Traditional Hot Wax Depilation: Properties, Composition, Risks & Usage

Qualities of Traditional Hot Wax

• Good thermal conductivity allowing rapid melting.
• Application temperature is between 40-45°C.
• Flexibility, extensibility, and malleability.
• High degree of adherence to hair and less to the stratum corneum.
• Does not break the hair and leaves no residue on the skin.
• Pleasant or no odor.
• Smooth texture.
• Good quality-price ratio.

Composition

• Plasticizing Agents: Provide consistency, ductility, and flexibility to the product. They form 25-30% of the depilatory mixture. Their main component is beeswax or a mixture of other vegetable waxes. The highest quality is Cera Alba, sun-bleached beeswax to which solid paraffin is added.
• Adhesive Agents: Colophony (rosin) and its derivatives are the only adhesive products used in the manufacture of depilatory waxes and constitute 60% of the final mixture.
• Softening Agents: Make depilation less aggressive for the skin. They form up to 10% of the mixture and include glycerin, mineral, and vegetable oils that increase plasticity and lower the melting point below 50°C. Some incorporate titanium dioxide and mica, which have a calming, anti-inflammatory, and protective effect, giving them a pasty, opaque appearance.
• Additive Agents: These are complementary substances such as fragrances, colorants, etc. They improve the product's presentation; their proportion does not exceed 2%.

Adverse Reactions and Skin Lesions

• Dermatitis: Allergic reactions to some wax components.
• Ingrown Hairs: Hairs that grow under the skin. Their occurrence is reduced if exfoliation is recommended before depilation.
• Folliculitis: Inflammation and infection of the hair follicle, caused by ingrown hairs.
• Hyperpigmentation: Caused by excessive sun exposure after depilation, as the skin is unprotected and irritated. Therefore, sunscreen should be used.
• Irritation and Burns: Occur on the skin after applying wax at high temperatures or if applied multiple times consecutively to the same area.

Contraindications

• Should not be performed on skin affected by acne or dermatosis.
• Also not recommended for people with circulatory problems, varicose veins, or telangiectasias, for whom warm or cold wax is advised.
• Areas near the eyes should not be depilated.

Precautions

• Constantly monitor the temperature to avoid burns and excessive skin sensitization.
• After the depilation process, avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid applying perfumes, deodorants, makeup, or non-aseptic products to the depilated area.

Wooden Spatula Sizes

• Large: 7cm wide by 30cm long, for large body areas like thighs or the back.
• Medium: 5cm wide by 20cm long, for arms, underarms, or bikini area, chest, or male abdomen.
• Small: 3cm wide, for facial depilation (sideburns or chin) and areas requiring precision with warm wax.
• Small: 1cm wide, for the upper lip, glabella (between eyebrows), or eyebrows.

Waxing Facts: Q&A

1. What tool is used to apply warm wax? Spatula.
2. What part of the hair should ideally be removed when waxing? Bulb.
3. What ingredient, when added to warm wax, helps the wax to stick? Resin.
4. What is the thickest layer of hair? Cortex.
5. What part of the body should be bent before it is waxed? Knee.
6. What is applied to the skin to absorb perspiration before a wax treatment? Talcum powder.
7. What is the term used to describe the abnormal growth of terminal hair on the body? Hypertrichosis.
8. What type of wax can be used when it reaches 43°C? Warm wax.
9. What type of wax must be curled at the lower end before it can be removed? Hot wax.
10. What is a short term depilatory method? Shaving.
11. What layer of the hair contains soft keratin? Medulla.
12. What kind of chemical is found in depilatory creams? Alkaline.
13. What side of the leg should be waxed first? Front.
14. What forms the follicle wall? Outer Root Sheath.
15. What is a permanent method of hair removal? Electrolysis.
16. What layer of the epidermis, when overgrown, causes ingrown hair? Stratum corneum.
17. What type of hair is found on most areas of the body? Vellus.
18. What condition results in a loss of skin sensitivity and is therefore contraindicated to waxing? Diabetes.
19. What product, when applied to the skin after waxing, helps to promote skin healing? After wax lotion.
20. What is a popular soothing ingredient added to wax? Aloe vera.