Roll-on waxing is a fascinating concept for many, or even something that seems out of reach. 

The curiosity and questions many have regarding this system can even make it seem intimidating or unclear to some. So what is roll-on wax? This system is a convenient and easy-to-use waxing method in both professional and personal settings that removes hair effectively and in a shorter time than traditional methods.   

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Roll-on wax is widely loved because of its innovative, easy-to-use design, as well as the upgraded hygienic experience it brings to a waxing service. This press/roll/remove system truly reinvents waxing as we know it! 

In this guide, we’ll discuss all things roll-on waxing, including roll-on wax warmers, wax cartridges, and the most effective way to use your roll-on wax. We’ll also answer any questions you might have about the process or how to use roll-on wax. 

READ: Speed Waxing 101

What is Roll-On Wax ?

Roll-on wax is a waxing system that allows direct application to the skin through its a single-use, recyclable, and portable wax cartridge. When heated in a roll-on wax warmer, the cartridge distributes soft wax to the application area directly, without the use of spatulas or a traditional warmer.

The system’s 3.9 oz (110 g) roll-on wax cartridge is pre-filled with Starpil soft wax to create the most portable, easy-to-use, and hygienic waxing experience. The single-use cartridge is made for full services on one client only and is fully recyclable. 

The roll-on wax cartridge itself is constructed out of a heat-mediating shell of hard plastic, topped by a roller head and a cap. This design makes it ideal for at-home users who might want to reuse their cartridge (since it’s just for them!). In professional settings, roll-on wax cartridges should never be reused and are intended for single uses on one client only.

The roll-on wax roller head distributes wax evenly over any surface, and makes full-body waxing quick and easy, especially over large surface areas like the back. 

READ: Waxing vs. Shaving: What is the Best Method for Hair Removal?. 

Who is Roll-On Wax for? 

Now that you know a little more about the ins and outs of roll-on waxing, you might wonder who is the best candidate for hair removal with this system. Roll-on wax is amazing for use on all hair and skin types and is ideal for full-body waxing.

One of the biggest advantages of using roll-on wax is its ultra-hygienic application. Because it is packaged in a single-use container, you can apply wax directly to the skin without interacting with the formula itself or leaving it exposed.

This straightforward method of application is the best way to give clients the cleanest wax possible and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. It also eliminates dripping and unnecessary stickiness. 

Another great feature of the roll-on system is that it requires little maintenance and is made to be ready for immediate cordless use. They also come in singular quantities that are great for at-home users or for those looking to test out different formulas before committing to their favorite. 

For professionals or just for those who want to stock up, they also come in 20 pack varieties so you always have your best formula ready to go. 

For those looking to buy in bulk for their salon, we also offer our 20-pack formulas in two, four, and six-box increments at lower wholesale prices. 

Which Body Areas are Good to Use Roll-On Wax On?  

Roll-on wax is a versatile method that gives amazing results on a variety of bodily areas, including the back or chest, legs, arms, bikini line, or underarms. It works on flat or large surfaces and spreads easily and quickly for the most efficient removal. 

Our roll-on soft waxes also have no setting time, so you can apply wax at your leisure and lay down multiple strips of wax at once before removal. 

This lets you speed wax with ease - and even increases your waxing speeds by up to 50% when compared with that of traditional waxing services. Roll-on waxes can be used on a variety of areas, including the back, legs, arms, bikini, and are ideal for full-body waxing.

Can You Use Roll-On Wax for Brazilians? 

Since Starpil’s roll-on cartridges are filled with soft strip wax, they work to exfoliate the skin and get down to the finest, hard-to-reach hairs, including those on the bikini line. 

Though your roll-on might not be able to reach all areas included in a Brazilian waxing service, it makes bikini line waxing quick and easy for estheticians and clients alike. For harder-to-reach or tiny crevices, switch to your go-to hard or soft waxes.

Roll-On Wax for Legs  

For estheticians looking to try out roll-on waxing for their clients’ leg hair removal services, you’ll be extremely pleased with the results that you receive from this system! Leg waxing with roll-ons is super easy, quick, and straightforward. Plus, you can fit in more services during your day thanks to roll-on’s quick service times. Many pro’s can perform waxing services in as little as 15 minutes!

For those waxing your legs at home, using a roll-on can also allow you to get great results by yourself in super short periods of time. Plus, no matter if you’re using roll-ons for professional services or at-home use, these waxes are exceptionally malleable and can be used for tons of different services, so you can make them work for you.

Roll-On Wax for Body 

Just as is the case with leg waxing, roll-on waxing allows you to enjoy full-body services with that are super easy and quick. Because our soft roll-on wax doesn’t set, you can roll out your wax across any large surface and lay strips easily for quick hair removal. This wax also will not break or crack across very large areas like the back or chest.

READ: The Complete Guide to Leg Waxing

How to Warm Up Roll-On Wax

Roll-On Wax was invented and patented by Starpil in 1991, and was followed soon after by our Roll-On Wax Warmer. This warmer heats our roll-on wax to the perfect temperature and reinvents professional wax warmers as we know them.

Our roll-on wax warmer is lined with metal sheets that evenly conduct heat throughout the wax to warm up the entire cartridge evenly. Its opening allows you to effortlessly slip the wax cartridge in before plugging the warmer in. In about 20-30 minutes, your wax will be heated to the perfect temperature.

Using the Starpil Roll-On Wax Warmer is the only way to warm your wax cartridge to get the best consistency and control over your waxing session.

After you’ve prepared the skin properly and are ready to wax with your warmed roll-on, unplug your warmer, remove the seal on the roll-on wax cartridge, and ready your cartridge by rolling some of the wax onto a non-woven strip to start the flow. 

At this time, make sure the wax is at a suitable temperature to begin your service and keep your client’s skin safe throughout. 

To sweeten the deal for professional estheticians who are existing fans of roll-on waxing, in addition to our singular warmer, our roll-on wax warmer is also available as a dual base system, as well as a triple-base system. These multi-cartridge docks allow you to have more than one cartridge heating at once for full-body waxing, for use by multiple estheticians at a time, or to take on back-to-back waxing clients without the warm-up time. 

READ: The Complete Guide to Starpil Wax Warmers

How to Use Roll-On Wax

Just as you would do before any waxing service, start your roll-on waxing process off by prepping the skin with the proper pre and post-wax products to cleanse, exfoliate, and disinfect the application area. 

The best way to prepare the skin for waxing is by using Starpil Pre-Wax Gel to remove excess oil and debris from the surface. This not only cleanses skin, but creates a blank canvas for wax to adhere to.

This should be your routine before any waxing service - not just when using a roll-on! If your client is prone to sweating during their waxing, some estheticians like to use powder to help absorb some of the excess moisture before services.

When warming your cartridge, you can rest assured that your roll-on warmer will heat your cartridges evenly and quickly as it was designed to do so. After around 20-30 minutes, try a test strip and make sure your wax is good to go!

Before service, always make sure that you have your removal strips pre-cut and ready to roll for the service you are performing.

Check out the video above to see how an esthetician uses roll-on wax for her client's leg wax service. 

Check out the video above to see how an esthetician uses roll-on wax for her client's leg wax service. 

How to Apply Roll-On Wax

To apply your roll-on wax, hold the system at a 45° angle, and gently press on a thin layer of wax in a foot-long single-swipe strip on larger areas. Do your strip in one cohesive movement for an even application. You can apply approximately three strips at a time. 

Press and gently rub on your removal strip on top of your wax in the direction of hair growth, hold the skin taut, and remove the strip in a quick motion in the opposite direction of hair growth. Using flat palms, apply firm pressure against the freshly removed strip to ease nerve endings and alleviate potential pain. 

Avoid re-applying wax over the same areas, and use tweezers to remove any missed hairs.

Never forget your post-wax care products to clean up any residue, minimize irritation, and inhibit re-growth for longer-lasting results. Apply your Starpil Post-Wax Lotion directly after to your freshly-waxed skin, and lock in this moisture with your Starpil Post-Wax Oil. 

If you're just now getting started with roll-on waxing, check out the Starpil Beginner Waxing Kit which comes completed with everything you need to smooth into your roll-on services.

READ: What is the Average Full-Body Wax Price?

Roll-On Wax: Pros and Cons

Depending on whether you have a preference for using hard or soft wax, you might enjoy using roll-on waxing more so than more traditional methods. It’s really all according to preference, but if you want to cut down on waxing time, roll-on is for you.

Roll-On Wax Benefits

As we said prior, roll-on waxing’s benefits are all about convenience and ease of use - not to mention great results. 

• Our wax cartridges can be applied directly to the skin, without having to mix or melt down wax traditionally.
• They cut down on the risk cross-contamination and interactions with your formula.
• Easy-to-use for those of all skill levels.
• Eliminate dripping and any mess from wax.
• Cuts down on waxing service times - up to 50%.

Roll-On Wax Drawbacks

The drawbacks of using roll-on wax come in the form of having to use waxing strips for your removal process. Some people don’t like having to use waxing strips for removal and prefer hard waxes for this reason. 

This also can come down to preference, as some prefer traditional waxing techniques or the use of your go-to formulas. However, roll-on waxing is extremely convenient and easy to use, so it might be something just to check out to see how you’d like it. 

Does Roll-On Wax Hurt? 

Roll-on wax does not hurt anymore so than traditional soft waxing techniques. However, with the right pre and post-wax care routine, you can significantly reduce your waxing pain and properly prepare your skin.

Is Roll-On Wax Hygienic? 

Roll-on wax is the most hygienic waxing technique you can use. Because you don’t have to directly interact with the formula or mix your wax by hand, you wax is kept shielded from possible contamination. By applying your wax directly to the skin, also keeps the entire process as hygienic as possible. 

How Long Does Roll-On Waxing Last?

A roll-on waxing service allows estheticians and at-home users to provide waxing services in half the time of traditional waxes. How long your total service takes will depend on what time of service you’re providing, but for underarm and leg waxes, you can provide these services in around 15 minutes or less. 

By using a quality roll-on waxing system like Starpil's, smooth skin results should last for around 4-5 weeks.

READ: Why Using Pre & Post-Wax Products is a MUST!

READ: Exfoliating and Waxing: The Definitive Guide

Final Thoughts

Roll-on waxing is an incredibly innovative and easy-to-use approach to waxing. With its easy-to-use design and quick setup and application, professionals, beginners and regular at-home users alike can have the best waxing results. Whether waxing clients or waxing at home, this system heats wax quickly, evenly, and hygienically.

Roll-on wax also allows for maximum convenience due to its portable nature. This will also let your client be as comfortable as possible, as you can bring your roll-on with you as you go, instead of repositioning them. You can also leave worrying about drippage or applying wax wrong in the past due to roll-on's easy application and minimal chance for a mess. 

Curious as to which roll-on wax is right for you? Discover our unique formulas, get matched with one that’s right for you, or set yourself up for a complete and successful roll-on service with one of our roll-on kits.