What is a Paraffin Wax Pedicure – Benefits & How to DIY Home

What is a Paraffin Wax Pedicure - Benefits & How to DIY Home
What is a Paraffin Wax Pedicure – Benefits & How to DIY Home

One of the main reasons for getting a pedicure is to make your feet feel soft and smooth. And a Paraffin Pedicure is one of the best ways to exfoliate and moisturize your feet to make them feel amazing.

But a lot of people don’t really understand this type of pedicure so that’s why in this article, I am going to dive into Paraffin Pedicures and explain to you:

  • What exactly is a Paraffin Pedicure & How it works.
  • Benefits of a Paraffin Pedicure.
  • Possible Side Effects.
  • How to DIY a Paraffin Pedicure at Home.

What is a Paraffin Wax Pedicure

A Paraffin Wax Pedicure is where paraffin wax is applied to your feet to soften and soothe them. It is usually added as an extra service with a basic pedicure.

Paraffin Wax is a white odorless wax that melts at a very low temperature which means that it can easily be turned into a warm liquid.

This allows paraffin wax to be soft and gentle so that it can be applied to the skin without causing any discomfort, pain, or burns.

The paraffin wax can be applied by either:

  • Dipping the feet into a tub filled with the warm liquid wax
  • Using a brush to apply the liquid wax onto the feet.

Related Article: What is a Pedicure & What Procedures are Usually Included

Benefits of a Paraffin Wax Pedicure

1- Makes the Feet Soft & Smooth

Paraffin wax is a very effective exfoliant allowing it to remove calluses and corns. This makes your feet feel softer and smoother.

You see when the paraffin wax solidifies it removes dead skin cells. And calluses and corns are made of hardened dead skin cells.

2- Moisturizes the Feet

Keeping your feet well moisturized is one of the best ways to keep them looking young and healthy.

You see moisturizing keeps your skin hydrated which prevents your feet from aging rapidly and becoming dry and cracked up.

And Paraffin Wax is an extremely effective moisturizer. This is because:

  • Paraffin wax is a natural emollient similar to baby oil – it works by forming a layer over the skin which prevents moisture from evaporating and thus keeping your skin moisturized.
  • The warmth of the wax helps to open up the pores on your skin – this allows the skin to better absorb any carrier oil mixed with the wax.

Paraffin Wax works best as a moisturizer when used with other types of oils. This is because the nutrients from the other oils are absorbed better into the skin when the pores are opened up.

I recommend using it with essential oils like lavender and a great carrier oil such as Jojoba or Coconut oil.

Related Article: How Long Does a Pedicure & Mani Pedi take & What to Expect

3- Has a Relaxing & Soothing Effect

The warmth of the paraffin wax has a nice soothing and relaxing effect on your feet. This helps to relieve built-up tension and stress.

4- Relieves Pain in Joints & Muscles

Paraffin Wax has been proven in several studies to relieve pain for individuals suffering from certain ailments. Such as:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • And some mobility ailments steming from joint problems.

You see a paraffin wax pedicure works as heat therapy similar to how a hot compress works.

Now the heat from the wax helps to stimulate blood flow, relax tense and sore muscles and reduce joint stiffness.

Side Effects of a Paraffin Wax Pedicure

Side effects such as heat rashes, swelling, and breakouts are rare. But can happen for those who have very sensitive skin.

You should also avoid getting a paraffin wax pedicure if you have any open wounds or sores on your feet. Or if you suffer from diabetes and poor blood circulation.

Whats the Price for a Paraffin Pedicure

The price for adding paraffin wax to your pedicure is usually around $20-35. But the price will vary greatly depending on the type of salon or spa.

How to DIY a Paraffin Wax Pedicure at Home

You can easily do a paraffin pedicure at home without needing a paraffin machine.

Things you will need:

  • 4 Ounces of Paraffin Wax
  • A few drops of Essential Oil – like lavendar
  • 1 Ounce of Carrier oil – such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or even olive oil
  • A large microwavable container – I recommend using one of those glass casserole dishes.
  • Plastic Wrap

Method of How to DIY a Paraffin Wax Pedicure at Home

Step 1 – Melt & Prepare the Solid Paraffin Wax

The first thing you need to do is melt the paraffin wax. Now there are two methods to do so, you can either;

  • Microwave
  • Double Boil

Microwave

  • Firstly, you need to mix the wax with your carrier oil and essential oil in a large microwavable container.
  • Next, microwave it for 20 seconds intervals and then check at each interval to see if the content has melted.
  • Do not microwave the wax for one long duration instead you should do it in intervals – this way you prevent the wax from getting too hot.
  • Once the wax has melted mix the wax and oils up together.

Double Boiling

Double Boiling is where you heat something without direct exposure to the source of the heat. Instead, the heat is usually transferred through steam.

Double boilers are very easy to use, you can click here to see what one looks like on Amazon.

Step 2 – Prep Your Feet Before Applying the Wax

Ensure your feet are clean and dry before applying the wax. I also recommend oiling your feet with some oil before application.

Step 3 – Test the Wax Before Application

Before you apply the wax, you need to check its temperature. You see if the wax is too hot it can burn you.

Now if the wax is too hot just let it cool off before applying it.

Pro Tip – Once a skin forms over the liquid wax then most likely the wax is at a good temperature to be used but you should always test it first.

Step 4 – Apply the Liquid Wax onto Your Feet

To get the best results from the wax I recommend applying 8-10 thin layers of wax over your feet

To apply the wax you can either:

1- Dip your feet Directly into the Wax

If you are using the dipping method, you will need to dip your feet into the wax and let it cool then dip again. Do this 8-10 times until the wax forms a solid layer over your feet.

2- Use a brush to paint the liquid wax onto your feet

Alternatively, if you are using a brush you should paint a thin layer of the wax onto your feet and let it cool then paint more wax on. You should do this a few times until the wax forms a solid layer over your feet.

Step 5 – Wrap Your Feet With Plastic

Once you have applied the wax, you need to wrap your feet with plastic wrap and then let it rest. The plastic wraps help to trap the heat which amplifies the effects of wax.

How Long Should You Leave Paraffin Wax on Your Feet

For best results, you should leave the paraffin wax on your feet for around 25-30 minutes.

Step 6 – Remove the Wax

The next step is the remove the plastic wrap and then peel off the wax. The wax should easily come off in large pieces.

Step 7 – Moisturize & Massage

Finally, once the wax has been I highly recommend gently massaging and moisturizing your feet with a good carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.

Citations & References

Paraffin Wax & Rheumatoid Arthritis – NIH

Paraffin Wax & Osteoarthritis

Paraffin Wax Bath & Joint Problems – NIH

Paraffin Wax Baths

Paraffin Wax Uses