How to Use Hard Wax for Beginners

Hard wax has been a go-to hair removal method dating back to the early 20th century! Hard wax became so popular because it effectively removed large areas of hair quickly and it also didn’t require all of the supplies soft wax did. Hard wax is still a popular method of waxing today and at Nova, we want to teach you how to use hard wax the right way!

Table of contents

How To Use Hard Wax - Step By Step 

1. Heat your hard wax - make sure the temperature isn’t too hot, always test by applying it on your inner wrist before application! To start turn the warmer all the way high until the wax melts. Then, throughout the service monitor the temperature consistently. 
2. Clean the service area using Nova pre-wax cleanser and cotton rounds. Make sure the area is completely dry before beginning hard wax application.
3. Assess the direction of hair growth of the area that is being waxed. When applying the wax you always want to apply the hard wax strip in the same direction of the hair growth.
4. Monitor your hard wax consistency, if your hard wax is honey-like then you’re good to go.
5. Dip your spatula into the wax and apply in the same direction of hair growth, spreading the wax evenly and at a good pace with firm consistent pressure.
6. Create a lip (edge) at the end of your hard wax strip. This is where you should begin your hard wax pull from and it should be at the opposite end from where you first applied the strip. For example, if you’re waxing somebody’s lower forearm and their hair grows downwards from the elbow, the strip will be applied beginning at the elbow and the pulling edge will be closer to the wrist. 
7. Hold the skin taut and grab the lip. Pull parallel to the skin in one swift motion until the strip is fully removed. 
8. Repeat this process over the service area.
9. Clean remaining hard wax residue with Nova’s post-wax oil and seal in fresh results with Nova’s hydrating post-wax lotion. 

Benefits of Using Hard Wax 

One of the biggest benefits of using hard wax is how safe it is for the skin. Unlike traditional soft wax, which adheres to the skin, hard wax adheres only to the hairs. As a result, the likelihood of ingrown hairs and irritation is lessened.

Not only is the skin barrier less comprised when using hard wax, but it also makes waxing less painful since the skin won’t lift with the wax.

Choosing a high-quality hard wax like Nova, formulated with hydrating ingredients like tamanu oil, gives you additional peace of mind when it comes to skin-friendly hard waxing. 

The consistency of hard wax is also beneficial because it’s extremely malleable. Since hard wax is so flexible, waxing small areas like the eyebrows or more intricate areas like creases can be easily done.

Another benefit of using hard wax is that it’s stripless. Stripless waxing means that as an esthetician you can get through services way faster and with way less cleanup. If you’ve ever wanted to get into speed waxing then hard wax should be your new BFF!

Using hard wax is also better for the environment since there are no strips to throw away or razors from shaving to throw away, which both contribute to waste and landfills. 

What is a good temperature for hard wax? 

The ideal temperature for hard wax varies depending on the brand you’re using and the area that you’re waxing. Choosing a wax with a low melting point, likeNova Hard Wax saves you a great deal of time with the heating process.

With Nova Wax, the ideal temperature should be between 65-75 degrees. We recommend turning the dial all the way up on your warmer until it melts and then turning the dial down. 

Although it’s easier to have a temperature goal, what you should really be monitoring is the consistency of the wax. The wax should have a honey-like consistency.

Since temperature can fluctuate so much the most important thing to do is keep stirring throughout the service and occasionally check on the inside of your wrist if you have suspicions or if you're servicing a client, ask if it feels too hot. 

What Consistency Should Hard Wax Be?

Hard wax should have a honey-like consistency. A good way to know if you’ve achieved that dreamy honey-like consistency is by using your spatula and doing the infamous hard wax twirl.

You can dip your spatula into the wax and twirl the spatula. If twirling the spatula is comfortable and the wax isn’t too runny or fluid then it’s ready for application. 

How To Apply Hard Wax and Hard Wax Application Tips

As mentioned above, one of the biggest tips in applying hard wax and using hard wax in general is toalways assess the hair growth direction! When hard wax is applied the strip needs to be laid in the direction of the hair growth. 

While it may be a bit of a learning curve at first, using hard wax can bring out your inner contortionist. Don’t be afraid to move your hand in a weird motion to work with the hair growth in small areas.

Another tip for applying hard wax is to make sure the strips are laid evenly and thoroughly. If you want to efficiently remove all hairs, you want to try your best to make sure that the strip is evenly spread across the area, without messy edges or thicker patches. 

Pressure is also huge when it comes to using hard wax! Applying the wax with a firm solid pressure helps the wax adhere to each hair in the area. 

How To Create A Hard Wax Edge / Hard Wax Lip

Creating a hard wax edge, also known as a “lip,” is an essential step to getting the best hard wax results ever. The lip provides a place for you to start your pull from and maximizes comfort. 

You create the lip at the end of your strip by doing a quick little tap into an upward motion with the applicator stick. You repeat the tapping until an edge lifts and at that point, you have your wax lip. 

Never remove your hand too far from the edge when doing the tapping and find the sweet spot between too much of a tap and not enough of one. This takes practice, be patient with yourself!

The cleaner the edges of the lip are, the easier the hard wax pull will be! 

READ: Can Waxing Be Painless?

How to Remove Hard Wax

The key to removing hard wax is pulling against the direction of the hair growth. Once you’ve applied your strip and created your lip, removing hard wax is the most simple part of using hard wax!

To remove hard wax you create a firm grip of the edge with one hand and hold the skin taut right below the edge with the other hand. Pull the strip with one thorough and confident motion, to make sure that it’s removed as painlessly and effectively as possible.

When removing hard wax, you want to think of pulling parallel to the skin as opposed to upwards. 

After removal, make sure to use good aftercare productsto soothe the skin and restore that silky-smooth glow! 

Final Thoughts

Using hard wax might have a bit of a learning curve, but the results are always worth the work! Hard wax is gentle on the skin and can be used anywhere. When it comes to using hard wax, preparing the wax and monitoring the consistency before and during the service is key. 

A good hard wax consistency should be honey-like and is best applied evenly with firm pressure. Achieving the smoothest skin around is possible if you can create a good hard wax lip and follow through with your pulls. Happy hard waxing!