Paraffin inside a service Keep your mitts off here
but only if a very speedy quick-dry topcoat is used. The application possibilities are basically the same in pedicures. The placement of the application is the decision of the nailcare professional. Most prefer the first method. After the paraffin application, the hand is placed in plastic then into electric or terry mitts; at least a 10-minute sitting time is suggested. Removal is performed by folding the paraffin and plastic bag toward the skin at the wrist of the applied paraffin. The “glove” is easily removed, bringing the paraffin with it. Then the remaining treatment lotion is massaged into the hands. If the paraffin does not come off in a nice, neat glove, it has not had enough lotion applied under it, not enough paraffin layers have been applied, or the application to the skin was not even. Another method for application is dramatic and less messy, but coverage may be less unless the service provider has extensive experience with the procedure. Take a tube-like plastic bag and crush it like an accordion (as you might with hosiery or socks before putting in your toe). Place the index finger and thumb of your nonwriting hand together in a circle, then push the bottom of the crushed bag through your circled fingers to make a basket to hold the wax. Dip one-third to one-half cup paraffin out of the bath and drop it into the plastic. Point the client’s hand or foot into the bag, then pull the plastic bag over it. (Don’t try this with the large-opening plastic bags from the hair department. It makes a real mess.) This takes practice to do perfectly and effectively, but many prefer it over dipping. Next, the nailcare professional speedily manipulates the paraffin up around the client’s hands and arm, or feet and legs, and places them in the terry mitts. Clients are encouraged to relax. This method is quite effective, though it depends on the thoroughness of the manipulated coverage of the paraffin and the amount in the bag. It certainly is neater than the other methods, though it does take practice. The paraffin may be more difficult to pull off in a glove if there is uneven coverage. One-time-use paraffin gloves have been invented to nicely simplify the treatment. Both foot- and hand-shaped bags are available. An initiator is poured into the bag, and it is placed on the hand or foot. The paraffin heats up quickly, and the client sits to enjoy the heat until the product cools. A sprayer is also available for applying the paraffin. The product is applied with the spray, then the hand or foot is placed in a plastic cover and terry mitts, and the client again sits while the product cools. Both methods allow simple removal of the product. The prefilled mitts and the spray methods are more expensive than other methods of dipping the wax from the paraffin heater and greatly increase the cost and price of the service. What is Needed to offer Paraffin • A paraffin bath: $150 to $200; most will include the first tub of paraffin. • A quality hydrating/moisturizing lotion for underneath the paraffin. • Plastic bags: Bags are available that fit the hands and feet. • Terry mitts: The temperature of the paraffin should be held as long as possible. • Prewash: An antimicrobial soap and brush. • A prep product for exfoliating the surface of the skin.
Three options are available for when to apply paraffin during a manicure or pedicure. First, the application of the paraffin can be after the massage. The lotion or mask is applied to warm, prepped skin, then the paraffin is applied to enhance its effects.
Electric heat mitts should not be used over paraffin because they do not allow the paraffin to harden to become a moisture barrier to the skin.
Second, the paraffin can be applied after the cuticle treatment, just prior to the nail plate cleansing and polishing. Third, the paraffin can be applied after the polish has been applied and has dried for three to five minutes, More application methods The traditional application of paraffin is repeatedly dipping clean, prepped hands or feet two to three times directly into the paraffin. The fingers or toes are slightly spread, and the hand or foot is allowed to drip the excess paraffin for a time between dips. However, some clients and manicurists have sanitation concerns about dipping their hands or feet into a paraffin bath that has had repeated dips by prior clients. To counter this fear, every client must wash their hands, using a brush and an antimicrobial soap prior to dipping, and the feet must be soaked or cleansed then sprayed with an antimicrobial spray prior to the dip. One alternative application procedure that can be considered to accommodate this concern is to apply the paraffin with cheesecloth or paper towels. The procedure is simple, though quite dramatic, which can be an advantage. Another advantage is that the paraffin does not feel as hot as it does in a dip, though it is warm enough to feel wonderful, and the heat is retained longer with the cheesecloth or toweling. Some professionals apply the cheesecloth with paraffin, then dip the covered hand or foot in the paraffin to seal the application.
The paraffin baths are brought to the client and placed next to them at the station. Then a precut piece of cheesecloth that has been opened to its maximum size is dipped, two to three times total, with the cloth allowed to drip for a few seconds between dips. The cheesecloth is transferred to the client’s hands or feet and wrapped loosely, then pressed tightly to the hand or foot
Add it up The forearm and elbow or the leg and knee paraffin treatment is an added fee with this treatment. More product is included, is more time for application and removal. Any additional time and product in a service should include an added charge.
Some salons and spas use this method to add a paraffin treatment to the forearm and elbow, legs and knees after prep, which are then encased in plastic wrap to maintain the heat and paraffin. If this method is used for elbows and forearms, legs and knees, nailcare professionals need to practice several times, or the process will make a mess. If paper toweling is used, use at least two sections of a very soft and highly absorbent toweling. (The cheap towels will not absorb the paraffin, nor are they crushable to the skin.) For paper towels, use the method described for cheesecloth application.
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