Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/942738
74 march/april 2018 Polymer (a.k.a. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Ethylene/VA Copolymer) Used in hard wax, polymer is a fancy word for plastic. When polymer is added to hard wax formulations, it can do a few different things: 1. A higher polymer-content wax will speed up the drying time of the wax, which is a benefit for those in more humid environments. 2. A lower polymer content can prolong the drying time for the wax. This gives you more time to work with the product before it sets up and needs to be removed. This can be especially helpful when you are learning to use hard wax, as it will give you more wiggle room. 3. Polymer also adds a certain texture to the wax that allows it to be spread a bit thinner. It's important to note that polymer raises the temperature of the wax, and the more polymer in the wax, the higher the melting point. That's why it's always important to know the wax you are working with and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Just because one wax may have the same ingredients as another does not mean it works the same or reacts the same. Oil Used in both strip and hard wax, oils are added to wax to hydrate it and make it more flexible. You may see one specific oil listed on the ingredients, or a blend of oils. When a "blend" is noted, that means it is a proprietary blend and the exact oils used will not be listed. If there is too much oil in a wax, it will stick to the skin and be very difficult to remove. Titanium Dioxide Titanium dioxide is used in wax as either a colorant or to add client comfort. Titanium dioxide is white in color, so it is added during the formulation process to lighten the wax. In its natural form, titanium dioxide is a soft, chalky substance that, when added to wax, can take away some of the stickiness, making the hair- removal process more comfortable for the client.