How Does Hot Waxing Differ From Cold Waxing?

Waxing is a popular hair removal method. Despite the pain, you won't deal with the razor bumps from shaving or the funky smell of hair removal creams. You can treat yourself to the salon experience or DIY this spa treatment. Waxing removes hairs from the follicle, prolonging the time before you see strands sprout from above the skin's surface. Not only does it remove unwanted hairs but also dead skin cells on the skin's outermost layer, per Healthline.

But did you know there are different types of waxing? Sugar waxing or sugaring is a natural method of waxing. It contains zero wax, Medical News Today explains. Sugaring is a mix of water, lemon juice, and, you guessed it, sugar. Opposed to natural sugaring is cosmetic waxing. Amongst the cosmetic side, the main competitors are hot and cold waxing. We're here to break down the differences between the two and see which is right for you.

Both waxes leave you hair free, but the process is slightly different. Hot wax uses melted wax to remove any unwanted hair, according to Le Salon. Despite the name, hot wax is simply warmed and won't burn your skin if applied correctly. The heat opens your pores, helping the wax to adhere to the hairs. It is also referred to as hard wax because the hot wax hardens as it cools. The melted wax is applied to your skin in an even layer. Once it cools, it is removed in the opposite direction of hair growth, taking your pesky hairs with it. Great for Brazilian and bikini waxes.  

Cold wax is a little different since there is no melting of the wax involved. It will require wax strips and a little friction from rubbing your hands together, StyleCraze notes. Cold waxing uses soft wax instead of the hard version within hot waxing. The soft wax is applied to your skin, and a paper strip is placed on top adhering to the wax. Later it is removed along with the unwanted hairs. So how do the two compare?

When choosing between hot and cold waxing, it is best to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Cold waxing can overall be more convenient. It does not require melting the wax, making it less messy and technical. Veet shares that this method can come pre-prepared. There are at-home strips that make it simple to wax in your own space without any assistance. The pre-made strips also are easy to transport. On the downside, it's not as strong as hot wax. Areas of your skin with thick hair may need multiple waxing sessions to achieve the desired hair removal. This repetition can cause irritation. 

According to Healthline, hot wax is kinder on your skin. You won't have to deal with strips or need to wax the same area multiple times. This perk makes it ideal for sensitive areas. Its precision cuts down on waxing time and pain. Unfortunately, hot wax is not convenient for traveling around, as there is no pre-made option, and it requires heating. Hot wax is best if you're not on the go. However, before any waxing, be sure to prep your skin to avoid post-wax breakouts.