Cold waxing is one of the simplest ways to get rid of unwanted body hair. It is easier than other methods like plucking, hot waxing, and sugaring. You can buy cold wax strips, apply them to the target area, and pull to remove hair strands, leaving soft and smooth skin.
Unlike hot waxing, there is no need to use heat to soften the wax. Moreover, you can carry the strips easily while traveling and use them. This is one reason cold waxing is preferred by many, especially those who travel a lot.
If you are tired of unwanted body hair and looking for a simple way to get rid of them, try cold waxing. Read this article to learn the step-by-step process of using cold wax strips, the benefits of the process, precautions to take, and other information. Scroll down.
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Difference Between Hot And Cold Wax
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Waxing is classified into hot and cold waxing based on the temperature at which they work. Below is a list of other vital differences that segregate these two methods:
- Temperature: Hot wax requires an external heat supply to raise its temperature and melt the product. The wax is heated up to 54°C to be used on the skin. On the other hand, you only need to warm the cold wax strips by rubbing them between the palms before use.
- Requirement Of Additional Help: Hot waxing is a complex process and requires professional beauticians. The preparation and application require adhering to numerous guidelines, failing which the user might get severe burns. On the other hand, cold waxing requires no professional help or support to remove hair. You also don’t have to worry about accidental burns and cuts.
- Problem Areas: Since it is done manually with the help of a spatula, and the amount of application depends on the type of hair or intensity of hair growth, hot wax works brilliantly on coarse hair, such as the leg, chest, and pubic hair. On the other hand, cold wax works better to remove finer hair in sensitive areas, such as those on the bikini area, underarms, thighs, and facial region. From the fine hair on the chin, sidelocks, and forehead region to the fine yet denser hair on the upper lips and cheeks, cold wax for the face is indeed convenient and comparatively less painful.
Fun Fact The first cold wax strips were introduced in the 1960s. Around the same time, mini skirts and bathing suits had become popular.
Cold waxing is a mess-free and efficient way to remove unwanted hair. Head to the next section to understand the benefits of cold waxing in detail.
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Benefits Of Cold Waxing
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• Hassle-free And Convenient
Cold wax fits seamlessly into the modern-day lifestyle. The wax strips are readily available at drugstores and supermarkets and do not require any salon appointment to carry out the process. Also, you don’t even need to rinse with water or soap after waxing. Just strip away that unwanted hair, moisturize, and get going!
- Pocket-friendly
Cold wax strips are an inexpensive alternative to other hair removal methods like epilators, shaving creams, razors, hot waxing, and plucking. What’s more? Despite being more affordable, they are as effective as hot wax.
- Painless
They are a pain-free and efficient solution for all unwanted body hair. There is no danger of burning the skin or accidental cuts. Cold wax strips are useful even for waxing sensitive areas like the underarms, chest, and bikini areas.
- Removes Fine Hair
Since cold wax is gentler on the skin and is pre-applied to the strips, there is a lesser chance of using an excessive product on sensitive areas. This makes the entire process more efficient and easier than traditional waxing or plucking.
- Lesser Ingrown Hair
Repeated waxing, which essentially works by pulling out the hair follicles from the root, lessens the frequency of ingrown hair and provides smooth skin.
- Delayed Hair Growth
Just like hot waxing, repeated usage of cold wax strips also lessens the intensity of hair regrowth. The hair follicles slowly tend to become finer and sparse, resulting in smoother skin and longer intervals between two waxing sessions.
From ease of use to efficiency, the benefits of cold waxing are aplenty. Though it isn’t a tricky process, let us see how you can use cold wax to get smooth and hairless skin. Read on.
Related: Bumps After Waxing: Causes, 5 Home Remedies, And Prevention Tips
How To Use Cold Wax
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Unlike hot waxing, where you have to heat the wax to around 54°C, cold waxing is a fairly simple process. Apply a thin layer to the desired area of your body, and then pull it up with a strip of cloth (or on its own in case of hard wax).
This method of hair removal does not make any hot mess. On the contrary, pre-coated cold wax strips are readily available at drugstores and beauty stores. All you need to do is rub the strip gently between your palms for about 10 seconds to warm the wax, pull out the wax cover, stick the strip on the desired area, press in the direction of your hand, hold your skin taut, and pull away the wax strip. The cold wax strips can be reused numerous times (in the same session) on different areas until they lose their stickiness.
StyleCraze Says Exfoliate and completely dry your skin before using the wax strips to help the strips grip better for smoother results.
Cold wax involves direct contact with the skin and comes with its set of flaws. However, the drawbacks are limited. The next section discusses the side effects of cold waxing to help you make an informed decision.
Related: Bikini Wax Vs. Brazilian Wax: What Are The Differences?
Side Effects Of Cold Waxing
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- Not Recommended For Thick Hair
Unlike hot waxing, shaving, depilatory creams, etc., cold wax strips may not work genially on coarser body hair, especially those on the legs and pubic region. You might need to go over a single area multiple times for total hair removal, resulting in skin irritation and discoloration. However, for fine, normal, and thick body hair, cold waxing is a fuss-free choice.
- Not Precise Enough
While hot wax sits precisely on the contours of the body and removes even short hair, cold wax does not offer the same precision as it comes in pre-coated strips. The hair needs to be at least one-eighth of an inch long for the cold wax strip to work its charm.
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- Avoid During Menstruation
Intimate areas are more sensitive during menstruation, so cold wax strips are not recommended for bikini hair removal during this time. If the user ignores this guideline, they might experience redness, irritation, and even bumps.
Despite it being user-friendly, you should take all precautions to reap maximum benefits of cold waxing. Below is a list of a few pre- and post-waxing measures to help you experience a safe and convenient session.
Precautions For Cold Waxing
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- Avoid Chemical Treatment
If you have undergone any chemical skin treatment recently, such as a chemical peel, or are applying active retinol, you would want to take a few days off before your waxing session. These chemical treatments are known to make your skin sensitive, and waxing may lead to skin irritation or other issues.
- Use SPF
Cold waxing may cause skin irritation, bumps, and increased sun sensitivity for a few days. Hence, applying sunscreen becomes mandatory after a waxing session. Even if you are not venturing out in the sun, you might want to use SPF at home or in the evening as a precautionary measure.
- Skip The Deodorant
As is with any other hair removal procedure, leave a 24-hour gap between cold waxing and using deodorants or perfumes with a high alcohol percentage. Applying the same immediately after waxing might cause skin irritation, bumps, redness, or even permanent black spots. This is especially applicable for the underarm area and hands.
- Use Coconut Oil As A Moisturizer
Coconut oil is renowned for its soothing effect on the skin. Using the oil after cold waxing not only calms the irritated skin but also moisturizes it, making it appear healthier than before.
Cold waxing is a convenient and preferred method of body hair removal, especially while traveling. It is budget-friendly, removes fine hair, reduces ingrown hair, and is relatively painless compared to hot waxing or any other hair removal method. To ensure you experience a safe and pain-free session, avoid chemical treatments before waxing and use moisturizer after your session to keep your skin soft and hydrated. While cold waxing is amazing, it may not be as precise as hot wax and should be avoided on your periods to avoid skin irritation.
