Everybody has one or many types of candle wax ready at home. And believe it or not, many women are turning to candle wax as an easy, affordable way to remove unwanted hair!
The question is, can you use candle wax for hair waxing? The answer is yes, you can. But it is not recommended.
Why? And how? Read more if you’re curious.
About Hair Waxing
Hair waxing is a hair removal method that involves using a wax product to remove hair from the roots. It’s a standard method, especially for people who want to get rid of hair on their legs, underarms, bikini area, or even facial hair.
The thing about waxing is that it can be pretty painful, especially the first time you do it. Plus, the hair takes longer to grow back and becomes thinner over time.
Waxing can be a great option if you want a long-term hair removal solution. Just be prepared for some initial discomfort.
Can You Use Candle Wax to Wax Hair?
You can technically use candle wax to wax hair, but it’s not strictly recommended.
Candle wax is a different type than the kind typically used for hair removal. It’s made for candles, not for hair. Plus, it might not be safe to use on your skin.
Reasons
Candle wax is made to hold its shape when it’s heated and cooled. It’s usually made from natural and synthetic ingredients, like beeswax and paraffin.
It’s also a fragrance carrier and burns slowly, making candles last longer.
- The texture and consistency of candle wax differ from those used for hair removal. Hair waxing products are specially formulated to be used on the skin and to remove hair. They’re often softer, less brittle, and less likely to irritate.
- It may not be safe to use on your skin. It may contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction or irritation. Plus, it’s not sterile. So, using it for hair removal could increase the risk of infection.
- It’s not as effective as hair waxing products. Hair waxing products are designed to grip the hair and pull it out from the root, which is not something that candle wax can do.
So, it’s better to stick with hair removal waxing products rather than try to use candle wax.
Different Types of Wax for Hair Removal
There are also different types of waxing, like warm wax and cold wax. It’s all a matter of preference.
Hot Wax
Hot wax is made from beeswax and resin and heated before application. This wax is excellent for removing coarse or stubborn hairs as it adheres more effectively than other types of wax.
It also has a longer shelf life than other waxes since it melts when heated and solidifies when cooled. When using hot wax, never apply it to your skin, as it can cause burning or irritation.
Cold Wax
Unlike hot wax, cold wax does not require heating before use. It comes in strips applied directly onto the skin with pressure and then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Cold wax is excellent for sensitive skin as it does not need to be heated before use and will not burn your skin like hot wax.
However, cold wax may not be as effective at removing thicker or coarser hairs since it does not adhere as well as hot or hard waxes.
Soft Wax (Strip Wax)
Soft wax, also known as strip wax, comes in liquid form and works best on larger areas like legs, arms, back, and chest.
It’s applied in a thin layer to the skin using a wooden spatula and then covered with cloth strips. Once the cloth strips are pulled off, your unwanted hair will be gone!
Soft wax is often used on more sensitive areas since it isn’t as painful as hard wax.
Hard Wax
Hard wax is ideal for smaller areas like the upper lip, chin, eyebrows, and bikini area because it adheres directly to the hair rather than the skin. This means that it won’t cause any irritation or redness – plus it gets rid of even the tiniest hairs too!
Hard wax needs to be heated up before application, and once cooled down, it can be peeled off without additional cloth strips.
Sugar Wax
Sugar wax is a relatively new hair removal option that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This wax uses all-natural ingredients like sugar, lemon juice, honey, and water, making it perfect for sensitive skin or allergies.
Sugar wax needs to be heated up before spreading onto your skin. But unlike other waxes, there usually isn’t any discomfort associated with its application or removal.
Plus, it leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky afterward!
About Candle Wax
What Is It?
Candle wax comprises hydrocarbons from natural fats and oils like soybean or palm oil. When heated up, they turn into a liquid form which can then be poured into containers to make a candle.
Each type has its properties and benefits, so it’s important to know what kind you need for your project before getting started.
The Uses
Historically, candles have been used in religious ceremonies, home decoration, aromatherapy, and more. But did you know there are also many other practical uses for candle wax?
For example, you can use it as an adhesive or lubricant in specific projects. It also works as a sealant around items such as jars or bottles.
You can even use melted candle wax to protect furniture by rubbing it over wood surfaces or attaching fabric liners to tables and chairs.
Ways to Melt Candle Wax
Once melted, pour your desired amount into a container and let it cool before using it in your project!
Double boiler
If using the double boiler method, fill the bottom pot with water and place your desired amount of wax in the top pot. Then place both pots over medium heat on the stove until all of the wax has melted.
Microwave
Microwave on low power in 30-second increments until all of the wax has melted.
Wax melter
A wax melter is an electric device designed to safely and efficiently melt the candle wax. It typically consists of a container placed over a heating element with adjustable temperature settings.
How to Get Wax from off Surfaces
Getting wax off surfaces can be tricky. But with the right tools and techniques, it’s doable.
Here are some tips for removing wax from various surfaces:
Fabric
To remove wax from fabric:
- Put a brown paper bag or a piece of white bread over the wax.
- Using a warm iron, press down on the bag or bread, and the heat will transfer from the iron to the wax, causing it to melt and transfer onto the bag or bread.
- Keep the iron moving to avoid scorching the fabric.
- Once most of the wax is removed, use a stain remover or laundry detergent to remove any remaining residue.
Carpet
To remove wax from carpet:
- Scrape off as much wax as possible using a butter knife or a credit card.
- Then, place a clean white cloth over the wax and press down with a warm iron, transferring the wax onto the fabric.
- Once the wax is removed, use a carpet cleaner or a mixture of warm water and white vinegar to remove any remaining residue.
Walls
To remove wax from walls:
- Use a hair dryer to soften the wax.
- Once it’s soft, you can use a plastic scraper or a credit card to remove it. Be careful not to damage the paint or wallpaper.
- Once the wax is removed, clean the area with a mild detergent or white vinegar solution.
Hair
If you get wax in your hair, don’t try to pull it out! Instead, do this:
- Use a hairdryer to soften the wax.
- Once it’s soft, use a fine-toothed comb to remove the wax from your hair gently.
Wood
To remove wax from wood:
- Use a hair dryer to soften the wax, a plastic scraper, or a credit card to remove it.
- Once the wax is removed, wipe the area with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to remove any remaining residue.
FAQs
What is candle wax?
Candle waxes are usually used in the creation of candles. They are made by combining different types of wax, such as beeswax, paraffin, or carnauba.
What are the different types of candle wax?
- beeswax
- paraffin
- carnauba
- soy wax.
Each type of wax has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications.
What are the benefits of using beeswax?
It is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making it a safe choice for people with allergies.
What are the benefits of using soy wax?
Since it’s a renewable resource, beeswax is an excellent choice for candles. It also has a lower melting point than other waxes, making it ideal for candles that need to be burned quickly.
Soy wax also emits less soot than other types of wax, making it a better choice for people concerned about air quality.
What are the benefits of using paraffin wax?
Paraffin produces a bright flame and emits little scent, making it a good choice for scented candles.
