Hot wax or cold?

The debate about which is better – hot wax or cold wax – can be laid to rest with the pointers we’ve compiled in this article.

Of all the beauty and personal hygiene treatments women have tried down the ages, hair removal has always found the most takers! Whatever ethnicity or age group a woman belongs to, the hair removal conundrum haunts them all equally. However, while many methods and implements for hair removal have been adopted down the ages, removing hair using hot and cold wax is the most popular one.

Waxing, whether using hot wax or cold, is a long term hair removal solution. Since the hair is pulled out from the roots, they grow back only after a few weeks have elapsed. So it gives the woman more time between waxes. Besides, since the hair is gone from the root, the follicle must create a new hair to replace the lost one. So the hair regrowth is finer and sparser as well.

Women who are frustrated with the constant need for hair removal may even opt for laser hair removing treatments. But for those who are content with waxing, the question is: Which is better, hot wax or cold wax?

Cold wax v/s Hot wax

Cold wax has come into prominence in recent times, ever since wax strips with pre-applied wax began to be sold around the world. The cold wax strip is warmed slightly by rubbing between the hands to loosen the wax. It is then applied on the skin and pulled off in one smooth motion, taking away the hair in the process.

Meanwhile, hot wax is more commonly used by salons. The wax is heated in a special pot to the right temperature. It is then applied to the skin in an even layer, and a special cloth strip is pressed on it. The strip is then pulled, and the hair is removed with it. Another variation of hot wax is Oriental wax, in which sugar is heated over a flame to create a smooth, viscous paste. This paste is then applied to the skin and pulled off – it does not need a cloth strip.

Which is better for the skin?

·         Though hot wax is more commonly used across the world, it does present a few challenges. If it is overheated it can cause localised burns on the skin. Cold wax does not harm the skin in any way.

·         Hot wax is often quite cumbersome to use at home, and it is better to go to the salon if you want hot wax hair removal. But cold wax strips are designed for home use and there is no need to go to the salon at all.

·         Hot wax is not usually recommended for sensitive or dry skin, because it dries the skin. However, spa wax from reputed brands eliminates this problem.