Wax play is a form of temperature play that involves sensory, erotic, and mildly painful experiences. Typically practiced by partners who enjoy BDSM, wax play involves dripping melted wax onto someone's skin, resulting in a sensation of burning. The fundamental element of wax play is the candle, and since not all candles are the same, here we will discuss the details of wax play and outline how to choose wax play candles.
What Are Wax Play Candles?
Wax play candles are specially designed candles for comfortable wax play, manufactured and sold by some sex toy manufacturers. Different types of candles have different melting temperatures, producing a wide range of temperatures, from warm and comfortable to very hot and even dangerously overheated. We'll discuss how to play with wax safely, but here, let's look at the types of wax candles and see which ones are safe for wax play:
- Soy Wax - Starting melting temperature at 114 degrees Fahrenheit, suitable and recommended for wax play.
- Paraffin Wax - Starting melting temperature at 116 degrees Fahrenheit, suitable for wax play.
- Beeswax - Starting melting temperature approximately 143 degrees Fahrenheit, not suitable for wax play.
- Microcrystalline Wax - Starting melting temperature approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit, not suitable for wax play.
- Stearic Acid Wax - Melting temperature approximately 176 degrees Fahrenheit, not suitable for wax play.
How to Choose Wax Play Candles?
Choosing wax play candles is relatively straightforward. As mentioned above, we've discussed the melting temperature of wax, which is a key aspect to consider when selecting wax play candles.
For safety and to avoid harming your partner and yourself, it's essential to choose soy wax or paraffin wax candles. Opt for unscented candles because fragrance additives can increase the melting point of the candles and may cause skin allergies.
Additionally, you can opt for candles that contain mineral oil as this will lower the melting temperature of the wax, making it more suitable for wax play. Candles with some oil content are also known as massage candles. These contain oils or moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, as nourishing oils are absorbed by the skin. These are recommended for beginners in wax play because the oil prevents the wax from hardening, making it easier to remove from the skin.
Hard wax candles without added oil will become firm and are more difficult to remove, especially from areas with hair.
Tips for Safe Wax Play
Now that you know how to choose high-quality wax play candles, please take a look at our guide on safety tips for wax play. We've compiled the following list based on expert advice, and we recommend that you be cautious and avoid attempting to reuse birthday candles or household scented candles. Safety first, so follow our tips:
- Create a Sensual Atmosphere - We always recommend setting a sensual mood before engaging in any intimacy. Dim the lights, light scented candles, and play sexy music. It's also a good idea to have a bucket of water nearby in case things get out of hand.
- Stay Focused - When engaging in wax play, always stay focused and mentally alert. Avoid alcohol or drugs as they can affect your sensory levels and may harm you and your partner.
- Prepare the Skin - Before attempting wax play, apply lotion or body oil to the skin. You can also use massage oil or lotion for sensual massages. This will soften the skin, making the wax less stimulating, so you can easily remove it. Before wax play, you should also shave off body hair (or wax) so the wax has nowhere to adhere.
- Always Use Professional Wax Play Candles - As mentioned earlier, always use candles specifically designed for wax play, such as soy wax or paraffin wax candles, as they won't burn the skin.
- Test Wax Temperature in a Safe Area - Before dripping hot wax onto sensitive areas, drip a few drops on your and your partner's wrists to test if both of you can comfortably tolerate the temperature.
- Drip from a Safe Distance - We recommend dripping melted wax from a distance of 15 to 20 inches. This allows the wax enough time to cool slightly and prevents it from splattering onto unwanted areas.
- Play with the Wax - Once in the mood, you can try dripping wax in specific patterns on your partner's body, or even use your fingers to play creatively. After the wax solidifies on your partner's body, you can continue playing with it, such as lightly tapping the solidified wax or using ice cubes to further solidify the wax and cool the skin, providing more sensory experiences.
- Aftercare is Essential - Aftercare is crucial for safe wax play, including cuddling, communication throughout the experience, etc. Afterward, talk to your partner about what you liked, didn't like, and want to repeat. Aftercare also includes wiping the skin with gentle lotion to help alleviate overheated skin.
Wax play often requires practice to master, so don't give up, keep trying, and enjoy the fun. We hope this guide on how to choose wax play candles has been helpful to you, but we also have more sex toy guides available. We invite you to check out the product catalogs or websites of sex toy manufacturers, and we believe you will be impressed by their wide selection of BDSM toys, anal toys, dildos, vibrators, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does playing with hot wax hurt?
Wax play dances between pleasure and pain, depending on individual pain tolerance. The lower the height from which the wax is dripped, the hotter it will be, thus causing more pain. If dripped from a higher distance, the wax will cool slightly before landing on the skin. However, many BDSM enthusiasts enjoy this intense sensation, which some may refer to as painful, as it is a focal point of power dynamics, and hot wax is a significant part of it. Another factor is the type of candle you use, as massage candles provide a more comfortable experience, but soy wax and paraffin wax candles produce a thick texture that many people enjoy.
Can beginners use wax play candles?
Yes, beginners can use wax play candles, but we recommend purchasing soy wax candles with a high oil content because they have a lower melting temperature and are easier to clean. For beginners, it's best to start with massage candles.
How do you clean up wax after wax play?
We recommend using sex-specific sheets during wax play and always preparing the skin with lotion or massage oil. This will help with wax removal, but you can also use a plastic card or blunt butter knife to scrape off the wax from the skin. Gently pat sensitive areas with cotton balls soaked in massage oil to loosen the wax, then rinse with warm water.