Triple filtered, aromatic, enviro-conscious. Wax has come a long way from the icky-sticky, burnt, rubber-scented resin that was first made available on the market. With so many variations (cream, gel, hard, soft, and roll-on) and sugaring hair removal making a comeback from the 1800s, offering epilation services can be enticing. Yet, with hair removal businesses hitting the market with the resolve of offering this singular service, professionals cannot afford not rendering the convenience of waxing to their client base, both men and women. WaxingSoft wax is he most widely-available form of wax, whether it is in a jar or roll-on tube. This gel or creamy formula is sticky to the touch. The application requires a roller or stick to apply product on clean skin and a strip is needed to remove the product. The scent, aside from the lingering aroma, offers no benefit to skin when applied. However, it can cause irritation to sensitive skin and should never be used on a pregnant or breast-feeding woman. When considering the right product for the business, it is important to recognize that a higher-quality wax is generally sold at a higher price; it is worth every penny. Cheaper waxes leave residue on skin, whereas the ingredients that increase the cost of wax will render a thinner application, saving service time by not having to re-wax. It will leave the skin feeling smooth with less irritation. Hard wax is sold in jars or in bead and disc form (generally more economical). Unlike soft wax, hard wax will only adhere when it is heated. Soft wax can also be warmed to the consistency of pancake syrup, whereas hard wax is best applied when warmed to the consistency of honey. A stick is used to apply the product, creating a “lip” at the end to lift the wax from skin. Hard wax does not require strips and is best used to remove short hair or on sensitive areas of the body, such as face, underarms, and Brazilian waxing for both men and women. A good-quality hard wax will not break or become brittle once it cures and is ready to be removed. Since this is a defining factor in whether hard wax is to be an asset in the hair removal service experience, it is best to purchase this type of wax in low quantities until one is found that works best. Hard wax leaves no residue behind since it never adheres to the skin and shrink wraps only around the hair. A variety of colors and shapes also makes this wax neat to decoratively display in apothecary jars in the waxing cabin. Step-by-Step Procedure Clean the client’s skin with a pre-waxing product. Generally, a pre-cleaner will remove residual body oils that would otherwise prevent the wax from adhering to the hair. A good pre-cleanse product will also create a light moisture barrier that will allow the wax to adhere and be removed without leaving residue on skin. Never use alcohol as this shrinks the follicle and increases the chance of breaking hairs and over-drying the skin. Furthermore, stay away from talcum or baby powder as these products offer no benefit to the client and will create adversity for those who are allergic. Use a clean applicator (often a tongue depressor) to collect wax that has reached a pancake-syrup consistency. While lifting the product from the jar, be sure to scrape both sides and the back of the stick clean so that there is wax only on one side. This scrapping will prevent the drizzling of wax on other surfaces. Holding the applicator at a 90 degree angle, apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth. Apply a strip to the wax and with light-to-medium pressure, stroke the palm over the strip to ensure that the strip adheres to the area where the wax has been applied. Use one hand to hold the skin taut while using the dominant hand to pull the strip back in the opposite direction of hair growth (not upwards, as this will create broken hairs and increase chances of the client having to entertain ingrown hair). Repeat. Once the area is free of hair and wax, post-treat the area with an antimicrobial lotion, aloe gel, post-care oil, or cream. Do not finish the service by powdering the client down with talcum or baby powder. This is a very unprofessional way to finish a waxing service. Apply a product that will offer a benefit to the client and increase the value of the hair-removal treatment experience. Share homecare products with clients, suggest exfoliation methods, and stress the importance of moisturizing to keep skin hydrated and to prevent ingrown hairs. Upon rendering this service, rebook the client’s next appointment to ensure they are waxing within a time period that encourages epilating hair from the root as this will create longer-lasting results. Regrowth is best waxed when hair reaches the length of a grain of rice. If it is too short, it will not be able to be removed. If it is too long, it will break. Whether you decide to offer waxing or sugaring at your place of business, it is suggested that preparation and post-care product be selected from the same vendor to ensure you are offering the epilation service that the manufacturer curated for the ultimate experience. Also, when considering the hair removal product, buyer beware: You get in quality precisely what you pay for.In this industry, those who diligently practice the aesthetic art will build a referral clientele effortlessly! Do not cut corners with speed waxing; instead, render a quality service and with time, speed will be a natural progression. Build your menu and get the message out! The art of epilation starts but with a strip … delight your desire to remove hair effectively and reduce ingrown hairs! Happy hair removing! Mandip Singh is lead hair removal expert and self-proclaimed skin care product addict at Wax Bar in Brampton, Ontario and Trainer at Essencia, Inc.Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.