What makes an effective and successful waxing service?

Proper prep, the products you use, and your bedside manner all play a part, but the technique you use can really make or break your service. So let’s talk hard wax strip science and why it’s important to master control and technique when laying your strips.

Prep

Having the proper temperature and consistency of your wax is the first step to getting your strip right. 

To prep your wax, turn your Starpil hard wax warmer temperature setting to the max, or 105˚C. Allow the wax to melt fully and evenly, stirring occasionally to prevent the forming of a hardtop in the middle. Once the wax is fully melted, you want to turn the temperature down according to the type of wax you are using.

When using Starpil Blue Film hard wax, for example, you want to turn down and maintain your wax between 70-75˚C. For Pink Film, maintain it around 65-70˚C. With Starsoft, our hypoallergenic luxury formula, keep it at a low 60˚C. 

Remember the external factors that come into play like the temperature of your room, power in your outlet, and your client’s body temperature. For example, if your waxing room is usually kept at colder temperatures and you often leave your wax warmers uncapped, slightly adjust the temperature to a higher setting. On the contrast, if your working space is typically on the warmer side, lower the temperature of your wax pot accordingly. You will know your hard wax is perfect when it has a thick honey-like consistency.

Application

So what is the secret to success? The application!  

Using your spatula, pick up a small to a medium amount of wax, depending on the area you are working on. Twirl your spatula and ensure that your wax isn’t too thick, or too runny. You should be able to twirl the bulb with no drip for at least 2-3 seconds after you pick up. 

After putting on gloves and testing the temperature your wrist, place the bulb of wax on the highest point of the area you will be waxing. It is vital to ensure the wax is placed in the direction of hair growth. Twirl the wax right off at the top. 

Place your spatula right above the wax and glide down with even pressure throughout. Once you can see that you’re running out of wax on the spatula, flip your stick up and turn with light pressure to create a lip. Creating a lip allows for effortless removal. 

Removal

Your wax application is your set up for the removal. Laying an even wax strip in terms of thickness, pressure, and creating a lip, will dictate how your removal will go. 

Flick up/pinch the lip between your pointer finger and thumb. Holding the skin taut with your free hand, remove the wax strip quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Apply pressure immediately on your client’s skin with your free hand to relieve any discomfort they may feel upon removal.

Keys to a Successful Strip

To prevent cracking or breaking your wax strip, use thinner strips on facial areas and thicker strips on body areas. For thinner strips, you can pick up wax on the edges of the wax well, where the wax rests at a higher temperature. For thicker strips, pick up the wax towards the middle of the wax warmer, where the wax rests at a lower temperature.

Apply a cleanup strip in the opposite direction of the hair growth or in the direction you deem necessary to remove any stray hair. Use the same technique mentioned above to lay these wax strips.

Starpil Wax carries a vast product line of premium hard wax. Our waxes come in unique varieties with different properties. Using the wax that best suits your client’s skin and hair type will ensure a flawless experience. Use these tips when servicing your clients and become a hard wax queen!

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