What Are the Different Type of Waxes?

We’re going to demystify the different types of wax that are available, what they’re made of, and how this changes how you get the best results from them. Parissa has been making natural hair removal waxes for over 30 years. We’ll share our waxing expertise to help you choose the right wax, and get the best results. Technique can make all the difference. We think waxing is a skill worth perfecting; smooth skin that lasts weeks longer than shaving is hard to beat. Save time and money by taking control of your beauty routine.

What are natural waxes made of?

There are two main types of wax, the difference is because of what the main ingredients are. These are sugar-based waxes and tree resin-based waxes. Each wax type has different properties. They require different techniques for waxing preparation and clean up.

Sugar-based wax are washable

Sugar-based waxes are very simple. They are made from sugar, water, chamomile extract, and citric acid. The key is in the cooking. The application of heat produces just the right thick sugar syrup for waxing. These waxes are known as ‘washable’ because they clean away very easily with water.

'Sugar wax cleans away very easily with water’

Resin-based wax, salon-style.

Resin-based waxes contain extracts from tree sap or gum, known as rosin or resin. These waxes can also contain other natural ingredients such as vegetable oils and beeswax. They are known as ‘salon’ style waxes as this is the type of wax usually found at a professional salon. Why? They are effective and work on even coarse hairs. The key difference to sugar waxes is that resin-based waxes are not water washable. They must be cleaned away with oil.

‘Resin based wax must be cleaned away with oil.’

Sugar-based waxes: What you need to know.

For waxing preparation, sugar waxes work best when starting with clean and dry skin. The directions for skin preparation when using sugar waxes are ‘Wash your skin with soap and water, or an oil-free toner, dry well.’ After waxing, clean up any excess wax or drips easily with warm water and soap.

‘sugar waxes work best when starting with clean and dry skin’

Sugar waxes are very gentle on the skin because of the simple and natural ingredients. Sugar is usually a safe ingredient for those prone to allergies. Sugar waxes work best on fine to medium hair types and can be used on the legs, arms, body, face, etc. They are great for those new to waxing because it’s easy to clean away or fix any misplaced wax.

The sugar waxes are liquid waxes. This means they come in a kit with spatulas and fabric strips. They require gentle heating only, but this is essential to the application of the wax. A thin layer of wax is needed to get the best results. Gentle heating reduces the thickness of the wax and allows a thin layer to be applied with a spatula.

The next step is firmly pressing on a fabric strip, holding the skin tight, and removing the strip quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. That’s a lot to remember, right? Don’t worry, all of Parissa waxes come with detailed photo instructions. Be sure to read these and keep them on hand while you are waxing.

Resin-based waxes: What you need to know.

Remember, resin-based waxes (salon-style) are soluble with oil, not water. This changes the pre and post waxing steps compared to sugar waxes.

For waxing preparation, do not wash your skin before using resin-based waxes. The directions for skin preparation are ‘ Do not bathe, wash or clean your skin before waxing. The skin’s natural oils provide a buffer between wax and skin. Applying some talc (soft) powder to the area is an option, this can help keep the skin dry in warmer weather.’ After waxing, clean up any excess wax or drips with the Azulene aftercare oil included in the kit, or other gentle oils such as baby oil and mineral oil.

‘do not wash your skin before using resin based waxes’

Resin waxes can be found in a few different formats. Parissa offers pre-lined wax strips, these are simple and easy to use. There are also liquid waxes that are used with fabric strips, as well as hot wax (hard wax). The hot wax contains more beeswax making it solid at room temperature. Confused? Don’t worry, we’ll go through these different formats of the resin-based waxes below in more detail below. The main thing is, for all resin-based (salon-style) waxes: Don’t wash your skin before using them, and use oil to clean up any wax residues.

The different types of resin-based ‘salon’ waxes.

• Pre-lined wax strips
• Liquid warm wax
• Hot wax (hard wax) 

Pre-lined wax strips: Parissa Wax Strips are pre-lined with salon style (resin based) wax. These wax strips are ready to use. The clear strips come with the right amount of wax pre-lined on them. Then, you simply apply the strip and zip away unwanted hairs.

The backing strips are made from clear cellulose for accurate placement of the wax. We recommend Wax Strips for beginners. They are easy to use and mess-free. The salon-style wax is effective on all hair types. Wax strips are perfect for hair removal while traveling away from home or for quick touch-ups. The results are instant and happen with two simple steps: Press on & zip off. Wax strips are available in various sizes. They range from mini strips for eyebrows, bikini, and face-sized, to legs and body sized. Check out the Parissa range of Wax Strips:

Liquid warm wax: Parissa Warm Wax is liquid salon-style (resin based) wax that comes in a screw-top container. The warm wax is part of a kit that also includes fabric strips and spatulas. Warm wax requires heating before use. Parissa Warm Wax can be heated by microwave or on the Parissa Wax Warmer. Once warmed, apply a thin layer of wax with spatulas. Fabric strips are firmly pressed onto the wax. Then, while holding the skin tight, the fabric strip is removed quickly taking the wax and unwanted hairs with it.

Don’t worry, all Parissa Warm Wax kits come with full photo instructions. Be sure to read these before starting any waxing! Warm wax is great for hair removal on larger areas like the arms, legs, body, chest, and bikini. The effective salon style wax works even for coarse and previously shaved hairs. Check out the Parissa range of Warm Wax: 

Hot wax (hard wax): Parissa Hot Wax is also known as hard wax or strip free wax. This wax is applied when warm and liquid, it then firms as it cools. No fabric strips are required, the wax becomes the strip. This unique wax shrink wraps the hairs and is great at removing even short and coarse hairs.

Hot wax contains beeswax which makes it solid at room temperature, and liquid when warm. The beeswax also makes this wax perfect for waxing smaller sensitive skin areas, we recommend it for facial waxing, upper lip, underarms, bikini, and Brazilian waxing. Check out the Parissa range of Hot Wax:

Tips for all waxing, regardless of wax type.

The 2-week rule: Wait for at least two weeks hair growth (½ cm or ¼”) before waxing. We know it’s a pain to wait, but it’s worth it to get the best results from waxing. This is especially important for previously shaved hair, as it can be stubbly and resistant.

Trim longer hairs: For the opposite issue, if the hair is longer, trim down to around 1/2’’ (1 cm). This means the wax will apply more easily and comfortably. It won’t tug on the hairs so much as you apply it.

Remove quickly: For all waxing, remove the strip quickly and in the opposite direction of hair growth. Keep the skin tight as you remove, this reduces skin movement and reduces discomfort.

Remove the strip close and in parallel to your skin. Not sure what we mean by this? Check out the diagram below. Don’t pull straight up, pull back and keep the strip close and in parallel to your skin. This reduces the pull on your skin and makes hair removal more effective.

Apply Parissa Azulene Oil daily to moisturize and help prevent ingrown hair: Parissa Azulene Oil is extracted from the plant known as Chamomile. It is used as an aftercare oil for hair removal waxing as it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Regular exfoliation also helps prevent ingrown hairs: Wait at least 2 days after waxing before starting exfoliation. Parissa Exfoliating Gloves are sold separately and can be used in the bath or shower.

Real talk about skin redness and waxing warnings.

Some redness after waxing is completely normal. Most people experience some level of temporary pinkness or redness to the skin after waxing. Depending on the area waxed and the hair type, fine or coarse, this should disappear in 20 minutes to a few hours. If irritation and redness persist, discontinue use. The skin may be more sensitive after the first waxing session, as the hairs are more deeply rooted. However, this can improve with each waxing session as the hair grows back sparser, finer and weaker each time.
Yes, now onto the serious stuff. The below warnings are also included on all of our instructions sheets too. If you have any questions, get in touch with us, hello@parissa.com and we can advise you on waxing.

Parissa waxing warnings:

• Always follow Parissa’s waxing instructions carefully: Improper use of waxes can cause skin lifting, bruising or skin irritation. If in doubt, contact Parissa before waxing for extra instructions or advice. 
• Do not wax skin treated with vitamin A derivatives such as Retin A, Isotretinoin (Accutane) or Glycolic Acid or Alpha Hydroxy Acid products.
• Do not wax sensitive, sunburned, irritated, broken or injured skin.
• Avoid waxing over varicose veins, moles, warts or other skin irregularities. 
• Do not use alcohol, astringents or other irritating products on the skin before or after waxing. 
• Do not use beauty or cosmetic products on the skin immediately after waxing.
• Do not use deodorants or antiperspirants for 24 hours after underarm waxing.
• Do not sunbathe or use sunbeds before or after waxing.

The benefits of Waxing vs. Shaving.

The main reason we love waxing is that it lasts for weeks longer than shaving. Each time you wax the hairs also grow back softer, sparser and more slowly. This also means it gets easier to wax each time. Regrowth time varies from person to person, expect hair regrowth anytime from 2 to 6 weeks after waxing.

Parissa, natural ingredients & environmentally aware.

We only use the good stuff. Parissa’s ingredients are safe, gentle and made from natural, sustainable sources. Our waxes are made from ingredients like tree resin, cane sugar, beeswax, vegetable oils, and plant extracts.

Cruelty-Free: Parissa is proud to be a member of The Leaping Bunny Program which administers a cruelty-free standard for companies producing cosmetic and personal care products. This is an assurance that no animal testing is used in any phase of production.

Sustainable & Green: The Parissa production facility is certified green and eco-friendly. All containers and packaging are intentionally made with materials that are easily recyclable or sustainably harvested.