At a glance

The most significant difference between hard wax and soft wax is that one method requires no waxing strips, and the other does. Of course, that’s not all; here, we’ll give you an at-a-glance breakdown of hard wax vs. soft wax.

Stripless Hard Wax

• Often less painful than other methods
• Less mess
• Doesn’t stick to skin as much
• Great for grabbing short hair
• Ideal for smaller areas like underarms, facial, and bikini waxing

Soft Strip Wax

• Adheres well to fine hair
• Ideal for larger areas like legs
• Exfoliating
• Works well on long and short hair
• Longer setting time

What is hard wax?

Stripless hard wax has recently surpassed soft wax in popularity because it is easier on the skin. Hard wax is named after its ability to harden over hair follicles without adhering to the skin as it cools for less painful waxing. This allows the technician to go over the same area a second time to ensure all hair is removed with minimal discomfort and without breaking the skin. Once applied and hardened, the wax is removed directly from the skin.

Ideal for most services

Hard wax is gentler on skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin, or just for waxing sensitive areas. Because hard wax dies on its own, it much easier to remove and less messy than soft wax. Hard wax is typically used for bikini and Brazilian waxes, as it works well on coarse hair and smaller sections.

It's often gentler on delicate facial skin—nose included—and can remove any short noticeable hair. While it can be used on smaller areas, some find it time-consuming to use for larger areas like the legs or chest. Those services can take longer, but the results are just as smooth.

At Adore Essence, we feel using hard wax is the best option for our clients. It offers a less irritating and cleaner service, while efficiently removing the most unwanted hair. Make your appointment today to see for yourself!