What is paraffin?

Paraffin is a white, odorless, soft wax product comprised of a combination of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Don’t let the word petroleum throw you just yet…read on to learn more about paraffin wax and its applications in the spa industry.

Paraffin wax benefits

Paraffin wax benefits and uses include an interesting mix. Although paraffin has many possible uses such as in candle making, as a moisturizing component in cosmetics, to help heal burns as well as for many commercial uses such as in crayons, lubrication and electrical insulation, those are all in addition to the benefits of paraffin in the spa industry.

The application of paraffin in a manicure or pedicure is primarily to soften and moisturize the skin. Although this wax is odorless, it is not uncommon for essential oils to have been added for enhanced benefits. Common selections would be lavender (relaxing, calming) or eucalyptus (invigorating, stimulating).

The heated wax opens the pores of the skin and increases circulation. The wax forms a seal on the skin and as the skin perspires, the water is reabsorbed along with the emollients from the wax. This combination is very hydrating. The bonus is that when the wax is removed, a gentle exfoliation takes place leaving the skin feeling super soft.

In addition, the heated wax applied topically is excellent for relieving arthritis pain, sprains, bursitis, tendonitis, sore muscles or aching joints. The heat therapy will reduce inflammation which relaxes muscles and restores flexibility.

Paraffin wax treatment

So you’ve decided to try a paraffin wax treatment with your next manicure or pedicure. What can you expect?

Assuming you are having this delightful treatment as part of a manicure or pedicure, the following outlines what to expect.

The beauty of this silky wax is that it melts at a relatively low temperature. This feature allows it to be easy to use without burning the skin. Before your treatment, your practitioner will have melted the wax in a paraffin wax machine in preparation for your service.

After the nail tech has cleaned your hands or feet, they’ll remove any excess skin and file or clip your nails. Then you will be ready for your paraffin dip.

Whether it be for your hands or feet, once they are prepared, you will dip one at a time into the melted wax. You will dip the same hand or foot several times into the wax. This repeated process creates a nice, thick coating.

Once you have completed the dipping process, your practitioner will slip a plastic bag or wrap over the wax to lock in the heat. Then, the wrapped hand or foot will slide into a manicure mit or pedicure bootie. After both hands or feet are wrapped, the therapist will move on.

Depending on where you are receiving your treatment and what the treatment entails, your technician might provide a mini massage while the wax is working. If your hands were dipped, possibly a foot massage will be performed. If the feet, maybe the hands. Each entity will perform their services according to their preference – these two are simply popular options.

After the allotted amount of time, usually 10-20 minutes, depending, the mits or booties and plastic will be removed. The wax will be peeled off and discarded. The removal is simple, neat and painless, as the wax is soft and malleable.

The nail tech will resume your manicure or pedicure by massaging the hands or feet and move through the final steps of the nail treatment. After your treatment, your hands or feet will be soft, smooth and simply beautiful!

If you want to learn more about the history of paraffin wax, click here.

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