What Is A Paraffin Manicure? [Everything You Need To Know]

Finding the right manicure for you before heading off to the salon is a great way of ensuring you leave happy. But it can be difficult to choose. If you’ve been looking into manicures, you’ve probably run into the term “paraffin manicure.” But what is this; should you get one? Here is all you need to know. 

So, what is a paraffin manicure? A paraffin wax manicure is a treatment where your hands are either dipped or painted with melted paraffin wax. This is done multiple times to form several layers. Sometimes, oils are included in the wax. After it’s cooled, the now-hardened wax is peeled from your skin, revealing healthier, rejuvenated skin and prettier hands!

It sounds too good to be true. All of this from wax? 

But you’d be surprised!

So let us now explore this type of manicure in its entirety to find out if it is for you! 

What Does A Paraffin Manicure Include?

This depends upon the salon. Normally, a paraffin wax manicure includes the wax treatment itself, often with essential oils added for scent and the oil’s added benefits. Occasionally, you might find an included hand massage.

Like anything involving salons, you’ll find that what’s included in a paraffin wax manicure varies wildly. 

For some, you get nothing but the basic dip, then peel, and are expected to pay for added extras, such as essential oils. 

With others, you might find that they add every luxury in the book, adding in massages and oils tailored to fit you. 

You’ll normally find that you get what you pay for in that regard. 

Cheap salons don’t offer as much for the basic price as more expensive ones.

Aside from the oils, some salons might offer a small hand massage along with your paraffin wax. 

It’s something commonly included in many manicures, and people are often very grateful for that. 

It can be a relaxing way to enjoy yourself. If it doesn’t come standard with your manicure, it might be worth asking if it could be added. 

This can be done before or after the manicure, but before might be better. After all, your skin is going to be a bit delicate afterward.

Before going to the salon, it’s a good idea to know what to expect from their paraffin wax manicure. 

Call them, or check online for the information. 

Checking with people that you know who have gotten this type of manicure might help point you in the right direction. 

Either way, make sure you know ahead of time. 

You don’t want to find yourself regretting your decision while you’re wrist-deep in melted wax.

What Are The Benefits Of A Paraffin Wax Manicure?

Parrafin manicures can soften the skin, heal dried skin, and open the pores to release toxins. Besides this, it can also help with your joint pain and relieve pain of all types.

Hard to believe, but it’s true: there are real benefits to dipping your hands in melted paraffin wax. 

That doesn’t sound like it would be the case. 

After all, what can wax do? 

It’s not medicinal; there’s nothing in it unless you add oils. 

But it’s the wax itself that’s the key to its skin-healing properties and pain relief.

First, you should know what paraffin is. 

It’s a kind of wax made from petroleum and is commonly found in many things that you’re likely accustomed to seeing. 

Vaseline is one of the more common products. 

But you can also find beeswax in paraffin, adding another layer of good-for-you ingredients to the mix. 

These combine together to be very moisturizing and nourishing to your skin. 

When you add certain oils, you can get even more out of your manicure!

The wax itself helps to nourish your skin, particularly if it’s dry and cracked. 

Paraffin adds some much-needed moisture to your skin while also forming a barrier to keep your natural oils where they need to be. 

Because of this, skin becomes healthier, more hydrated, and better looking than before.

The heat from the wax, too, is a good reason to choose this type of manicure. 

It helps to stimulate blood flow, relax muscles, and soothe sore joints. 

Many people with arthritis and other joint problems enjoy getting a paraffin wax massage because they leave with less pain than before!

How Long Does A Paraffin Manicure Last?

A paraffin wax manicure can last from one week up to two weeks. After that, you will need to have it redone to continue seeing the benefits.

So, we know that paraffin wax is almost magical in its ability to soften skin and ease pain. 

But how long do the effects of a paraffin wax manicure last? Here’s the bad news: it’s not all that long. 

You don’t want to leave the salon without making another appointment.

Generally, you need a new manicure once every week, though you can sometimes stretch it to two weeks. 

Your hands will keep the healthy look for a while, but you’ll eventually need to get a fresh manicure to keep up the appearance. 

This isn’t something that most people are upset about, however. Getting a manicure like this can feel wonderful.

The pain relief doesn’t last anywhere as long as a week. 

In fact, it barely makes it out of the salon. 

Because all of the relief lays in the heat of the wax, as it (and, later, your skin) cools down, the ability to stop pain diminishes.

So this isn’t a long-term joint pain remedy, but it does give some relief, even if it’s only short-lived.

As with anything, there are ways to make the effects last longer. 

Avoid putting your hands in anything harsh, such as cleaning products. 

Make sure that you’re using a type of soap that is good for your skin. 

And keep them as hydrated as possible, using lotion, so that they do not become cracked and dry again.

How Much Does A Paraffin Manicure Cost?

You can expect to pay between $20-$40 per paraffin manicure, although the price does vary depending on the salon and what is included. And remember, this will be on top of the price you’ll pay for any accompanying manicure.

Compared to similar treatments, paraffin wax manicures aren’t very expensive. 

Depending on the salon you go to, you can have one done for only $20. 

The price range can go all of the way up to $40, or perhaps even higher. 

Before you make your appointment, it’s wise that you make sure what the service is going to cost.

You might even find that you have to purchase another service to receive this one. This is why planning ahead is important!

There are other options to salons, of course. 

Many companies sell at-home paraffin wax kits for this specific purpose. 

You can find them in many big box stores. 

Normally, they’re made for your feet. 

However, you can use them on your hands, as well. 

One of these machines will cost you approximately $60-$80, which might be worth the price in the long run. 

But be warned: DIY-ing your own manicure is never as relaxing as having it done for you. 

Neither is it as well done. 

This is something that you could (and should) leave to the professionals.

If you don’t want to spend that much every week or so, you can put your efforts into preserving the skin the wax gives you. 

Being careful of damaging or drying out skin can keep it nice and hydrated. 

Pushing it another week is an excellent way to have pretty hands on a budget.

Can You Do A Paraffin Manicure At Home?

You can do paraffin manicures at home – there are at-home machines that you can buy and use to replicate what you would have done in a salon.

Don’t feel like going to the salon, but find yourself tired of dried, cracked hands? 

The good news is that you can get the wax done from the comfort of your own home. 

Many companies produce paraffin wax kits specifically for use on the skin. 

While this is often designed for feet, you can also use it for your hands.

The average price is more expensive than a paraffin wax massage. 

It can be triple, or even more, what you would pay at a salon. 

The kits cost $60, $80, or even more. 

That’s three or four weeks going to get the wax done. 

So, if you don’t intend to make a habit out of this, ditch the at-home kits and go to a salon. You’ll likely enjoy it, anyway.

But, if you think that you will have these done pretty regularly, well you can save a significant amount of money in the long run with a kit.

But as with any product; they can be a good investment or a cheap knockoff that will break after its first use. 

If you do buy an at-home wax melter, then you should be sure that you’re getting something that’s high-quality. 

This particular model on Amazon is the one to get. The reviews are amazing! 👇

Do invest here though.

Otherwise, you’re back to square one, except with less money and no healed hands.

It should be noted that if you go this route, you’ll be the one adding essential oils to the mix. 

Whether it’s just to smell nice or to treat some ailment, you need to know how much to add to the mix. 

Read the packaging carefully, and take no chances.

Who Should Skip A Paraffin Manicure?

People with very sensitive skin should not be using a paraffin wax manicure. It can damage already-delicate skin.

So, now you know what a paraffin wax manicure is, you might be wondering: is there any downside? 

The answer, of course, is yes.

 If you have sensitive skin, then you might not be comfortable with the heat and the tightness of the wraps. 

It can cause more harm than it fixes, making it a poor choice to make. 

You might develop a heat rash or even a mild burn if you’re not careful. 

Not a pleasant thing when you’re already dealing with dry hands.

Children, too, should avoid getting these waxes. 

While you can find people marketing just this to children, it’s still not a good idea to use paraffin wax on them. 

Their skin is still sensitive, making them more likely to notice any unpleasant feelings associated with the wax.

This can lead to children feeling as though they are actually being burned. 

Don’t worry about a child’s skin too much. 

Add some lotion to your grocery list, and consider this manicure when your child is just a bit older.

Others might be sensitive to the ingredients found in paraffin, and as such, these people should avoid them. 

If you’ve had bad reactions to petroleum-based products, don’t use this without conducting a doctor. 

Alternatively, it could be the oils in the wax that are bothering you. 

It could be as simple as an allergy. 

The salon might be at fault, as well. Adding the correct amount of oil to the wax is a talent.

Where To Get A Paraffin Manicure

Try your local salons, check the phone book, or check the internet. If you have friends that enjoy this, they might be able to recommend a place. You can find someone that offers this type of manicure!

Finding the right salon that offers a paraffin wax manicure can be difficult. 

But it’s worth finding someone who has experience doing wax manicures. 

Not sure where to look? Well, there are ways to locate a good salon.

Start by calling around locally. 

Find the salons near your home, then call to see if a wax manicure was available. 

If the answer is no, move onto the next one. 

You might luck out and find the salon of your dreams only a few blocks away!

You can also try searching in the phone book, as well as on the internet. 

These are great, more traditional ways to find information. 

Salon websites, in particular, are more likely to have information about the services offered than the standard phone book entry. 

Even if it doesn’t, you might be able to find a number that you can call to find out.

Lastly, considering questioning your friends. 

If someone you know enjoys getting a paraffin wax manicure done, ask what salon they go to. 

It might be a small place you’ve never heard of or somewhere outside of town. 

Does it sound like a salon that you would enjoy? Then jump on it!

Finally

That’s what a Parrafin manicure is, in a nutshell.

Should you try it? Well, that does depend on the health of your hands, nails, and whether you know you have an allergy to wax.

Nevertheless, for those who regularly do have paraffin manicures, their experiences are mostly positive. 

Relaxing, rejuvenating, impactful; what more could you want!

Interested in, or are looking to try other types of manicures? Then check out my following guides to learn all about them!

• What Is An American Manicure?
• What Is A Russian Manicure?
• What Is A Classic Manicure?
• What Is A Vinylux Manicure?
• What Is A No Chip Manicure?
• What Is A Pink And White Manicure?
• What Is A Spa Manicure?
• What Is A Deluxe Manicure?