What is a Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin, an odorless and tasteless wax, has a plethora of uses. It’s a chewing gum additive, a wax coating for some kinds of hard cheese, and the shiny coating used in candy making. It’s also a bullet lubricant and a thickening agent in paintballs. But paraffin isn’t just for gum and artillery: the wax is also great for beauty and spa therapies.

What is a Paraffin Manicure or Pedicure?

A paraffin wax treatment is a delightful add-on to a manicure or pedicure. After soaking your hands or feet in hot water, filing, cleaning, and shaping the nails, it’s time for the paraffin wax, which is heated to a temperature that is soothing, but doesn’t burn. Many spas make the treatment aromatherapeutic by adding lavender and other scents before applying the wax.

	Research has found that paraffin is also great for those suffering with carpal tunnel.

How is Paraffin Applied?

Different spas apply the paraffin differently. Some have you place your desired body part in a vat of wax to coat it, while others paint on the wax with a brush. The most hygienic option is PerfectSense, a single-use pair of plastic gloves filled with the wax. After you slip on the gloves, your hands or feet are wrapped in plastic and then a hot towel or bootie is put over the wrap to keep it warm and soothing. The wax is left on for five to ten minutes—enough time for it to begin to cool down. The cooled wax will not stick to your skin and peels off easily.

What are the Benefits of Paraffin Wax?

“The idea of paraffin is to moisturize your skin,” Evelyn Jung of Element Beauty Lounge explained. “The paraffin we use has vitamin C, E, and other good stuff. It also helps the circulation.” In addition, paraffin also softens the skin and cuticles.

But paraffin has many other therapeutic uses. “The wax itself is very emollient. It’s similar to how when your lips are chapped and you put on lip balm, it’s really soothing,” So Young Kim, the director of Silk Day Spa, said. “We use paraffin in our hand and foot treatment and the immediate benefits are definitely hydration. The wax and the oils trap in moisture, so when you have really dry hands and feet, the skin is so much more hydrated. It’s also really good for eczema, arthritis, and the muscles. It can help remove excess fluid and help soak in and detox everything. The heat from paraffin is also very therapeutic for joints.”

At-Home Paraffin Treatments

Paraffin Wax Baths

Many manicurists suggest having a paraffin treatment once or twice a week for relaxation and to reap the health benefits. Paraffin is usually offered at spas and salons as an add-on to a manicure or pedicure for a fee of $10 -$20. If that seems like a pricey addition to your beauty regime, you can always buy a home paraffin wax bath. These range in price from about $40 to $200.

So how do you choose? “It doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor,” owner of Just Calm Down Spa, Tara Oolie, reported. “You just want to make sure that the paraffin is heated up to a nice temperature.” Oolie also recommended that it’s nice if there’s a thermometer on the kit to tell you how hot the wax has become. Brands like HoMedics and Artemis Woman make fairly inexpensive versions.

Stove Top Paraffin Preparation

Particularly frugal beauty buffs, who like to cook, can simply buy the paraffin wax and prepare it at home using a double boiler. Once the wax is at a temperature to your liking, submerge your hands so they are fully coated, and then cover them with plastic sandwich bags. You can also place a bath towel over your hands to keep the heat in a little longer. Another benefit to using paraffin at home is that you can add any kind of fragrance you like to spice things up.

Research has found that paraffin is also great for those suffering with carpal tunnel, bursitis, and bad circulation. So go ahead and dip yourself in wax—for health and beauty.

Resources

Just Calm Down Spa
32 West 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
(212) 337-0032

Element Beauty Lounge
43 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 387-0045

Silk Day Spa
47 West 13th Street (btwn 5th and 6th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 255-6457