Are you someone who suffers from joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis and have tried all sorts of therapies and treatments to manage the pain? If yes, look no further than our list of the best paraffin wax baths.
Wax treatment is proven to relieve pain from conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can also help restore moisture to treat dry hands and relieve any pain you might have in your knuckles and elbow joints. Similar to the principle of hot stone massage, the heat produced from wax helps alleviate any joint pain, stiffness, and aches.
Paraffin wax baths come in various shapes and sizes to achieve well-groomed, soft hands and feet. Check out our list of the 15 best paraffin wax baths for hands and feet.
What is Paraffin Wax?
Derived from petroleum, shale oil, and coal, paraffin is a colourless, solid wax consisting of hydrocarbon molecules. It’s often used for beauty and therapeutic purposes, with cuticle care being the most common. It gives off a therapeutic effect that helps alleviate joint pain.
How Does a Paraffin Wax Bath Work?
Paraffin wax bath works on the principle of heat therapy or thermotherapy, in which heat transfer is used to heal the affected area. Paraffin wax has high heat retention capacity, and is used as a medium to transfer heat. The wax, while melting, absorbs and retains a substantial amount of heat and transfers the same to the affected area (hands or feet) upon solidification.
Once a hand or feet is dipped in the melted wax and removed, the liquid wax converts into a thin solid layer, during which it transfers heat to the core of the affected area, treating sores and aches. It does not cause any burns because of its low temperature.
What is the Most Common Method of Paraffin Wax?
A paraffin wax bath is done using three standard, most common methods:
A. The Dripping and Wrapping Method
It involves placing the affected body part in the paraffin bath for 2 to 3 seconds. This process is carried out around 5 to 10 times until a thick layer of wax is formed on the skin surface. Then, the body part is wrapped in plastic and covered by a towel.
B. Brushing Method
In this very method, 7 to 9 coats of wax are applied to the area of treatment using a paintbrush. The treated area is then wrapped with a towel for 15 to 20 minutes before removing the hardened wax.
C. Prolonged Immersion Method
In this method, the desired area of treatment is dipped in the wax once to form a single layer. Afterward, it’s immersed for 15 minutes at a stretch.
Benefits of Paraffin Wax Bath
- Relieves pain in the joints.
- Soothes irritated skin.
- Moisturizes, hydrates and adds a radiant glow to your hands and feet.
- Softens dry and scaly skin.
- Relaxes stiff muscles and promotes blood circulation.
- Removes dead skin cells, making your skin appear revitalized and youthful.
What are the best paraffin wax machines on the market, you may ask, let’s check them out below.
15 Best Paraffin Wax Baths for Hands and Feet that are Worth the Money
1. Therabath Professional Thermotherapy Paraffin Bath
One of the best paraffin wax baths for arthritis, the new and improved Therabath device delivers a deep immersion paraffin wax spa that’s 25% deeper than its predecessors. It serves to relieve joint pain and muscle stiffness by promoting blood flow to aid in rehabilitation. Apart from that, it’s also used extensively to soften dry, cracked skin by drawing moisture from within the body to the surface. The Therabath Thermotherapy device is designed to run in an “always safe” temperature range of 126 to 130°F so you don’t have to worry about overheating the wax.
Key Feature:
Innovative paraffin wax bath that maintains a safe temperature.
PRO
Delivers 25% deeper paraffin wax spa
Safe temperature range of 126 to 130°F
Easy to clean between treatments
Comes with 12 fragrant waxes
CONS
Slow to melt paraffin
Pricey
2. BTArtbox Paraffin Wax Machine
Boasting a sleek exterior and a durable interior, the BTArtbox paraffin wax warmer has a large open design that’s enough to dip feet, hands, or elbows completely. With two temperature settings, an upgraded alloy heating pot, and excellent thermal conductivity, you can quickly melt the wax in under 20 minutes. It also includes a patented temperature control system, bottom probe device, a dual-screen LED panel, real-time monitoring of temperature change, and sound prompt when the wax temperature reaches 131°F, which is when the machine enters the constant temperature mode.
Key Feature:
Paraffin wax warmer with a dual-screen LED panel for real-time monitoring of temperature change and countdown.
PRO
Paraffin wax melts evenly and quickly
Maintains at a constant temperature when the wax reaches 131°F
Features a dual-screen LED panel
Convenient for home use
CONS
Unclear user manual
3. KARITE Paraffin Machine
One of the best paraffin wax baths on the market—the KARAITE machine is a specially designed wax warmer that melts wax blocks in half an hour. It’s equipped with a large LCD display, temperature adjusting controllers, and an on/off button. The display of temperature lets you know when it’s time to dip your hand or feet in the paraffin. Besides, it keeps your skin smooth, soothes aching joints, promotes blood circulation, and makes your skin appear young and rejuvenated. It comes with a user manual, 8 packs of lavender paraffin wax, 30 plastic liners each for hands and feet, 2 thermal mitts, 1 insulating grid, 1 silicone scraper and 1 brush.
Key Feature:
Paraffin wax treatment kit with an advanced LCD display.
PRO
Easy to operate
Quick wax meltdown
Hassle-free cleaning
CONS
Poor temperature control
4. GiGi Digital Paraffin Wax Bath
This paraffin wax bath by GiGi is the perfect solution for home or professional use with a six-pound wax capacity. It features an oversized steel tank that’s large enough for users to immerse hands, wrists, feet or even ankles. With a transparent lid that locks in place, you can avoid spilling the wax when relocating this machine. What we love most about this machine has to be the removable and angled foot grate that allows ergonomic dipping of the affected foot, without causing pain and discomfort. Plus, its digital temperature control allows you to customize the ideal temperature for you or your clients’ needs, and different wax types. It also comes with 6 pounds of peach scented wax.
Key Feature:
Paraffin wax bath with a removable angled foot grate for ergonomic dipping of the affected foot.
PRO
Digital temperature control
Fast wax melting time
Suitable for relieving arthritis and hair removal
Includes an ergonomic foot grate
CONS
Slightly pricey
5. Memorism Paraffin Wax Machine for Hand And Feet
One of the best paraffin wax baths available for treating joint pains and moisturizing dry skin, the Memorism machine features two operation modes and two separate wax pots, each for the hand and the feet for increased hygiene and convenience. Suitable for alleviating achy fingers, wrists, elbows, ankles, and toes, this machine comes with an LED touch screen display with real-time temperature and countdown time, allowing you to adjust the temperature and timer to your preference. It boasts a fast wax meltdown time of 30 minutes. Amenities-wise, the package comes with 3 complimentary packs (3 pounds) of paraffin wax, 15 pairs of disposable plastic liners for hands, and 15 pairs of disposable plastic liners for feet.
Key Feature:
Paraffin wax baths with 2 operation modes, each for the hand and the feet.
PRO
Features 2 operation modes and 2 separate wax pots for the hand and the feet
Easy to use
Has an LED touch screen display for easy tracking of real-time temperature and countdown time
Fast melting time
CONS
None
6. Saloniture Paraffin Bath Spa
Hands down one of the best paraffin wax baths on Amazon with a contemporary design, the Saloniture machine features a large metal interior that can accommodate most sizes of hands, feet, and other affected areas. However, melting a pound of wax can last you up to 50 minutes, and 210 minutes for 4 pounds of wax. That being said, you’ll appreciate the customizable temperature control which makes it easy to keep the wax melted for treatments throughout the day and simply power it off at closing time. This bath comes with a heat-insulated grid to protect you or your clients’ skin by providing a barrier from the bottom heating surface. We like that it comes with a double-frosted lid to prevent spills and allows you better keep track of the melting process.
Key Feature:
Sleek paraffin wax machine with a double-frosted lid for preventing spills.
PRO
Durable metal tank
Features secure carrying handles for easy portability
Customizable digital temperature controls
Equipped with a heat insulating grid to protect skin from the base
CONS
Doesn’t include complimentary wax or accessories
Low capacity
Tank doesn’t accommodate large feet
7. Salon Sundry Portable Electric Hot Paraffin Wax Bath
This professional-grade paraffin wax by Salon Sundry bath boasts a spacious opening with ample room to dip your hand, feet, and elbows. The range of temperature control settings with a digital display allows you to precisely control the wax meltdown (95-150°F). This device consists of a protective grill at the bottom of the tank and integrated handles on the side of the unit for safe and easy handling. On top of that, it comes with a see-through plastic cover that allows you to easily monitor the wax meltdown.
Key Feature:
Professional-grade paraffin wax bath with spacious, open design (roughly 12-inch x 7-inch).
PRO
Transparent, see-through lid
Sleek design
Short heating time
Easy to move and store
CONS
Fragile
8. Waxkiss Paraffin Wax Machine
Give your cracked heels, chapped hands, and painful elbows a kiss goodbye because the Waxkiss paraffin wax machine is here to the rescue! We love that it has a short melt time—as fast as 30 minutes—and the opportunity is yours to enjoy soothing, moisturizing, and exfoliating paraffin wax treatment. This machine features an easy-to-use digital control panel, allowing you to adjust the wax temperatures from 86 to 186°F. The clear lid also allows you to keep track of the melting process, too. With the affordable price point, you’ll appreciate the range of amenities included: the wax warmer itself, 2 packages of paraffin wax in peach and lavender scents, a pair of thermal mitts, a pair of thermal booties, 25 pair of hand liners, 25 pairs of foot liners, as well as a beauty brush. What a steal!
Key Feature:
Paraffin wax machine with more than 6 pound tank capacity.
PRO
Value for money
Melts wax under 30 minutes
Comes with a clear lid for you to keep tabs on the melting process
CONS
Too small for large feet
9. HoMedics ParaSpa Paraffin Wax Bath
Bid a fond adieu to costly spa wax treatments in the salon and instead, opt for HoMedics ParaSpa paraffin wax bath, which can not only soften your hands, feet, and elbows but also eases joint pain. The wax bath comes in a tub that’s cool to the touch with a locking lid to prevent the hot wax from spilling and burning your skin. It also comes with a green light indicator that illuminates when the wax is ready for use so you don’t have to check on it back and forth.
Key Feature:
Splash-proof paraffin wax bath for a relaxing, at-home spa.
PRO
Comes in a tub with locking lid to prevent the hot wax from spilling
Features a grate to prevent burns
Includes 20 plastic liners and 3 lbs of paraffin wax
Easy to use
CONS
Small tub
The wax may overheat so be extra careful
10. True Glow By Conair Thermal Paraffin Wax Bath
If you’re looking for one of the best paraffin wax baths that don’t cost you an arm and a leg, look no further than the True Glow by Conair paraffin wax bath. Though it comes with smaller dimensions, setting up and storing away are simpler. This lightweight machine is also easy to lift and transport around, and despite its diminutive 9-inch by 5.6-inch tank size, you can still dip hands, heels, elbows, and smaller feet with ease. The not so great part about it is its 2-hours-long wax melt time, and that it doesn’t come with temperature controls so you’ll need to check the melted temperature before dipping your hands in order to avoid potential burns. On the flip side, it comes with complimentary one pound of aloe vera infused paraffin, helping you achieve smooth skin in no time.
Key Feature:
Lightweight and portable paraffin wax bath.
PRO
Portable
Very affordable
Doesn’t require as much expensive paraffin wax
CONS
Slow melt time
Too small for larger hands and feet
Poorly designed fitting lid
Wax may overheat
Doesn’t come with a bottom grate to keep hands from hot heating area
11. Siloon Paraffin Wax Machine
The SILOONis a professional paraffin wax machine that gives you a spa-like experience right in the comfort of your home. Those who wish to soften or moisturise their skin will find this paraffin wax machine to be a trusted companion.
Key Feature:
The silicone pot offers up to 4500ml capacity, which is considered quite large.
PRO
Able to resist high temperature
Comes with a removable inner pot
Quick heating
3 heating modes (Smart Reservation Mode, Timed Heating Mode, Customised Temperature Mode)
CONS
The quality of the wax may not be up to par
12. K-Salon Paraffin Wax Machine
K-Salon Paraffin Wax Machine is one of the best paraffin wax baths as the wax can be used 3 to 5 times for each session. Besides that, this professional paraffin wax machine also comes with 4 thermal mitts, 50 glove liners and 8 bags of paraffin wax weighing 200g each.
Key Feature:
The wax is high-quality and can moisturise and soften the skin immediately.
PRO
Very simple and easy to use
Able to melt wax quickly
Wax can be re-used multiple times
CONS
Wax can get too hot if you leave it on for a few hours
Need to wait for the wax to cool down before using
Might not be big enough for some feet sizes
13. EasyinBeauty Paraffin Wax Machine for Hand and Feet
A complete professional paraffin wax machine kit that comes with 6 packets of lavender and rose wax, cotton, gloves, feet covers and many more! You can say goodbye to cracked skin as the paraffin wax moistures your skin immediately to help you get baby-soft skin!
Key Feature:
Comes in two-speed modes: normal heat-up which takes 60 minutes and quick heat up which takes about 30 minutes.
PRO
Small and compact machine - easy to carry around
Helps to ease the pain of arthritis
Able to relax the hand or feet muscles
CONS
Quite messy when setting it up
14. EJIUBAS Paraffin Wax Machine for hand and feet
The EJIUBAS Paraffin Wax Machine is lightweight and easy to use. When applying the wax, it isn’t difficult to remove as well. It also comes with various accessories such as a silicone spatula, feet & hand thermal mitts, glove liners, brush, thermometer, and many more.
Key Feature:
It can warm up quickly, especially when using the highest setting.
PRO
Wax can melt in 20 minutes
Has a volume of up to 2500ml
Easy to clean
CONS
The lid doesn’t seal tightly
15. Ellabella Paraffin Wax Machine for Hand and Feet
If you wish to have a true spa experience at home, the Ellabella Paraffin Wax Machine is one of the best ways to do so! The size is large enough so that you can fit your hands, feet or elbows.
Key Feature:
Good quality wax that contains a unique blend of nourishing oils and minerals.
PRO
The wax can maintain a consistent temperature throughout the session
Easy to use as it comes with clear instructions
The wax comes with a nice scent
CONS
None
Things to Consider When Buying a Paraffin Wax Bath
A. Temperature
Since wax generally has a low melting point, it doesn’t require too high a temperature to melt. Therefore, pick a wax bath with a low-temperature range of 125°F to 135°F. This will prevent your hands, feet, or other area of treatment from burning.
B. Melting Time
If you plan on using the bath regularly, opt for a device with a short melting time. While some devices take 1.5 to 2 hours to completely melt the wax, others can take 4 to 5 hours to do so. Keep in mind that the smaller the device, the shorter the melting time will be.
C. Scent of the Wax
If your skin is sensitive to fragrance, we recommend you to use unscented paraffin wax as it doesn’t irritate your skin. However, if your skin isn’t prone to being sensitive, feel free to select the ones you like.
How to Use Paraffin Wax Baths for Hands and Feet
If you are looking to relieve aching joints and muscles, a paraffin wax bath is your best bet. When using wax at home, you are to be extra cautious and follow all the instructions given below.
Step 1 – Wash and dry your hands or feet with soap and water.
Step 2 – Apply a rich, moisturizing lotion to your hands or feet.
Step 3 – Dip your hand or foot into the wax, one side at a time (left, then, right). First, dip your fingertips or toes, then submerge your hands or feet up to the wrist or ankle.
Step 4 – Dip your hands or feet 6 to 8 times, pausing for a few seconds between each dips. This will allow the wax layers to adhere to your skin.
Step 5 – Cover your hands or feet with plastic bags. Then, wrap a towel around the plastic bag.
Step 6 – Allow the wax to set for 10-15 minutes.
Step 7 – Remove the towel and plastic bags. Then, peel off the cooled wax from your hands or feet.
Summary
A paraffin wax bath makes for a convenient at-home therapy to soothe painful arthritis in your hands and feet. When choosing a bath, factor in the amount of wax the bath will hold, whether it is suitable for hands and feet, and other benefits that the particular bath might offer. Think so baths also accommodate elbows, soothe dry skin, or support better circulation.
FAQs
1. When should you not use paraffin wax?
Kindly refrain from using paraffin wax if you have diabetes, rashes, open sores, or if your hands and feet face numbness due to severe medical conditions.
2. How long should you leave the treated area in the paraffin bath?
Leave the treated area inside the paraffin bath for ten to fifteen minutes.
3. How many times can you reuse paraffin wax?
Depending on the brand, you can sometimes reuse the wax up to 25 times. However, it is recommended to clean the wax well thoroughly to eliminate all dirt and debris before reusing it.
4. How often should you clean a paraffin bath?
Make it a habit to clean the paraffin bath whenever the paraffin becomes cloudy. Look out for accumulation of sediments at the bottom of the bath. Clean the setup well to remove bacteria and yeast.
5. How do you clean a paraffin wax bath?
Start by scraping off the solid wax. Then melt away the remaining wax using a hair dryer and remove the melted paraffin with paper towels.
6. Can’t I just melt paraffin wax on the stove?
While you can use a slow cooker or regular pan to melt your wax, we would highly recommend relying on a paraffin wax machine. Because these devices are specifically created for this purpose, you will face less concerns about overheating your wax and burning your skin. And do not confuse them with the kind of wax warmers and treatments for face and body hair removal, because these are a whole different deal.
Editor's Choice
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
Therabath Professional Thermotherapy Paraffin Bath
5/5
New and improved Therabath device delivers a deep immersion paraffin wax spa that’s 25% deeper than its predecessors. Designed to run in an “always safe” temperature range of 126 to 130°F so you don’t have to worry about overheating the wax.
Celine So
Be mindful of your words as they are impactful, which also explains why I am so fond of writing.
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