9 Different Types of Wax for Hair Removal

When it comes to hair removal, I've been through it all—the good, the bad, and the downright painful. As someone who's been in the beauty industry for over a decade, I've had the opportunity to experiment with just about every type of wax out there. From the classic warm waxes to the more exotic, plant-based options, I've seen firsthand how the right wax can make all the difference in your hair removal experience. Today, I want to take you on a journey through nine different types of wax for hair removal, each with its own unique properties, benefits, and, yes, drawbacks. Whether you're a seasoned waxing pro or a newbie looking to dip your toes into the world of waxing, this guide will help you understand the nuances of each type and choose the one that's right for you.

1. Warm Soft Wax

Warm soft wax, also known as strip wax, is one of the most commonly used types of wax for hair removal. It's heated until it reaches a honey-like consistency, then applied in a thin layer over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is pressed onto the wax, and then quickly pulled off, taking the hair with it.

Warm soft wax was one of the first types I ever used, and it remains a staple in my waxing kit. It's incredibly effective for removing large areas of hair quickly, making it ideal for legs, arms, and back. However, it can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin, particularly if you’re prone to redness or irritation. The key is to make sure the wax is at the right temperature—not too hot, but warm enough to spread easily. If it's too cool, it won't adhere to the hair properly, making the process more painful than it needs to be.

Pros

• Effective for large areas: Great for legs, arms, and back.
• Quick application: The process is relatively fast, making it a good option for those short on time.
• Widely available: You can find warm soft wax in almost any beauty supply store.

Cons

• Can irritate sensitive skin: This type of wax can be a bit harsh, especially if you're not used to waxing.
• Messy: The strips can be tricky to manage, and the wax itself can get everywhere if you’re not careful.

2. Warm Hard Wax

Warm hard wax is another popular option, especially for more sensitive areas like the bikini line, face, and underarms. Unlike soft wax, hard wax doesn't require strips. It’s applied warm, allowed to cool and harden slightly, and then removed by lifting the edge and pulling it off in one piece.

Hard wax is my go-to for sensitive areas. It adheres to the hair rather than the skin, making it less painful and less likely to cause irritation. I also love how it minimizes the risk of ingrown hairs, which can be a common issue with other types of wax. The trick with hard wax is to apply it thick enough so that it lifts off easily, but not so thick that it becomes difficult to remove. Patience is key here—let the wax cool just enough before pulling it off to avoid any unnecessary discomfort.

Pros

• Gentler on sensitive areas: Ideal for the bikini line, face, and underarms.
• No strips required: Less mess and easier to control the application.
• Reduces ingrown hairs: Because it doesn’t adhere to the skin, hard wax is less likely to cause ingrown hairs.

Cons

• Takes longer to apply: Hard wax requires a bit more time and patience.

Purchase Recommendations

Lifestance is the best wax I've ever used, and this kit is cheap, for most people he is very friendly, very clean hair removal, and very friendly for people with sensitive skin, other brands of hard waxes have left me feeling very sore, Lifestance would be relatively much better.

3. Cold Soft Wax

Cold soft wax is similar to warm soft wax, but it doesn’t need to be heated. It comes pre-mixed and ready to use, which makes it a convenient option for those who don’t want to deal with heating wax. You apply it in the same way as warm soft wax, using a strip to remove the wax and hair.

I’ll be honest—cold soft wax is not my favorite. While it’s convenient, especially when you’re traveling or in a hurry, it doesn’t work as well as warm wax in my experience. The wax tends to be less pliable, which can make it harder to get a clean pull. That said, it’s a decent option if you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to a microwave or wax warmer.

Pros

• Convenient: No need to heat, which makes it a great option for travel.
• Easy to use: The application is straightforward, similar to warm soft wax.

Cons

• Less effective: Cold wax doesn’t adhere to the hair as well as warm wax, which can result in more missed hairs.
• Can be more painful: Because it’s less pliable, it can be more painful to remove.

4. Pre-Made Wax Strips

Pre-made wax strips are exactly what they sound like—strips of fabric or paper with wax already applied. They’re one of the most convenient waxing options, as they require no preparation. You simply warm the strip between your hands, apply it to the skin, and pull it off.

Pre-made wax strips are a lifesaver when I’m in a hurry or traveling. They’re not as effective as warm or hard wax, especially on coarse hair, but they get the job done in a pinch. The key to using these strips successfully is to make sure you warm them up adequately and press them firmly onto the skin to ensure good adhesion.

Pros

• Ultra-convenient: No heating or preparation required.
• Portable: Great for travel or quick touch-ups.
• Less mess: No need to worry about spilled wax or messy strips.

Cons

• Less effective on coarse hair: Pre-made strips don’t always work well on thicker, coarser hair.
• Can be more painful: Because the wax isn’t as pliable, it can be more uncomfortable to remove.

5. Fruit Wax

Fruit wax is a type of wax that’s infused with fruit extracts, such as berries, pomegranate, or papaya. These extracts are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help nourish the skin while you wax. Fruit wax is usually available in both soft and hard varieties.

I absolutely love fruit wax for its skin-nourishing properties. It smells amazing, and I’ve found that it leaves my skin feeling softer and more hydrated compared to other types of wax. It’s a bit more expensive, but I think it’s worth the splurge, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. I’ve used it on my legs, arms, and even my face with great results. The only downside is that it can be a bit sticky, so you need to be diligent about post-wax clean-up.

Pros

• Nourishes the skin: The fruit extracts provide antioxidants and vitamins that can benefit the skin.
• Smells great: Fruit wax has a pleasant, fruity scent that makes the waxing experience more enjoyable.
• Gentle on the skin: It’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Cons

• More expensive: Fruit wax tends to be pricier than other types of wax.
• Can be sticky: It’s a bit more difficult to clean up, so you’ll need to be thorough.

6. Sugar Wax

Sugar wax, or sugaring, is an ancient hair removal method that uses a mixture of sugar, water, and lemon juice to create a sticky paste. It’s applied at room temperature and removed in the same way as hard wax—without the need for strips. Sugar wax is often considered a more natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional waxes.

Sugaring is one of my favorite waxing methods, especially for sensitive skin. The paste adheres to the hair but not the skin, which makes it less painful and less likely to cause irritation. Another huge plus is that it’s water-soluble, so any residue can be easily washed off with water. I’ve noticed that sugaring tends to be less painful than traditional waxing, and I love that it’s made from natural ingredients. It’s great for all areas of the body, but I particularly like it for the bikini line and underarms.

Pros

• Natural ingredients: Made from sugar, water, and lemon juice, sugar wax is a more natural option.
• Less painful: Sugaring is generally less painful because it adheres to the hair, not the skin.
• Easy clean-up: Sugar wax is water-soluble, so it’s easy to clean up any residue.

Cons

• Takes practice: Sugaring has a bit of a learning curve, especially when it comes to getting the right consistency.
• Not as widely available: You may need to make your own sugar wax at home, as it’s not as commonly found in stores.

7. Chocolate Wax

Chocolate wax is a luxurious type of wax that’s enriched with cocoa, almond oil, and other ingredients that are known for their moisturizing properties. It’s available in both soft and hard varieties and is often touted as a more gentle option for those with sensitive skin.

Chocolate wax is pure indulgence. It smells divine, and I love how it makes my skin feel afterward—soft, smooth, and moisturized. It’s also less painful than other types of wax, which I attribute to its rich, emollient ingredients. I’ve used chocolate wax on all areas of the body, but I particularly enjoy using it on my legs and arms. The only downside is that it can be a bit more expensive than regular wax, but the results are worth it, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.

Pros

• Moisturizing: The cocoa and almond oil help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
• Smells amazing: Chocolate wax has a rich, pleasant scent.
• Gentle on the skin: It’s less likely to cause irritation or redness.

Cons

• More expensive: Chocolate wax tends to be pricier than regular wax.
• Can be messy: Like fruit wax, chocolate wax can be a bit sticky, so clean-up requires some extra effort.

8. Scented Wax

Scented wax is infused with various fragrances, such as lavender, rose, or vanilla, to create a more pleasant waxing experience. It’s available in both soft and hard varieties and is designed to make the waxing process feel more like a spa treatment.

Scented wax is a lovely option if you want to add a bit of luxury to your waxing routine. The scent can help you relax, and I’ve found that it makes the whole process feel a bit less clinical and a bit more like self-care. I particularly enjoy using lavender-scented wax before bed, as the calming scent helps me wind down. Just like with fruit or chocolate wax, the key is to choose a scent that you love, as it will linger on your skin for a while after waxing.

Pros

• Pleasant scent: The fragrance adds an element of luxury to the waxing experience.
• Variety of options: There are many different scents to choose from, so you can pick one that suits your mood.
• Gentle on the skin: Like other specialized waxes, scented wax is often formulated to be less irritating.

Cons

• Fragrance sensitivity: If you’re sensitive to fragrances, scented wax might not be the best option for you.
• Can be more expensive: Scented waxes are often priced higher than unscented varieties.

9. Plant-Based Wax

Plant-based wax is made from natural ingredients, often derived from plants like soy, beeswax, or other natural sources. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a more eco-friendly and sustainable waxing method. Plant-based wax is available in both soft and hard varieties.

I’ve recently started using plant-based wax, and I’m really impressed with the results. It’s gentle on the skin and has a more natural feel than some of the other waxes I’ve used. I also love that it’s an eco-friendly option, as I’m always looking for ways to reduce my environmental impact. Plant-based wax works well on all areas of the body, and I’ve found it to be particularly effective on my legs and underarms. The only downside is that it can be a bit more difficult to find, but it’s worth seeking out if you’re committed to using natural products.

Pros

• Eco-friendly: Made from natural, sustainable ingredients.
• Gentle on the skin: Less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Versatile: Works well on all areas of the body.

Cons

• Can be harder to find: Plant-based wax isn’t as widely available as some other types.
• More expensive: Natural ingredients often come with a higher price tag.

Conclusion

Waxing is a personal experience, and what works best for you might not be the same as what works best for someone else. Each type of wax has its own unique properties, and the key is finding the one that suits your skin type, hair type, and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for something gentle and nourishing, like chocolate or fruit wax, or something quick and convenient, like pre-made strips or cold soft wax, there’s a wax out there that’s perfect for you.

At present, the most suitable wax type for most people on the market is hard wax, which is the cleanest and cheapest.

Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your skin. If you find that a certain type of wax irritates your skin or doesn’t give you the results you want, don’t be afraid to try something else. With a little experimentation, you’ll find the perfect wax to help you achieve smooth, hair-free skin with minimal discomfort. Happy waxing!

reviewed by Sophia Adams, MD / Board-Certified Dermatologist