Hot wax is applied, before being allowed to cool and solidify. Once the hot wax has properly adhered to the hair shaft, it is then peeled off pulling the hair with it. This wax helps reduce discomfort and skin redness due to a pre-wax oil that acts as a barrier is applied to the skin beforehand. Strip wax is the more traditional method of waxing, it is applied thinly in the direction of hair growth, and removed by pressing a paper strip to the wax, taking both the hair and wax with it.