Last updated: 16/10/2022

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Let’s all acknowledge that hair removal is a pain. There are new products coming out all the time to make this task a little less tedious, but all have their disadvantages: using a razor means stubble, hot wax can burn your skin, electric shavers can damage the skin, and laser hair removal which seems like the perfect solution, is very expensive and doesn’t always work.

Are you familiar with these dilemmas? If so, it might be a good idea to try roll-on wax. This method of hair removal is trending at the moment, because it doesn’t produce stubble, doesn’t burn, doesn’t hurt and is accessible to more or less everyone’s budget. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about roll-on wax.




Summary

  • Waxing with roll-on wax is comfortable, fast, and clean: perfect for both domestic and professional use.
  • This hair removal method is suitable for all skin types. It even adapts to the most sensitive skin, and for those who do not handle the heat of hot wax very well.
  • On the market, you will find different options for roll-on wax heaters, as well as replacement cartridges with different properties: soothing, moisturizing, or refreshing.

Our Selection: The Best Roll On Wax: Our Picks

When buying such a personal product like roll-on wax it is a good idea to look into the available options. In this section, you’ll find different options for the kind of hair removal, along with a little bit of analysis on each.

Shopping Guide: Everything you Should Know About Roll-On Wax

Although roll-on wax is becoming increasingly popular, it still isn’t commonly used by many home waxers. That being said, we understand why you may have certain doubts concerning the use of this product. Next, we will try to answer the most common questions among those who are thinking of buying this item.

Image of a shaved woman on her legs

Normally when you buy an applicator you will also get one or two replacements, but you will find you will need to buy extras as you’ll undoubtedly use them.
(Source: Kzenon: 41115432/ 123rf.com)

How do you remove hair with a roll-on wax heater?

As you may know, there are different ways to wax: they vary in temperature of the wax and its application.  Domestic hair removal is usually done with strips of cold wax that are heated only with the hands, while in professional centres, the most common is hot wax which is more elaborate to use at home.

The third option is roll-on wax which combines the best of both methods.  The wax is heated in an electric applicator and is quickly applied to the skin.  The roll-on wax heater avoids drips that typically occur with hot wax.  It is less painful than cold wax and at the same time, it is much easier to use than hot wax.

girl at the beach

Waxing has never been so easy as with roll-on wax. 
(Source: Ekaterina Pokrovsky: 29322766/ 123rf.com)

The wax used is present in cartridges and has a lower melting temperature than other hot waxes for domestic and professional use, so there is no danger of burning yourself.  It can be used for removing hair on larger areas of the body, such as the legs, as well as delicate areas, like the moustache or chin.

What are the advantages of waxing with roll-on wax?

We have already told you some of the advantages of this method for domestic hair removal.  We are aware that this is never pleasant, however, it does not have to be an ordeal.  Roll-on wax has certain advantages that make it one of the most practical home hair removal techniques that exist today.

Characteristics Advantages
Medium temperature Since roll-on wax needs lower temperature to reach its melting point, you can forget about painful burns.

For this reason, it’s ideal for people with sensitive skin or circulation problems.

Easy application The format of this type of wax makes the application direct: from roll-on to your skin.

You will not need spatulas or other utensils.  You can remove it with just a paper strip.

There is no waste, since you will only use the amount you need, and the rest can be stored in the cartridge.

Cleaning Thanks to the roll-on container, you won’t have to worry about spills or drops.

Plus, it is soluble in water, so you can wash off any wax residue under the faucet without soaps or remover.

Effectivity Roll-on wax works like other hair root removal techniques, so you won’t have to re-wax for several days or even weeks.

It’s accuracy also allows you to extract shorter hairs than with hot wax or cold wax bands.

Practicality Roll-on wax heaters are small in size – more or less like an electric epilator – so you can take them with you whenever you need them: when you go on a trip or when you need a touch up that you haven’t had time to do at home.
Adaptability On the market, there are various types of wax that adapt to different skin types.

There are waxes with rose hips for sensitive skin, with shea butter for dry skin, refreshing or with different aromas, in case you want to turn the process into an aromatherapy session.

What do I need for waxing with roll-on wax?

Don’t worry, because you don’t need much. The essential kit for home hair removal with roll-on wax is simple and – even better – very cheap.  To start, you will need an electric wax heater, like the ones we have proposed in the previous section.  They are small devices, easy to use and take with you wherever you want.  You will also need wax cartridges.

Normally, when you buy the applicator, you will also receive one or two spare parts, but you will have to buy more as you use them.  These cartridges are usually universal, compatible with all heaters, but we recommend that you inform yourself about the type of cartridges you will use before getting a wax heater.

Image of several seated women showing legs

Waxing with a roll-on decapitator is one of the best methods which is kindest on your skin with smooth results.
(Source: Roman Samborskyi: 117002138/ 123rf.com)

How is waxing done with roll-on wax?

Did we already mention that roll-on wax is very practical and easy to apply? Believe us, if we were to describe this method of hair removal in one word, it would be “comfort.” The steps to apply it are fast and easy.  It’s not for nothing that they are an ideal system for home use.

  • To start, there must be a wax cartridge in the heater. It may be a new one – if this is your first time or you finished the last one you used.  Or, you are using the one you used last time with some wax left-over.
  • The heater connects to the loading platform until the thermostat indicates that it is ready which takes about 20 minutes.
  • Apply the wax on the zone that you want to wax with the roll-on. Do not squeeze the container; let the liquid wax fall on its own.
  • On top of the wax, place a depilatory strip and press it, so that it sticks well to the wax.
  • Pull the depilatory strip firmly in the opposite direction of hair growth, as you would with any other type of wax.
  • Wash the residue off of your skin ―you can simply use water, remember that this type of wax is soluble in water – and apply a soothing product, like cream.

Hot wax or roll-on wax?

The waxing method most similar to roll-on wax is hot wax, but between these two methods, there are also quite a few differences.  Although for domestic use, we are more inclined to use roll-on wax for its comfort and easy use, both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Type Advantages Disadvantages
Roll-on wax Goodbye burns!

More hygienic, no need to use spatulas or other utensils.
Constant temperature during the session.
Perfect for sensitive areas. The product is not wasted.

Can be irritating for very sensitive skin.

There are models that take a long time to heat up the wax to its ideal temperature.

Hot wax Results last for weeks.

Professional-level results.

The prices for this method may be higher if we consider the equipment and wax refills.

More complicated to use for beginners.

The remains aren’t easy to clean off.  There is a risk of burning if the temperature of the wax is not well controlled

Is waxing with roll-on wax hygienic?

Yes, as we have already mentioned, waxing with roll-on wax is very hygienic, both for domestic and professional use.  On the one hand, the same heater can be used in a salon with different people because the only part that comes in contact with the skin is the roll-on itself, and this is integrated into each disposable cartridge.

On the other hand, it is also a very hygienic method for domestic use, as it eliminates the possibility of dripping that does occur with hot wax and because the remains of wax that stay on the skin can be easily cleaned off with water.

A woman sitting on the bed with shaved legs

Shaving with a razor can often cause irritation, especially in sensitive areas such as the under-arms or bikini line.
(Source: puhhha: 60240778/ 123rf.com)

How do you maintain and clean the roll-on wax heater?

The good news does not end here: another advantage of using this method of hair removal is that cleaning the heater and maintaining it is very simple.  For starters, it does not become dirty easily, but, if that happens, remember that you can simply wash it off with water because the wax is soluble.  Of course, unplug it before you do so to avoid danger.

To keep it in perfect condition until its next use, always store it in a clean and dry area, like in a closet or inside its own box, if possible.  Do not leave it exposed to the sun or dust, as these factors could ruin it.  If the wax pieces have become too dry or do not come out with water, you can use a little oil.

If you were put off from home waxing because of the mess, then roll-on wax could be perfect for you.

Shopping criteria

All commercially available roll-on wax heaters may seem the same, but this is not the case.  Although its external appearance may be almost identical, the different options offer distinct features.  Here are some criteria that you can consider when looking to buy one of these devices:

Power

In this guide, we have shared with you different options with different power levels. Firstly, you should keep in mind that a roll-on wax heater is not a very powerful machine: all you have to do is heat the wax until it reaches its melting point which is quite low.  However, power does matter, and quite a lot.

When will you notice the difference? Of course, when you will most notice it, will precisely be the day when you are in a hurry and want to wax as quickly as possible.  More powerful heaters heat the wax faster than those that are not so hot, so the waiting time can be greatly reduced based on this aspect.

Size

In general, all heaters are fairly small and are easy to transport, but one of the aspects you should consider when shopping for one is its weight and size, especially if you plan to bring it with you on trips. A medium-sized heater, along with its charging base, weighs around 500 grams.

You will also have to think about the quantity and size of the replacement wax cartridges that you will need.  Normally, a wax cartridge is enough to wax the entire body, but we recommend that you carry some extra with you, just in case.  These weigh about 100 grams and are easily stackable with the heater.

Cartridge Compatibility

The good thing about roll-on wax heaters is that these days they use a type of cartridge replacements that are universal, compatible with almost all models, and can be available for purchase at almost any store, either in person or online.  These cartridges are also available in different varieties that adapt to each skin type.

However, there are other brands that only support their own cartridges.  For instance, of the options presented in previous sections, the Veet heater which is not compatible with all generic wax cartridges.

Summary

As you can see, the options for waxing are almost countless.  Roll-on wax heaters are a method not yet well-known, that is very simple to use, clean, not very painful, and perfect for home use.  In case you hadn’t heard of it or had your doubts about it, surely, we have now convinced you of its many advantages!

We hope this article was helpful.  Remember that before purchasing a roll-on wax heater, you must consider certain factors, such as its power, size and portability, compatibility of the cartridges, and the number of heaters that supports its charging base.  You will not regret it.

Do you dare to try this method of hair removal? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.  We encourage you to share our guide via social media if you found it interesting.

(Source of the featured image: Natallia Khlapushyna: 16577749/ 123rf.com)

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