There are several types of depilatory waxes to choose from, which is a great advantage because this means there's a variety of options that can be used for several types of hair removal treatments. One of the most practical options is roll-ons. Roll-on cartridges make hair removal a lot easier since they are mess-free and don't need the use of a traditional wax heater. But how much do you know about them? We'll show you everything you need to learn about roll-ons and how to use them.
What Is a Roll-On?
A roll-on is a cartridge that contains soft wax, the same that you get in wax cans.
It is fully made in hard plastic and one of its main pieces is the head, which is a plastic cap that helps close the cartridge and spread the wax evenly. The plastic on the roll-on does not get too hot, so the cartridge can be handled simply with gloves. The head of the roll-on comes sealed for security and hygiene.
Roll-on cartridges have a standard content of 3.9 fl oz (100 ml), but there are also smaller facial cartridges with special heads that make application and removal easier on any face area such as the upper lip and the brows.
How to Warm Up a Roll-On Wax Cartridg
Roll-ons are really easy to use and easy to warm up, but you will either need to follow some DIY tricks or get a special device.
You can use a bowl with hot water to melt the wax in the cartridge. The main disadvantage of the DIY method is that temperature transfer is not steady and even enough to melt the wax properly, and the results in the wax consistency and manageability might not be optimal.
The professional and recommended way to heat up a cartridge is with a roll-on heater applicator or a roll-on base since these devices are specially designed to melt the wax inside the cartridge evenly and steadily, providing the right consistency for application.
Heater applicators are special devices that can hold one roll-on cartridge. The inner part of the device is lined with metal sheets which conduct heat to the wax. The device comes with a cord that plugs directly to a power outlet.
Roll-on bases and combo wax heaters have slots where you put the roll-on cartridges to heat up. On the device, there are individual switches to control each roll-on, and two rows of slots: one to melt the wax, and the other to keep at an optimal temperature the roll-ons which are already melted.
How To Use a Roll-On Wax Cartridge
Once your roll-on is melted, it's time to start waxing.
Besides the cartridge, you'll need a few other elements, namely muslin strips, pre-depilatory lotion, powder, and a post-depilatory lotion.
Step one: clean the skin with a pre-depilatory lotion. This will remove sweat and any product residue from the skin, besides providing antiseptic protection to the area.
Step two: apply a bit of powder to make sure the skin is completely dry so that wax adheres properly.
Step three: there are two variations to step three.
The first one consists of applying the wax directly from the roller onto the skin (hold the cartridge at a 45-degree angle on the area you want to wax and press gently while moving the cartridge along about 35 cm. Do this motion in a single swipe so that the wax will come out evenly in a thin film. Now you are ready to press the muslin strip on the wax in the direction of hair growth and removing it against, all while keeping the skin taut.
The second one consists of applying the wax onto a muslin strip in the same fashion described before, then pressing the waxed strip on the area you want to wax. Just like you would apply a cold wax strip, press the strip firmly and rub in the direction of hair growth, then rip against the direction of hair growth. Apply pressure right after removing the strip so that the nerves get soothed and the pain sensation is diminished.
Remember that roll-on wax is just like soft wax, so you should not re-apply on the same area more than once. Remove any strays with the same muslin strip you have already used.
Step four: use a post-depilatory lotion of your choice to remove residue and soothe the skin.
Roll-on waxing is quick and mess-free for either the professionals or waxers at home. Why not give it a try?
Why Roll-On Wax Cartridges are a Great Option
- Roll-ons eliminate any problem related to cross-contamination. This type of contamination can arise in wax pots where previously used spatulas are re-dipped after being used – this is called double-dipping and it's an unhygienic practice that no wax salon should ever fall into. Roll-ons contain the perfect amount of wax for one or several treatments and they can be used on a single client without the risk of contamination since the remaining wax in the cartridge never touches the skin or is exposed to the outside. No risk of external agents like airborne bacteria, dust or hair getting into the roller.
- Roll-ons are heated evenly when a suitable warmer is used, which allows the whole application process to be done without delays.
- Roll-on waxing is suitable for both large areas such as the legs and arms and small areas such as the face. Even the bikini line can be waxed with a roller.
- The wax is left at a warm temperature that won't cause too much discomfort on the skin.
- The wax in the rollers is water-soluble, so there is no sticky residue. Still, it's recommended to use a post-depilatory lotion for perfect cleanup.
- Professionals can save up lots of time by using rollers! It takes less time to prepare a roll-on system than it does to prepare soft or hard wax in a pot because there are fewer steps involved. Using the pot and the wax warmer implies preparing the amount of wax and then cleaning up after the wax is melted, but you don't need that with rollers, which are pre-filled. Just stick them in the cartridge warmer applicator, wait the necessary time and you're good to go.
- Roll-on wax cartridges are easily replaced or refillable.
There are few issues that can come up with wax rollers, like the heads not being replaced and causing risk of contamination, the cartridge getting too hot to hold or the client not tolerating the wax well. For all these problems, there are simple solutions that can make roll-on waxing as convenient as ever.
The Best Roll-On Waxes for Flawless SkinWhen it comes to roll-on wax, you should study a wide range of options before you choose one. The most suitable ones contain skin detoxifying, soothing and moisturizing ingredients. Here's our pick:
Detox rollers: activated charcoal and caviar extract make a powerful detox combination that leaves skin glowing.
Jelly rollers: jelly extract adds extra malleability to roll-on wax, not to mention it has a delicious candy smell.
Karite/Shea butter rollers: this extra hydrating formula contains vitamins and milk and deeply nourishes the skin. Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin!
Chocolate rollers: if you have chosen to get a deeply moisturizing chocolate treatment, then choco wax in a roll-on is your way to go. This formula is highly antioxidant and leaves skin supple and fragrant.
Azulene rollers: azulene is a well-known cosmetic ingredient in many products thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This roll-on will be super gentle on sensitive skin.
Lotus flower rollers: lotus flower extract combined with titanium dioxide create a gentle formula that will soothe irritation-prone skin.
Male waxing rollers: male waxing calls for special ingredients, so why not a specially formulated roll-on? The key ingredients are eucalyptus oil and titanium dioxide. These rollers are for tough guys, but they are super gentle on the skin.
Roll-On Accessories You Must HaveLast but not least, there are some accessories that will make using your roll-on that much easier. These devices make the perfect pair with the previously described rollers.
Roll-On Heater Applicator
Stick the roll-on wax cartridge in this device, turn on the switch, and just wait until the wax is melted (20-30 minutes). Additionally, this applicator keeps the wax at an optimal temperature. You can be sure that application will be easy since there are no cables to twist around while you work.
Base for Roll-Ons
This roll-on station speeds up the job in your busy wax room. You can heat eight roll-ons at the same time; four of them will be heating to optimal temperature and the other four will be kept pre-heating in standby mode. Each roll-on slot has an individual switch, so it's easy to keep track of which roll-ons you placed first. The best thing is that this device saves energy.
Combo Heater
Needing an all-in-one device? This is your best choice. In a combo heater, you'll get to warm up three rollers and one wax can at once. Each section has an individual switch for easy control, and it's energy-efficient.
We hope this comprehensive guide to roll-ons helped you decide to finally include them in your waxing treatments, whether at the wax bar or at home. Now all you need to do is find the highest-quality rollers you can get, and that's at Beauty Image. A wide range of roll-on wax cartridges and roll-on accessories is waiting for you. Call TOLL FREE 888-513-8815 or fill out the contact form below to get in touch with us. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news about us right in your inbox!
If you found this article helpful then let us know in the comments section below. Likewise, feel free to share it using the share options below. Want us to cover another topic of your interest pertaining to hair removal products? If so, then like us and follow us on social media, and post to any of our social media profiles the topic you'd like us to discuss: Facebook @BeautyImageUSA, Twitter @BeautyImageUSA and Instagram @beautyimageusa