How to Use Paraffin Wax for Your Hands and Feet

Paraffin Wax

Have you tried paraffin wax for your beauty routine? Well, it is time to start using it for the benefit of your skin, especially on your feet and hands. I encountered it when I was working at Spa Elysium in Ireland. At first, I was skeptical—I had heard of it before, but only in connection with candles. But, actually, it can also be used in spas.

• What is it? It is a soft wax heated in a special paraffin wax heater.
• It is good as a treatment before having a manicure and a pedicure. It is great for softening the skin on your hands and feet, especially for those people who have hard skin.
• It is a soft wax because it contains paraffin oil and it can be heated at a low temperature.
• Since the temperature is low, the feet or hands can be treated on the bath without causing damage to the skin. It is for external use only.

Caution

1. It is for external use only.
2. Never heat it up in the microwave.
3. Always use a paraffin wax heater that has an automatic heat controller.
4. Never heat the paraffin wax in the stove or electric burner.
5. Always test the temperature out before putting your feet or hands inside to check if it is okay to soak your parts of the body on the heater.
6. Be careful. It is flammable.

What You'll Need

For your own wax bath at home, you'll need:

• A Paraffin wax heater
• Blocks of paraffin wax. You can buy the kinds with a fragrance, like lavender, sold in spas or salon shops, or you can buy it online.
• Moisturizer
• Plastic bags for both your hands or feet
• Warm spa gloves
• Hand towel

Instructions

1. Prepare the wax by heating it on the heater.
2. After removing all jewelry from your hands, wash them with soap and pat dry.
3. Rub a little moisturizer in your hands.
4. Gently submerge your left hand, with fingers gently spread apart, down the paraffin wax. Let it stay for a few seconds then put it in again. Repeat 4 to 5 times to achieve a kind of paraffin glove as a result. The more the glove, the better.
5. Put your glove hand into a plastic bag and affix it tightly. Wait for about 10–12 minutes until the wax hardens. You need somebody to do that for you!
6. Do the same with your right hand.
7. After repeating the procedure and your both hands are gloved up, wait for about 10 to 12 minutes after you have inserted the hands inside spa warm gloves.
8. Pull off the gloves with the plastic bags from your hands. Get off the remaining wax from your hands.

You can get your manicure now!

Instructions for Feet Treatment

1. Heat the wax on the paraffin heater.
2. Wash your feet and pat them dry.
3. Rub a little moisturizer on your feet.
4. When the paraffin has melted and is at the right temperature, slowly submerge your clean feet on the heater—one foot only. Slightly spread your toes so that the paraffin wax can reach the spaces between the toes.
5. Submerge the foot 4 to 5 times so that the wax covers the foot like a glove on your skin. The thicker, the better. Then, insert your foot into a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
6. Repeat the same procedure on the other foot. Don't forget to submerge the foot 4 to 5 times. When it's done, insert it inside a plastic bag and seal it tightly again.
7. Put your feet inside the booties and let them rest for around 10 minutes to let them harden.
8. Pull off the wax glove with the plastic bags from your feet. Remove the remaining wax after that. There, you can feel how soft your feet are.

You can get your pedicure now!

Benefits

• The heat of the wax is absorbed by the skin and thus opens the pores.
• It moisturizes and gives off a radiant look to your feet and hands.
• It soothes muscle pains and helps increase the blood circulation of the body.

Tip: It is even better to get this treatment at a salon or at the spa, as you'll get to sit back and just relax.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2011 Thelma Alberts

Comments

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on February 16, 2019:

Hi HELENA ALBIN,

I am glad you know about the paraffin wax for treating your hands and feet. It is really great. Thank you very much for your nice comment. It is the first time I think that I got comment from Jerusalem, in Israel. I hope I can go to that country in the future. Thanks again and God bless.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on November 15, 2018:

Scroll to Continue

The Best and Worst Music Streaming Services

All Hidden Achievements in Subnautica

Chernobyl's "Radiation Hounds"

You sounds like me FlourishAnyway. I have bought my own paraffin wax and I love using it at home. I seldom go to a pedicure because I am scared of getting some fungi from the unclean utensils the nail shops are using.

Thanks for dropping by.

Elaina Baker from USA on November 14, 2018:

This sounds like something I'd enjoy. I would definitely buy my own rather than getting it done in a shop. I've developed an "ick" factor about reusing tools and other items from strangers after I saw the pedicurist pull out a dirty tool that looked like a cheese grater. It had dead skin all over it so it wasn't clean. I told her no way are you using that on me. Now I'm a little suspicious even about the beautician's hair scissors. But I'm going to enjoy this in my home, lol.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on April 08, 2018:

Hi Amana. I have no idea as I have not done henna to my hands and feet. Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for dropping by.

Amana on April 04, 2018:

Hi.could amybody here tell me that after how long should henna be applied on hands and feet after having a paragin

Wax treatment?

Because i’m planning to do it today and I have to apply the henna tomorrow. So,i just want to know is it safe like this

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on December 03, 2017:

One paraffin wax heater is enough for your hands and feet. Just wash your hands and feet before using the heater. Thanks for dropping by Lloyd Donovan. Merry Christmas to you in advance and a happy New Year 2018.

Lloyd donovan on December 01, 2017:

I have arthritis, in my hands and feet, can I reuse the paraffin wax for my hands and then my feet? Or should I buy two paraffin wax heater?

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on August 13, 2017:

That´s wonderful news, Nadia. Paraffin wax is indeed making the hands soft. I know that as I have tried. Thanks for your visit. Sorry for the late reply.

nadia m on August 07, 2017:

I love a good paraffin hand bath. I have been doing them for years and I have noticed a HUGE difference in the look of my hands. After the hand bath, I use Made from Earth's Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment - this is a MUST after a hand paraffin bath. I have face creams over two hundred dollars and this cream does even better.

In 5 minutes my skin is so skin soft. I also love that it has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on August 01, 2017:

No, of course not. I have introduced paraffin wax heater in this article Debora. Just in case you have not read it. Thanks for dropping by.

Debora on July 26, 2017:

Please do not use a microwave you might burn yourself, a paraffin wax heater is much safer.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on July 13, 2017:

Char, I have no idea why. Maybe the parrafin wax was not all gone yet from your nails before the nail polish was applied. Sorry to hear about that. Did you not ask the shop where you were pedicured?

Thanks for dropping by and enjoy your weekend.

Char on July 13, 2017:

I had a paraffin dip and than regular nail polish was applied. After 1 hour it was sticky and smuged. why? Was it because it was not shellac polish?

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on October 17, 2016:

Hi vocalcoach,

I am glad that you liked it. Thanks for your comment and for sharing this hub. You are always welcome to stop by. Have a lovely day.

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on October 13, 2016:

I've had a paraffin wax and like the way it feels. Nice hub. Thanks Thelma. Sharing.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on June 17, 2016:

Thank you Jeanette. I already have.

Jeanete on June 15, 2016:

You can buy wax at Sally's Beauty Supply!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on July 16, 2015:

Hi Sandy! I hope you will try this. It is awesome for hands and feet. Have a nice day. Thanks for your visit.

Sandy Mertens from Wisconsin on July 16, 2015:

I have not tried this though I have heard of paraffin wax being useful for the hands and feet.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on May 05, 2015:

Hello witt! You can order the paraffin mitts in the Amazon ads above that are here in this article. Thanks for your comment.

witt on May 04, 2015:

HELLO, where did u get those parafin mitts? they look nice and soft and very insulated. similar to what ive used before

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on February 12, 2014:

Hi Ken! I have no idea if you can mix palm oil wax in the paraffin. I have to check this out online. Thanks for your visit. Have a great day!

Ken on February 11, 2014:

We've been using our paraffin wax warmer for years. Does anyone know if you can you mix in palm oil wax with the paraffin?

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on May 23, 2013:

Hi Kathryn!

You´re welcome. I´m glad you visited. Paraffin wax is really an awesome treatment for hands and feet. It just a pity I can´t find it here in the Philippines. Just try this and you will see how wonderful it is.

Thanks for stopping by and have a spectacular day, too.

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on May 23, 2013:

I just saw this on Suzie's new hub, and I'm glad I checked this out!

I didn't realize paraffin wax melted at low heat, and I was always wondering how the Paraffin Wax treatments worked.

It looks like a great way to get soft, smooth hands.

Thanks for sharing this with us, and have a spectacular Thursday in the Philippines!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on May 04, 2013:

Hi Suzie,

Yes, of course you can link this to your beauty hubs. I have not read all your awesome hubs, yet. I´m sure I have miss something too, but I try to read them all one at a time;-)

How I wish I can have paraffin wax treatment in the Philippines now. I don´t know if this treatment is being used in the Philippines spa. Well, I can have this in a few weeks time in Germany. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing. Have a lovely weekend!

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on May 03, 2013:

Hi Thelma,

How great you have a hot paraffin wax hub, it is fabulous for the skin! I would love to link with my two hubs hand cream and exfoliating foot scrub. Love this, thanks Thelma for posting, how did I miss it???

Voted up, useful, interesting, shared!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on February 14, 2013:

Yes, it is. Try it and you´ll always want to have it. Thanks for your visit;-)

Chen on February 14, 2013:

That just looks so soothing and comfortable, I've always wanted to try that. What an intersting hub!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on February 13, 2013:

Thanks for stopping by newusedcarssacram. It is indeed very interesting. Have a try;-)

newusedcarssacram from Sacramento, CA, U.S.A on February 13, 2013:

This seems quite interesting, thanks for sharing.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on January 27, 2013:

Hi Neinahpets! I´m glad you know how it feels to have a paraffin wax treatment. The first time I had experienced this treatment, I was amazed how soft my feet and my hands were after the treatment. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week;-)

Stephanie on January 26, 2013:

The first time I had a wax spa done to my feet I nearly jumped through the roof because I wasn't expecting the heat. It was really pleasant within seconds though. It made both my hands and feet so smooth. Great article, voted up!!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on January 26, 2013:

Thanks younghopes for dropping by. I wish you a happy weekend;-)

Shadaan Alam from India on January 26, 2013:

great hub and u hav shared really interesting info here, i wasn't aware of this before.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on January 18, 2013:

Hi dj! If I were you, I would only do the paraffin wax treatment once a month as it might destroy your skin the often you do it. Besides that, it´s an expensive treatment. Thanks for stopping by.

dj on January 17, 2013:

How many times a week should I do a wax treatment

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on January 14, 2013:

Thank you dilipchandra. Have a nice day!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on January 14, 2013:

You are always welcome, rajan. I appreciate your comment and thank you too for sharing this hub to others. Take care;-)

Dilip Chandra from India on January 14, 2013:

Useful hub, well written as well

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on January 14, 2013:

Thanks for sharing this wonderful info about paraffin wax. It is really interesting to know it is used before taking a manicure and pedicure.

Voted up, useful and sharing this wonderful info.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on September 19, 2012:

Hi khmohsin! Thanks for stopping by and for sharing this with your friends. Try this paraffin wax treatment and you´ll love it. Have a lovely day!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on September 19, 2012:

Hi Alisa Arishina! It´s nice meeting you here. Yep, paraffin wax soften the skin after the treatment. How I wish I could find this wax in the Philippines so I can treat my feet and hands too when I´m in my home country. Thanks for stopping by. Have a good day!

khmohsin on September 18, 2012:

Thelma Alberts,

Thanks for contributing your devoted share to beauty tips. I will share it with friends too and happy to know about this.

Shared with friends too

Alisa Arishina on September 18, 2012:

That's actually rather interesting! I forgot all about paraffin use for beauty, even though I remember it being used in Spas, and the skin was extra soft after the treatment.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on September 17, 2012:

Thanks for coming back lifetips123. I still have more hubs for you to read whenever you are interested. I appreciate your comment. Take care;-)

Praveen Padmanabhan Nair from Trivandrum on September 16, 2012:

Thanks for being so generous, thelma. Also, contribute more articles so that we can get more information from a great writer like you. i had voted my thumps up k.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on September 15, 2012:

Your welcome lifetips123. Nice meeting you here in HP. Have a lovely weekend!

Praveen Padmanabhan Nair from Trivandrum on September 14, 2012:

thanx and nice article

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on August 06, 2012:

Thanks for visiting heart4theword. There are paraffin wax heaters in this eBay advertisement included in my hub. You can buy one of them. Have a good day!

heart4theword from hub on August 05, 2012:

Thanks for sharing, I've always wanted this done to my fee:) Now I am interested in finding a warmer that warms up the wax. Good Hub!

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on July 28, 2012:

Hi Vinaya. Thanks for your comment. Yes, this parrafin wax is really helpful to our dry cracked feet and hands. It´s a kind of magic when I experienced using it for the first time. Have a great weekend!

Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on July 27, 2012:

Hi Thelma, this is useful and informative hub. My mother is using paraffin wax on her cracked feet and rough hands since many years.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on June 06, 2012:

Thank you cheap caustic soda supplier for stopping by. It is good to know the chemical substance of paraffin wax. Do you sell paraffin wax in the Philippines?

cheap caustic soda supplier on June 05, 2012:

Which is chemically known as Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and use in manufacturing of soap, pulp, paper, textile, detergents and drinking water? We prepared and provide

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on April 23, 2012:

Thanks L.L.Woodard for your comment and for sharing my hub to other readers. Your comment is highly appreciated. Take care.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on April 23, 2012:

Thank you LadyLyell for stopping by. Yes, paraffin wax is the best treatment for hard and dry skin on the feet. I hope you can find the shop where paraffin wax is being sold.

LadyLyell from George, South Africa on April 19, 2012:

I once had a parrifin pedicure and never forgot how reaxing it was always promising myself the same treatment again but never got around to it.

I must enquire as to where it can be bought as the winter months can cause dry skin especially on the feet.

This has been an interesting read and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Have a nice day!

L.L. Woodard from Oklahoma City on April 19, 2012:

I've only experienced a paraffin wax treatment to my hands, but the results were just as you've described. Thanks for also providing the precautions necessary if using the treatment at home.

Thanks for SHARING.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on April 13, 2012:

Hi! Thanks for your comment raise. Have a great day.

raise on April 12, 2012:

beauty is nothing without safety www.google.com

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on April 01, 2012:

Hi lifelovemystery! Your paraffin wax treatment was very great. It is good that you have given this comment as the other readers will know how good this treatment is. Thanks for your comment and for your follow.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on April 01, 2012:

Hi prasonline! Thanks for your follow and for reading my hub. Your comment is well appreciated. Thanks again.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on April 01, 2012:

Hi uzma shaheen! Nice meeting you here in hubpages. Thanks for your stopping by and for giving a comment.

Michelle Orelup from Milwaukee, WI on March 30, 2012:

I injured my elbow a long time ago and it wouldn't heal. My doctor suggested that I start using paraffin wax on it because the heat goes deep into the tissue. A few weeks of that a couple of times a day and my elbow was back to normal. It's good stuff.

Prasanna Marlin from Sri lanka on March 30, 2012:

Good advice for doing this at home and thanks for reminding wax spa

Thanks for sharing.

Uzma Shaheen from Lahore,Pakistan on March 30, 2012:

very interesting and informative hub. I came to know a new thing, thanks for sharing it.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on March 30, 2012:

It's alright moonlake. I understood that you meant stiff instead of stuff. Thanks for coming back. Take care.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on March 30, 2012:

Thank you tammyswallow for your stopping by. Yes, this is a very relaxing treatment and it makes your hands and feet soft. Have a great weekend.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on March 30, 2012:

Thank you Brett for your good comment. It is highly appreciated. Well, you can try this treatment at least once, lol;-) Thanks for your sharing this hub to others. Take care and have a great weekend.

Karla Iverson from Oregon on March 29, 2012:

I was given paraffin wax treatments by the physical therapist when I broke my wrist several years ago. I had several surgeries and many physical therapy sessions. The paraffin wax treatments were sooo nice! They soothed my sore muscles and ligaments and made my hand feel more flexible. And my skin on that hand was much softer than the other hand. While I wasn't sorry when I was well, I did miss those lovely dips in the very warm wax.

moonlake from America on March 29, 2012:

Sorry just realized I said stuff instead of stiff.

Tammy from North Carolina on March 29, 2012:

This looks fun and relaxing. I never heard of this before. Thanks for presenting this wonderful idea!

Brett C from Asia on March 29, 2012:

While I have no plan to use this tip (being a normal lazy guy lol), I'm sure some of my followers will like it. The title got my attention, as I normally only associate "paraffin" with burning.

Socially shared, up and useful.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on March 13, 2012:

Hi moonlake! Thanks for your comment. Yes, this paraffin wax will help him get the hard stuff that hurts off from his hands. Well, just let him try it.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on March 13, 2012:

Hi sgbrown! Thanks for stopping by and for giving a comment. Have a great day in the spa;-)

moonlake from America on March 11, 2012:

Very good hub and information. I have thought about getting a paraffin wax bath for my husband to use. His hands get stuff and hurt. I've been wondering if this would help him. Thanks for sharing.

Sheila Brown from Southern Oklahoma on March 11, 2012:

This makes me want a trip to the spa! I could use a little pampering about now. Great information, voted up, useful and sharing. Have a great day! :)

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on February 05, 2012:

Hi Nikki! I don't know which is correct. Before or after? But where I worked before, we did the paraffin wax treatment before the manicure or the pedicure. Maybe to avoid that the new color will get off from the nails. Just in case. But you know, every business has its own procedure. Thanks for your comment.

Nikki on February 05, 2012:

You said the paraffin is used BEFORE a manicure. Everywhere I have been they always do the treatment after the manicure. Which is correct?

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on October 01, 2011:

Hi Stephanie! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it is very soothing and wonderful to your skin. Once you have tried it, you'll be always doing it. Have a lovely weekend.

Stephanie Henkel from USA on September 28, 2011:

I've never tried a paraffin wax treatment, but it sounds very soothing. Your detailed instructions are very clear, and make it sound easy to do at home.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on September 17, 2011:

Hi injurycase. This treatment is not only good for beauty conscious people but also who have dried skin on their feet. It eases also the pain on an aching feet due to artritis. Thanks for stopping by. Have a nice weekend.

injurycase from North Pearl Street, Albany, New York on September 13, 2011:

For those people who are beauty conscious, I think this could be a better idea such that is being used properly.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on September 01, 2011:

Good morning randomcreative. Yes, it is cheaper doing it at home. Just ask your partner to fix your plastic bags on your hands. Thanks for stopping by. Have a good day.

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 31, 2011:

Great advice for doing this at home! DIY spa treatments are always cheaper.

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on August 30, 2011:

Hi Movie Master. Thanks for reading my article and giving a comment. Yep, in hubpages we learn a lot of things and it is good to widen our horizon. When you have tried this treatment, you will like it. Surely, you will. Have a good night sleep.

Movie Master from United Kingdom on August 30, 2011:

Well I have learnt something new, I had no idea paraffin wax could be used on our hands and feet.

Thanks for sharing a great hub

Thelma Alberts (author) from Germany on August 30, 2011:

Good morning writer20. You´re welcome. It is really good to have the treatment before having a manicure and a pedicure done. Thanks for visiting again.

Joyce Haragsim from Southern Nevada on August 29, 2011:

Thank you for reminding about wax spa. Know I now I have used it before. I try using it again. Thank you.