Best Professional Wax for Hair Removal: 2018 Product Review & How-To Guide

Updated 6 years ago

Hair removal has been a topic in the beauty industry for centuries. Despite newer methods going in and out of style, waxing has been a staple method throughout the years. It is an effective temporary fix for hair removal. Over the years the formula of the wax has been modified to reduce the pain and provide smooth results with minimal to no irritation.

If you are a professional (or just want professional results), using the best products will get the best results. We are here to help you with your hunt in getting the best professional wax out there.

Why wax over shaving?

Waxing may be painful but there are many benefits to it compared to shaving. The lasting results is the number one factor when people are deciding between the 2. Over time, hair growth reduces and becomes finer. In terms of results, shaving may cause stubbles, nicks, and cuts. It also needs to be done regularly to prevent the skin from becoming rough and prickly. On the other hand, waxing actually smooths out your skin and last for roughly a month. So without further delay, we've come up with a list of the best professional waxes for hair removal.

Reviews of The Top 10 Professional Wax for Hair Removal

With the beauty industry growing so quickly, choosing the correct type of product can be a challenge. We've researched and gathered up the 10 best professional waxes so you can decide what works best for you.

Cirepil Blue Hard Wax

The Cirepil waxes are a favorite amongst professionals. The company is determined to make waxing as painless as possible. This wax doesn’t need wax strips and the 14-ounce jar is very reasonable with decent quality. The wax can be used everywhere since it is very gentle on the skin. It heats up quickly, spreads smoothly and melts within minutes. The wax is very pliable almost like rubber when it dries.  Overall it works like a dream for hard coarse hair.

GiGi Brazilian Body Hard Wax

Gigi produces one of the best waxes and many professionals swear by this brand. They have a vast variety of waxes from hard to soft catering to every skin type with different benefits. This formula does not require a strip which can be such a huge time and effort saver. The wax heats up quickly and the application is very smooth and easy. The wax cools down, hardens and is ready to peel off. The wax can be used on your body, bikini and even face. It is very gentle yet effective on your skin. The wax can, however, cause irritation to extremely sensitive skin.

Satin Smooth Honey Wax

Produced from natural pine resin and beeswax, Satin Smooth is another favorite. The beeswax melts and cools quickly allowing you to smoothly apply and remove from your skin. This wax takes a few tries to get to a perfect consistency. The application is very smooth, and it applies thinly yet evenly. It is perfect for thick, coarse hair and bigger areas since the runny consistency can be a bit too much for smaller areas causing the wax to drip and spread unevenly. The Argan oil in it soothes the skin and reduces irritation which makes the wax suitable for sensitive skin.

Shobha Sugar Wax

Sugaring is an effective traditional method that is painless with the least likelihood of ingrown hairs. Many salons also provide professional sugaring services nowadays. When it comes to sugaring, the wax might not be difficult to make yourself, but the consistency of the product can make or break the experience. Shobha Sugar wax is free of any chemicals or parabens. There is no dyes in the product and is perfect for sensitive skin. The results are very effective and lasts long.

Amber Austrian Green Hard Wax

Amber is known for combining innovative resins and rosins with pure oils to create excellent quality products for professional use. The Austrian green wax does not require any strip to pull off and it is perfect for smaller areas with medium hair. The product can be used for Brazilian or bikini waxing. The formula contains skin calming Azulene and beeswax which enables the wax to melt at low temperatures resulting in it being gentle on skin.

BodyHonee Sugar Wax

BodyHonee is one of the leading brands in wax or hair removal products. With sugaring gaining popularity, BodyHonee released the perfect consistency for fine to medium hair. The product claims to leave the skin smooth and hair free for up to 6 or more weeks. That will depend on each person’s individual hair type but still, it is known to be effective and long lasting. It is not an all-over wax and cannot be used on the face. This wax is even suitable for men considering that their hair tend to be stronger. It is very sticky due to the ingredients in it but can be very effective.

GiGi Creme Wax

Crème Wax might not be the no. 1 choice for people who do not have much experience, but professionals swear by this product. The wax melts at a very low temperature and has a nice consistency that is thick enough to apply evenly and pick up all hairs. It is very gentle on the skin, making it  great for sensitive areas & skin types. Heat control is very important with this product because it can be hard to handle if the heat is high and the consistency is runny. Overall for the price, it is a total steal.

Kolua Hard Wax Beans

Recently, Hard Wax Beans’ videos have been all over the internet. The formula is quite easy to work with. The melting of the beans takes some time but after it is properly heated, the consistency is really good and provides a relatively painless experience. The results are impressive. The wax needs to be spread out thickly for this to work or else the wax hardens and breaks. The formula contains coconut oil and is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.

BodyHonee Spa Wax

BodyHonee has it all figured out with waxes of every kind. This Spa wax is meant for thick to coarse body hair. The product is not water soluble, neither can it be used on face or bikini. The wax is intended for both men and women. The formula consists of argan oil and other natural ingredients that are meant to reduce the overall hair growth. It is a soft wax and needs to be used with wax strips. Overall the results are very impressive, and it does not cause any irritation.

GiGi Azulene Wax

Containing Azulene oil, this wax is meant to soothe and condition your skin. It is meant for all skin types which makes it ideal for professional use. The formula is very easy to use even if you are a beginner. It spreads evenly and is most effective on medium coarse hair. It is a soft wax and is meant to be used with strips.

Home wax vs professional wax at a salon

The price point is drastically different between at home wax kits and salons. At home wax kits usually cost around $15-$70 whereas salon services can cost $45-$100 just for both legs. The amount that you pay for just one session at a salon can equal to several at home sessions. Opting for salon services is perfect for special occasions or to learn from the professionals if you’ve never tried waxing. But when it comes to your regular care, at home wax is a great, affordable option.

Choosing the right wax

When it comes to professional waxing results, there are a variety of waxes to cater to different skin types and needs. There is a lot of waxes on the market to choose from but you first need to know the different kinds of waxes and what are they used for.

Hard wax

is getting quite a reputation lately. It is preferred for smaller, more sensitive areas like eyebrows, sideburns, underarm etc. The wax is spread while hot then left to harden before peeling it off. This method is comparatively less painful and the wax can be applied a number of times on the same area without any damage.

Creme wax (also known as Soft wax)

is the most common type of all. This kind of wax is perfect for bigger areas like your arms and legs. It requires a strip for the wax to adhere to before pulling it off the skin. Soft wax adheres to your skin and hair to pull out the thinnest of your hair. This type of wax cannot be applied twice on the same area.

Sugaring

is a traditional way to wax, which has been around for decades but recently grew in popularity due to social media. As the name implies, the main ingredient is sugar and a natural way to remove your hair. Since this type of wax is natural, this method is perfect for people with sensitive skin. It can be used everywhere and since it adheres to the hair and not the skin, you can use it multiple times on the same area.

How to prepare for waxing?

Preparing for waxing is as important as waxing itself. Poor preparation can lead to rashes, burns and skin allergies. For the best results, your skin should be clean and dry. You can also apply some loose powder to help the wax stick to your hair better.

Do not exfoliate right before waxing because it can make your skin sensitive and prone to burns. You can, however, gently exfoliate your skin a day or two before waxing to help the wax stick better.  You should not moisturize your skin or have any kind of oils on it. It will act like a barrier between your skin and the wax and will make it difficult for the wax to spread evenly.

A step by step guide to waxing at home with professional wax

Waxing at home can be a complicated process. Among other things, you may be wondering which way to pull your hair off, what is the right temperature for the wax, how thick does the wax need to be spread. We are here to guide you through the process to help you achieve salon-like results at home.

  1. To start, look at the length of your hair. Your hair must be at least ¼ of an inch so that the wax can adhere to it and pulled off without damaging the hair follicles.
  2. Numb sensitive areas like upper lips and underarms by icing them.
  3. Now comes the important part. The kind of wax you are using will determine the places you can use them. Sugar wax can be used everywhere, hot and cold wax on larger areas.
  4. If you are using a wax that needs to be heated, heat it. Read the instructions on the package to find out what is recommended. There are several common ways: microwave, heat up some water in a pot and submerge the container, or a double boiler to initially melt the wax and a candle afterwards to prevent the wax from hardening.
  5. Prepare your space. Keep the wax strips near you. Let the wax heat up to a fluid and spreadable consistency.
  6. Using a spatula or a popsicle stick, scoop the wax out of the container. Make sure the temperature is comfortably warm-hot and gently spread it on your skin in the direction of your hair growth.
  7. If you are using soft or creme wax, press the wax strip on the on the hot wax that you have just applied. The wax strip should stick to it.
  8. Hold your skin taut and pull the strip or hardened wax swiftly in one go, against the direction of your hair growth.
  9. Apply pressure on the waxed skin immediately with your palm.  

How to care for your skin after waxing?

Post-wax care is often overlooked. The first few days after getting waxed, your pores are usually open and much more sensitive. It is advised to wait at least 24 hours before exfoliating your skin or applying heavy moisturizers. Opt for lighter options of moisturizing like oils and ingrown hair serums. This can really help prevent bumps and ingrown hairs.

Sunbathing is also not advised for at least 12 hours after getting waxed. Saunas, spas and chlorinated pools must be steered clear of. Touching the waxed area repeatedly can also irritate the open pores.