Hard wax, or stripless wax, goes on thick, sets on the skin and is lifted off by hand, so no strip is needed. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks hard wax beads (also sold as "beans") and cans from GiGi, Cre8tion and Sharonelle, including the GiGi Neon range and two GiGi waxes that can be heated in a microwave.
Types of hard wax
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Hard wax beads | Melting only the amount the service needs in a pot warmer. | Cre8tion Cream Bean 400 g, Cre8tion Honey Bean 400 g, Cre8tion Azulene Bean 400 g, GiGi Azulene beads 396 g, GiGi Golden All Purpose Honee 396 g, GiGi Lavender beads 396 g |
| Hard wax in a can | A warmer that takes a 14 oz can. | GiGi All Purpose Hard Wax 14 oz, Sharonelle Honey Stripless 14 oz, Sharonelle Stripless, 24 per case |
| GiGi Neon hard wax | Bright 14 oz cans; GiGi lists them as paraben-free and formaldehyde-free. | Dragonfruit, Watermelon, Papaya, Pineapple |
| Microwave hard wax | Small jobs without a pot warmer. | GiGi Vanilla beads 283 g, GiGi Microwave Glitter 8 oz |
How to choose hard wax
- Beads or a can. Beads let you melt a small batch and top up; a can goes straight into a 14 oz can warmer.
- Apply thick. Sharonelle's directions: apply the wax thickly in the direction of hair growth, and when it has cooled, roll it off against the growth.
- Keep strips for other waxes. Hard wax is lifted by hand; strips belong with soft and roll-on wax.
Related: Soft wax, Roll-on wax, Wax machines, Wax care, All wax
Guides
- GiGi Wax Guide: Which Formula for Which Hair and Skin
- Sharonelle Soft Wax vs Hard Wax vs Roll-On: Which Wax to Use
Hard wax FAQ
Do I need waxing strips with hard wax?
No. Hard wax is applied thick, left to set, and lifted off by hand: flick up one edge and pull the wax off against the direction of hair growth. That is why it is sold as stripless wax.
Should I buy hard wax beads or hard wax in a can?
Beads are poured into a pot warmer, so you melt only what the service needs and top up as you go. A 14 oz can goes straight into a can warmer. GiGi Vanilla beads can also be heated in a microwave, and GiGi Glitter is a microwave hard wax.
Which areas is hard wax used for?
Salons use hard wax mainly for the face, underarms and bikini line, smaller areas where the wax can be laid on thick and lifted in one piece. For legs, arms and back many technicians switch to soft or roll-on wax with strips.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.