A woman dipping her hand in molten paraffin.
The paraffin manicure is a beauty treatment for the hands that combines nail polish and polish with the smoothing and moisturizing of the skin. The entire hand is dipped in paraffin, either before or after the nail polish, to seal in softness and moisture. The wax is usually left on the skin for some time, usually between five minutes and half an hour. When removed, the skin is usually soft and silky and the hands are refreshed and revitalized.
Difference from a standard manicure.
A manicurist applying a paraffin wax treatment to a person.
Most standard manicures only focus on the nails. Manicures may rub lotion on the fingers or give brief massages to the palms of the hands, but these activities are often designed to increase blood flow to the fingers, which can help nail polish adhere. In a paraffin manicure, the health of the entire hand is a priority, and maximum relaxation is often the goal. Waxing is normally considered a luxury, and this type of manicure is often among the most expensive offerings at salons and spas.
Moisturizing Properties
Skin smoothing treatments are being applied.
Paraffin wax is quite oily and is known for its ability to retain moisture. When applied to the skin, it can help restore elasticity and vibrancy by opening pores and increasing circulation. A treatment can also have therapeutic properties, such as relieving sore muscles and joints, providing better range of motion in the hands, and relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, eczema, arthritis, and other ailments.
basic process
Pink nail polish is applied.
Most salons and spas melt blocks of paraffin in specialized manicure “bowls” designed specifically for soaking hands. As the wax melts, manicurists often rub clients’ hands with a moisturizing scrub to remove dirt and dead skin. In some cases, the nails can be shaped and polished first, but must be allowed to dry completely before being dipped in paraffin. Once the nails are dry and any exfoliant is rinsed off, the skin is ready for waxing.
Unlike most standard manicures, which focus on the nails, a paraffin manicure focuses on the entire hand.
In most places, the person doing the nails will remove all jewelry and then dip their hands into the softened wax in the container. It should be warm, but not too hot. A single coat is usually enough, but double or even triple dips are common, just to ensure a good seal. The manicurist usually slips a small plastic bag over each hand, which helps lock in moisture even faster. Hot towels can be placed on top. The wax is then allowed to “set”, which can take anywhere from five to 30 minutes.
Some clients are concerned about sanitation in salons and may not want to share a sink with other clients. While there’s no indication that sharing a sink can spread bacteria, as long as proper cleaning procedures are followed, manicurists can use what’s called the “peel technique” to ease any fears. A spoonful of melted wax is placed in a plastic bag and the client’s hands are coated inside the bag.
Wax removal and nail treatment.
Most of the time, paraffin washes off your hands easily once it has cooled. The hands usually feel very soft at this point; manicurists can amplify this sensation by rubbing lotions or creams into the skin. If it is necessary to polish the nails after treatment, a dehydrator should be applied to the nails to remove any residual oil that prevents the polish from sticking. The manicure can then proceed as usual, with nail color selection, nail trimming and polishing, and finally polishing.
added extras
Some spas and salons add essential oils or fragrances to the wax to make the manicure experience even more luxurious. Others will bet on more intense massages in the hands or even in the whole arm. Much depends on the salon, the price and the needs of the client.
tips at home
Although the paraffin manicure rose to fame in the professional services industry, it is also possible to recreate the experience at home. Many beauty supply stores and suppliers sell household wax blocks and basins for hands and feet. It is also possible to simply melt the wax on the stovetop or in the microwave, although this is not usually recommended as it can get too hot. In most cases, professional sinks are preferable because they can keep the material at a nearly constant temperature, which will prevent premature hardening or inconsistent melting.
Precautions and Safety
Burning is the biggest risk with a paraffin manicure, so it is very important that users check the temperature before submerging their hands or other body parts. The wax should be creamy and melty, but never bubbly or steamy, and it is flammable. A comfortable heat is almost always better than hot.
People with existing skin such as rashes or cuts should wait until they heal before irritation from this type of treatment. When applied to broken skin, the wax can cause infection or discomfort. Used wax should never be melted down and used again, as it can contaminate the sink with dead skin and other debris.