing will drive your business to the next level!

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 22 June 2022.