With the right technique, wax should not become stuck to skin during a hair removal session. But accidents happen, and when wax adheres to your client’s skin, you’ll want to know how to remove it quickly and painlessly. Today, we’re discussing the causes behind this uncomfortable phenomenon and the best methods to remove excess wax from skin.
What can cause wax to stick to skin?
In most cases, you can avoid wax sticking to skin by using proper waxing techniques. Here are a few reasons this might happen during a session:
Trimming clients’ hair too short
When hairs are less than one-quarter inch long, wax may not effectively adhere to each strand, sticking to the skin instead. This can lead to breakage, patchy results, and increased irritation. You might be tempted to reapply wax to the same area to remove remaining hairs, but this can increase the chances of a histamine reaction after waxing.
Having the wrong wax consistency
Using wax at the wrong temperature can also cause the solution to stick to the skin. When wax is too hot, it becomes runny and may settle into small creases. Cold, thick wax can’t spread evenly across the treatment area and may cool too quickly, leading to cracking, breakage, and residue left behind.
Waxing in the wrong direction
You should always apply wax in the direction of your client’s natural hair growth pattern and remove it in the opposite direction. This allows the substance to completely cover each strand for efficient hair removal. When wax is applied in the wrong direction, your clients may experience bruising, breakage, and leftover wax on their skin.
Related: Is Waxing Bad for Your Skin?
How to get wax off skin
Your clients trust you for safe and effective waxes every time they visit, so it’s important to know how to remove stuck wax from skin before it happens. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Soften the wax
Since wax sticks to skin as it dries or hardens, warming it back up can start the removal process. Dip a washcloth in warm water and place it against the skin for 15 to 20 seconds. You can also use a blow dryer on low heat to gently heat the area and loosen the wax.
Use an oil-based product or petroleum jelly
While the wax is still warm, massage the area with petroleum jelly or an oil-based product containing coconut, olive, or mineral oil. Allow the solution to sit for a minute or two, then gently wipe with a paper towel or cotton pad. Don’t rub the skin too aggressively, as this will irritate freshly waxed skin.
Rubbing alcohol
After you remove most of the wax from your client’s skin, there may still be some sticky residue left behind. You can use a cotton ball with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to clean any remaining debris. Be sure to follow it up with a soothing lotion or aloe vera gel to prevent excessive drying or irritation.
Encourage proper aftercare
When wax sticks to your client’s skin, they may need to be more diligent about aftercare. Have them keep the area moisturized and protected from the sun in the first two to three days after waxing. If they experience any discomfort, a cool compress or aloe vera gel can help.
Related: Brazilian Wax Aftercare for Long-Lasting Results
What not to do when wax sticks to skin
When wax becomes stuck to your client’s skin, keeping your cool is essential. After all, becoming flustered can cause your clients to panic, and at the end of the day, a little stuck wax isn’t the end of the world. Here’s what not to do as you remove excess wax from skin:
Using hot water right away
While warm water can soften stuck wax, water that’s too hot can damage the skin and increase the risk of inflammation. Stick to water that’s just slightly warmer than your client’s skin to minimize discomfort, redness, and irritation.
Picking, scratching, or rubbing
If you notice a little wax residue, your first instinct may be to pick it off using a fingernail or towel, but this can lead to micro tears, inflammation, and even scabbing if the damage is extensive enough. Resist the urge to use your fingers and opt for gentle heat and oils instead.
Reapplying wax
Back in chemistry class, you probably learned that like dissolves like, so it might be tempting to use more wax to remove residue from skin. However, waxing over the same area may cause excessive exfoliation and irritation that even the most thorough aftercare practices can’t improve.
Visit Enso Wax for all your professional waxing needs!
The team at Enso Wax is here to help you level up your waxing business with professional insights and high-quality products. We offer a curated selection of hard and soft waxes, as well as supplies like the Enso Duo, our dual wax warmer. Reach out today to learn more!
