The Depilève waxing guide: strip, hot and film wax explained

How to choose the right Depilève wax for every body area, skin type and hair type, the comfort waxing protocol step by step, how to treat ingrown hairs, and how to set up your waxing room. A complete guide for South African therapists and salons.

Published 13 October 2026 by Lime Light Hair & Beauty Products.

What is Depilève?

Depilève is a professional waxing brand that is formulated and manufactured in Spain. It began making its products in 1972, when it launched its first strip wax, and today it is sold in more than 130 countries. Depilève is cruelty free and describes itself as the first and only comfort waxing system in the world: a system that pampers the skin and turns hair removal into a complete beauty treatment.

Why do therapists choose Depilève?

• Comfort waxing: less pain, no skin lifting, fewer ingrown hairs and less redness, bumps and stickiness, so clients can get on with their day.
• A wax for every client: four complete lines (film, strip, roll-on and traditional hot wax) in formulas for sensitive, dry, mature, reactive and breakout-prone skin.
• Hygiene: disposable roll-on cartridges, a sanitising pre-wax spray and Easy Clean for the waxing area.
• Treatments, not just waxing: pre- and post-wax care, ingrown hair treatments, Folifree hair reduction and Waxceutical skincare waxes add value and help retain clients.
• Profit: many Depilève waxes are applied in thin layers, so a little goes a long way, and the homecare range adds retail sales.

Strip wax, hot wax or film wax: what is the difference?

Depilève waxes fall into three families. The right one depends on the size of the area, the type of hair and how sensitive the skin is:

From Depilève product training. Always follow the instructions for your wax and warmer.

Which wax should I use for each body area?

Film wax is also the safer choice on legs with visible veins or circulation problems and around lymph nodes, because it works at a lower temperature and does not pull on the skin like a strip.

Which Depilève roll-on wax should I choose?

Roll-on cartridges are the fastest way to wax large areas. The universal 100ml size fits most cartridge heaters, the roller applies a thin, economical layer, and each cartridge is disposable for maximum hygiene. Aloe Vera, Natural Pine and Bush Tea are the three Depilève cartridges our customers buy most.

What is the difference between rosin, NG and Crystal Marine waxes?

• Rosin waxes use a traditional pine resin base plus beeswax.
• NG (new generation) waxes use a blend of rosin derivatives (glyceryl rosinate) for irritation-free skin, extra yield, quick melting and excellent grip on the hair, not the skin.
• Crystal Marine uses mineral resins with no pine rosin, so it is the hypoallergenic choice for clients with a rosin (colophony) allergy. It is unscented, non-sticky and gentle, but still pulls powerfully.

Strip wax tins

Prefer a spatula? Depilève strip wax also comes in 400g and 800g tins. Pearl is the least aggressive pull, ideal for clients with a low pain threshold; Azulene Cream calms reactive skin prone to itching and redness; Aloe Vera suits all hair types and warm or dry climates; and Natural Pine is made with a bio-based plant resin with no added fragrance.

Which Depilève hot wax is best?

Depilève traditional hot waxes come in beads (for quick top-ups through the day) or easy-pop trays. They are enriched with medicinal paraffin to prevent brittleness and crystallisation. Bush Tea hot wax is our single best-selling Depilève hot wax, and hot wax as a whole is the biggest part of the Depilève range our customers buy.

What is film wax and why is it so popular?

Film wax is a third-generation wax. It is applied in a thin layer at a lower temperature and, once set, it is removed by hand without strips. It stays pliable, so it covers the hair and comes off in one swift pull without snapping. It is firm with hair but delicate with skin, making it ideal for underarms, bikini and Brazilian, face and short, hard-to-remove hair.

• Gold Film: a luxurious, glossy gold film wax with beeswax and titanium dioxide, superior grip on the most stubborn hair and a low contact temperature.
• Gold Black Carbon: the shortest drying time for the shortest, thickest hair. Activated charcoal helps prevent breakouts, a favourite for men's face and chest.
• Bush Tea Film: strong grip with gentle adhesion and Rooibos oil to reduce discomfort and redness.
• Intimate Film: for intimate areas with thick and fine hair, with minimal irritation.
• Monoi of Tahiti: nourishing and emollient, a great choice for the face.
• Premium Cream: creamy like a traditional wax, for sensitive skin with low heat tolerance and humid treatment rooms.
• Karité Film: shea butter for dry, rough or flaky skin.

Which wax is best for my client's skin?

What is the Depilève comfort waxing protocol?

Every Depilève treatment follows the same idea: prepare the skin, wax, then treat and soothe. Your therapist chooses the technique, wax and homecare to suit the client's skin type and sensitivity.

1. Sanitise your hands with Dermo spray and put on disposable gloves.
2. Test the wax temperature on yourself and then on your client.
3. Cleanse the client's skin with Dermo spray (DermoBalance).
4. Prepare the skin: Pre Base Gel for strip wax, or a drop or two of Pre-Waxing Oil per area for hot and film wax, blotting off any excess.
5. Wax the area with the right Depilève wax.
6. Treat ingrown hairs with Folisan on a cotton bud, only on the ingrown areas.
7. Calm the skin with Folimousse, massaged in while the pores are open.
8. Finish with Milk or Oil Cleanser after strip wax, or Aloe Soothing Cream after hot and film wax.

Which pre- and post-wax products do I need?

Depilève has relaunched its professional skincare as the Aloe Vera Collection, with formulas based on pure aloe vera nectar for a fresher texture that hydrates and soothes at every stage of the wax.

How do I treat ingrown hairs after waxing?

An ingrown hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin, sometimes with inflammation or infection. It shows up as small pimple-like bumps, itching, swelling or redness. Shaving is the leading cause, followed by tight clothing, and ingrown hairs are especially common on curly hair and darker skin.

• Folisan: the professional and retail treatment for ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Its salicylic acid is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
• Intimate Folisan: a handy roll-on for ingrowns and razor bumps on delicate and intimate areas, from face to underarms and bikini.
• Foliserum: an ultra-hydrating serum with salicylic acid, coenzyme Q10 and ceramides to prevent ingrowns after waxing.
• At home: gentle exfoliation, keeping the area clean, and shaving in the direction of hair growth between waxes all help.

What is Folifree and does it reduce hair growth?

Folifree is Depilève's two-step serum system for progressive hair reduction, used straight after waxing, sugaring, threading or tweezing. Foliprime (Step 1) warms the skin and dilates the follicle, and Folifree (Step 2) delivers plant actives, including saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil and myrtle extract, that target the hair growth cycle. According to Depilève it can reduce the quantity and thickness of hair by up to 85%, it works on all skin and hair colours, and it adds about 10 minutes to a waxing appointment. Depilève recommends a course of 8 to 12 sessions.

What is Waxceutical?

Waxceutical combines skincare and hair removal in one service. Soft & Bright waxes and serums contain melanin inhibitors such as alpha arbutin and white mulberry to target hyperpigmentation and uneven tone, and are suitable for all skin types and tones. DNA waxes and serums use marine DNA and coenzyme Q10 to fight loss of elasticity and ageing. It is a premium service that adds value and boosts salon revenue, including vajacial treatments for the intimate area.

How can barbers offer men's waxing?

Barbepil is Depilève's men's facial waxing system for barbers, hairdressers and therapists: nose, ears, brows and beard lines in four quick steps. Its film wax needs no strips, has a subtle cologne scent and contains activated charcoal.

Clients can take home Folisan Man for ingrown hairs and razor bumps, and Foliclear to prevent ingrowns between visits.

How do I set up and look after a wax heater?

Why is the wax not removing the hair?

What do South African salons buy from Depilève?

Waxing is busiest from September to December, when our Depilève sales ran about 20% above our March to October average last year as clients prepare for summer and the holidays. Stock up early.

Waxing room starter checklist

Why buy Depilève from Lime Light?

• The full range: more than 120 Depilève products online at limelighthb.co.za, from waxes and heaters to Folifree, Waxceutical, Barbepil and paraffin.
• Trade prices: on one account with your skincare, nails and salon essentials.
• Branches: see and buy Depilève at the Lime Light Super Store in Sandton and our branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
• Training: Lime Light runs free professional training sessions led by brand educators. Depilève's Waxing Academy courses are also available on request through your distributor, so ask us about access.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Depilève made?

Depilève is formulated and manufactured in Spain. It launched its first strip wax in 1972 and is sold in more than 130 countries.

What is the difference between hot wax and strip wax?

Strip wax is applied thinly and removed with a strip, and is best for larger areas with fine hair. Hot wax is applied thicker and removed by hand, and is best for smaller areas with coarse hair like underarms and bikini.

What is film wax?

A third-generation, stripless wax applied in a thin layer at a lower temperature and removed by hand once set. It is ideal for sensitive and intimate areas and short, stubborn hair.

Which wax is best for a Brazilian?

A film wax such as Depilève Intimate Film or Gold Film, or a hot wax such as Azulene, with Pre-Waxing Oil before and a soothing cream after.

Which wax is best for sensitive skin?

Azulene, Pink and Pearl, or a low-temperature film wax like Premium Cream. For clients allergic to rosin, use Crystal Marine.

Which Depilève roll-on wax is the most popular?

Aloe Vera, Natural Pine and Bush Tea are the Depilève cartridges our customers buy most.

What temperature should my wax pot be on?

Heat on 10 for 15 minutes with the lid on, then lower to about 6 for strip wax or 4 to 5 for hot and film wax, and let it rest for 15 minutes. Always test before waxing.

How do I stop ingrown hairs after waxing?

Use Folisan on ingrown areas straight after waxing, Folimousse to calm the skin, and Foliserum or Intimate Folisan at home. Exfoliate gently between waxes.

Does Folifree permanently remove hair?

Folifree progressively reduces hair. Depilève says it can reduce quantity and thickness by up to 85% over 8 to 12 sessions, and hair stays much weaker after a full course.

Where can I buy Depilève in South Africa?

Online at limelighthb.co.za, at the Lime Light Super Store in Sandton, and at our branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Shop Depilève at Lime Light

• Shop online: limelighthb.co.za, under Beauty Brands: Depilève, and Beauty: Waxing
• Visit the Super Store: Block B, Tripark, 17 Eastern Service Road, Kelvin, Sandton, the largest showroom of its kind in South Africa for dedicated wholesale hair and beauty products
• Open a trade account: visit our website and hit register, fill in the details and we will approve your account
• Call us: 011 262 2451 | Email: online@limelighthb.co.za