Paraffin Manicures: The Best Nail Treatment You’re Not Using
The Lowdown on Paraffin Manicures
When I first heard about paraffin wax manicures, I was confused. After all, we’re used to using wax for other reasons, right girls? Why would I want to stick my hands in liquid wax? However, this was before I tried one.
Reputed as being a superb moisturizer and perfect for soothing aching joints, the warmed wax treatment is becoming commonplace at many high end salons for manicures and pedicures, but it’s something you can do very easily at home, too.
What’s so good about a paraffin manicure?
Our hands are frequently the most dehydrated part of our bodies, due to their constant exposure to the air, water, and harsh chemicals. We use them without thinking of the effects our actions have on them. Fingertips tapping on a keyboard may seem minor, but if you could see the damage under a microscope, you’d be shocked. Unscrewing bottles, picking and carrying objects, and touching things – every act leaves its mark.
When our skin is warmed, the pores open, allowing impurities to pass out and beneficial ingredients to be absorbed. It also causes blood flow to increase, reduces swelling and allows muscles to relax. You know how soothed you feel after a long, warm bath? Well, a paraffin manicure is a warm, moisturizing bath for your hands. Melted paraffin forms a barrier locking the moisture in, and the ongoing warmth heals injuries, soothes damaged skin, and leaves your hands feeling baby soft.
How to do a paraffin manicure at home
- Put the recommended amount of wax into the unit and switch on. While it melts, make sure you have everything to hand, including plastic gloves to put on while the wax works its magic.
- A paraffin manicure treatment starts with a rich moisturizer being thoroughly applied and massaged into your hands, including nails and cuticles, and wrists.
- Once the paraffin has melted in the specialized unit, the fun starts. Depending on the size of your unit, you may have to do each hand separately.
- Dip your hands in several times, up to your wrists, waiting 5 or 6 seconds in between dippings. This allows the wax to set slightly, before you apply another layer. The aim is to have several layers of wax coating every inch of your hands (or feet).
- Carefully slip on the plastic gloves. These will keep the warmth in and stop you getting wax everywhere. Relax for as long as you want, as long as it’s more than half an hour. I tend to schedule this treatment when I can spend a night in front of the TV, and leave the wax on whilst watching enjoying a good film, or two.
- When you want to remove the hardened wax, do it over a trash can. Peel it off gently, apply more moisturizer, and you’ll be left with gorgeously soft hands.
I’m putting the best paraffin manicure units to the test just for you.
Jerrybox Paraffin Wax Machine for Hand and Feet
What Makes it Great
With enough room for both hands, this is a sleek, well made electric warmer. Adjustable heat settings, an easy to read digital display, and a viewing lid allows you to monitor the temperature of the wax safely. Salon Sundry have designed a neat, tidy and easily portable unit, which makes a great addition to a professional salon, or DIY manicure kit.
Where it Could be Improved
Although the wax is inexpensive to purchase, I felt it would’ve been nice if a bag was included with this warmer.
If you’re looking for a high quality paraffin warmer, this is a good choice. Portable, easy to clean, with some great features, I really like this one.
Paraffin Wax Machine for Hand and Feet, Paraffin Wax Warmer Quick-Heating Paraffin Bath Spa for Smooth and Soft Skin
- [0.5-HOUR FAST WAX MELTDOWN]: Melts wax quickly and evenly to give you an enjoyable waxing experience while allowing you to save time; takes just 0.5 hours to fully melt 2 lbs of paraffin wax at 158 °F
Revlon Paraffin Bath
What Makes it Great
Revlon have thought of everything here, and the bath comes with 3 pounds of wax, thermal mitts and liners to keep them clean. With adjustable heat settings, an indicator light and an easily cleaned interior, this is a well designed unit that sits comfortably, without slipping, on any surface. The safety plate is a great idea, keeping the heating elements nicely out of the way.
Where it Could be Improved
I did find that the maximum temperature was too hot for my hands. So, once the wax has melted, it’s wise to turn it down to medium,
Revlon have designed a decent paraffin bath, incorporating some nicely innovative ideas, and included a generous pack of extra goodies. Perfect!
Revlon Moisturizing Paraffin Bath for Smooth and Soft Skin
- Wax can be used on elbows, feet, and hands
- Paraffin wax smoothes and softens skin
- Offers full range of heat comfort levels
- Melts wax in approximately 60 minutes
- Includes 3 pounds of Rain Scented Wax, 2 thermal mitts, and 30 glove liners
Therabath Paraffin Wax Refill
What Makes it Great
Well, you can’t have a paraffin manicure without paraffin wax, and this wax can be used with any unit. Therabath’s huge range of essential oil blended waxes includes lavender, lemon, tea tree, and mint, but they have also produced several unscented options. Melting at a lower temperature than many brands, being pre softened allows the wax chips to be used for hand rehabilitation exercises post operation/injury. I spent ages playing with the pliable wax – definitely a selling point for me then!
Where it Could be Improved
This is only available in 6lbs bags, and it would be good to have a choice of size options.
Beautifully scented, easy to melt, and with a budget friendly price, this is the perfect addition to your paraffin manicure bath.
Therabath Paraffin Wax Refill - Use To Relieve Arthitis Pain and Stiff Muscles - Deeply Hydrates and Protects - 6...
- MADE IN THE USA! Professional quality Paraffin from Therabath will leave your skin soft, youthful, deeply moisturized, and healthy looking. Can be used in all paraffin baths.
- SOFT AND PLIABLE! Our paraffin wax is soft and pliable, eliminating the mess found with dry, brittle paraffin waxes. Even use the pliable ball of wax to effectively exercise the hand during rehabilitation.
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