Silk B Epilating Rolls: Soft, Medium Hard or Hard & Thick?
By Edmond Lin, M1 Nail & Beauty Supply, Markham, Ontario. Last updated 11 October 2026. Grade names and item numbers are taken from the Silk B roll labels.
Silk B epilating cotton rolls come in four grades: Soft (#5588) for the face and other curved areas, Medium Hard (#5599) as the all-round strip for arms and legs, Hard & Thick (#5577) for large areas and strong pulls, and Unbleached (#5566) for salons that prefer natural, unbleached cotton. All four are the same size, 3 inches wide and 100 yards long, and all four are plain cotton fabric that you cut to length and use with soft (strip) wax.
In this guide
The four Silk B roll grades at a glance
| Grade | Item no. | Fabric | Feel | Typical use | Sold as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft #5588 | #5588 | Bleached cotton | Softest; bends easily around curves | Face, underarms, bikini line | Single roll, case of 12 |
| Medium Hard #5599 | #5599 | Bleached cotton | Firm but still flexible | Arms, legs, general body waxing | Single roll, case of 12 |
| Hard & Thick #5577 | #5577 | Bleached cotton | Firmest and thickest; holds its shape | Legs, back, chest, other large areas | Single roll, case of 12 |
| Unbleached #5566 | #5566 | Unbleached cotton | Natural off-white fabric | General body waxing | Single roll |
Which grade should you choose?
- Choose Soft #5588 for brows, lip, chin, underarms and the bikini line, where the strip has to follow a curve and sit flat on a small area.
- Choose Medium Hard #5599 if you want one roll for most services. It is firm enough for a clean pull on arms and legs and still flexible on smaller areas.
- Choose Hard & Thick #5577 for full legs, backs and chests, for coarse hair, and when you pull the same strip several times.
- Choose Unbleached #5566 if you or your clients prefer cotton that has not been bleached. It does the same job as the white rolls.
- Stocking one waxing room? Keep a soft roll for the face and a firmer roll for the body.
How to use an epilating roll with soft wax
- Cut strips before the client arrives. Around 9 inches is a common length for body work; cut shorter pieces for the face.
- Cleanse the skin and make sure it is dry.
- Spread a thin layer of warm soft wax in the direction of hair growth with a wooden spatula.
- Lay the strip over the wax, leave a free end to hold, and press it down firmly in the direction of hair growth.
- Hold the skin taut and pull the strip back against the direction of hair growth, keeping it close to the skin.
- Reuse the strip on the same client until it stops gripping, then throw it away.
The roll itself has no wax on it. It only works with soft wax, the kind that is spread thin and lifted with a strip. Hard wax sets on the skin and is peeled off by hand, so it needs no strips at all.
How many strips are in one roll?
A 100-yard roll is 3,600 inches of fabric. Cut into 9-inch strips, that is 400 strips per roll. Cut into shorter 4.5-inch facial strips, it is 800. A case of 12 rolls gives about 4,800 full-length strips.
| Strip length | Strips per roll | Strips per case of 12 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 in (body) | 400 | 4,800 |
| 6 in | 600 | 7,200 |
| 4.5 in (face) | 800 | 9,600 |
What else goes on the waxing station?
| Item | What it is for | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden waxing spatulas | Spreading the wax; a new one for every dip | Silk B Adult wooden spatulas (150 x 18 mm, box of 500), Silk B Junior wooden spatulas (90 x 10 mm, box of 100) |
| Wax warmer collars | Paper rings that catch drips around the wax can | Pack of 50: round or square |
| Non-woven sponges | Applying pre-wax cleanser and post-wax oil | 200 per sleeve: 3 x 3 in or 4 x 4 in |
| Soft wax | The wax these rolls are made for | all soft waxes |
Browse the category: Wax. More guides on this topic: Waxing.
Questions about Silk B epilating rolls
Do Silk B epilating rolls have wax on them?
No. They are plain cotton fabric. You apply soft wax to the skin first, then press the strip on top and pull.
What size are Silk B epilating rolls?
Every grade is 3 inches wide and 100 yards long (7.6 cm x 91.4 m). You cut strips to whatever length the service needs.
What is the difference between Soft, Medium Hard and Hard & Thick?
The firmness of the fabric. Soft bends most easily and suits curved areas. Hard & Thick is the stiffest and suits large areas and strong pulls. Medium Hard sits between the two and works for most body waxing.
Is the unbleached roll different to use?
No. Unbleached #5566 is the same size and is used the same way. The difference is that the cotton keeps its natural off-white colour instead of being bleached white.
Can I use these rolls with hard wax?
No, and you do not need to. Hard wax hardens on the skin and is removed by hand without a strip. Epilating rolls are for soft (strip) wax.
Can a strip be reused?
On the same client, yes: one strip usually takes several pulls before it stops gripping. Never carry a used strip over to another client.
Where can I buy Silk B epilating rolls in Canada?
M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks Soft #5588, Medium Hard #5599, Hard & Thick #5577 and Unbleached #5566 in Markham, Ontario, with in-store pickup and shipping across Canada. Soft, Medium Hard and Hard & Thick are also sold by the case of 12.
Silk B epilating rolls, spatulas, collars and sponges at M1.
Shop Silk BGrade names and item numbers are read from the Silk B roll labels on the stock we carry, October 2026. Advice on which grade suits which area reflects general professional waxing practice, not a manufacturer specification.
