Paraffin Wax Treatments for Hands and Feet

A paraffin treatment is a common add-on to manicures and pedicures. Your hands or feet are dipped in warm, melted paraffin wax, wrapped, and left to soak for several minutes. It feels like a warm glove and leaves skin noticeably softer.

How it works

1. Skin is cleaned and usually moisturized with lotion or oil.
2. Hands or feet are dipped several times in warm paraffin, building a coating.
3. They are wrapped in plastic and a towel or mitt to hold the heat.
4. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the wax is peeled off, often in one piece.

The warmth opens up the skin and helps the moisturizer underneath absorb.

Benefits

• Softer, smoother skin on dry hands, heels and cuticles.
• Soothing warmth, which many people find relaxing, especially in winter.
• Comfort for stiff joints: some people with arthritis find warm paraffin soothing. Ask your doctor whether it is appropriate for you.

Who should skip it or check first

• People with open cuts, rashes or skin infections.
• People with poor circulation, diabetes or reduced sensation in the hands or feet, who may not feel if the wax is too hot. See pedicure tips for people with diabetes.
• Anyone sensitive to heat.

Hygiene to look for

At a salon, the wax should be kept at a safe temperature and used in a way that avoids contamination, for example single-use portions, or dipping only clean, sanitized skin. Ask how the salon handles it. See how to tell if a nail salon is clean and safe.

At-home paraffin baths

Home paraffin baths are widely available. Follow the instructions, test the temperature on a small area first, and keep the unit clean.

Paraffin is a standard part of many spa pedicures and luxury manicures. See spa pedicure vs. basic pedicure and what is a luxury nail spa.

Find a nail spa near you.

This guide is general information, not medical advice.