Chic Geek “Mystery Solved! Philip’s P2 Soft Wax ~ The Science & History of this Styling Marvel! Part II”

Posted on Posted in Chic Geek

by Nikki B. ~ Product Education Director

In Part I we dove into the key ingredients in P2 Soft Wax.  Now here is how the whole process comes together, combining these incredible ingredients while altering the physical properties of the hair during styling!

P2 Soft Wax is a heat activated product.  It is applied to freshly shampooed and conditioned hair along with one other additional “modifying” product, which I will explain later.  The product is worked in from the ends, the most fragile part of the hair, up to the roots.  Then systematically working from the nap to the front hairline the hair is blown dry smooth, section by section, with a blow-dryer and brush with the airflow of the dryer always flowing downward. 

image source byrdie

What happens here is the heat from the dryer melts the P2 Soft Wax down the hair shaft and with the help of the brush and the airflow’s downward direction, the cuticle is blown into a smooth formation, laying tight and sealed against the cortex of the hair.  This translates into a smooth texture which feels silky and looks shiny.  Meanwhile the Hyaluronic Acid moisture is deposited helping to ward off damage during styling and leaving the hair buoyant and full of life!

image source allure

Once that section is completely dry, not semidry, but fully dry, the cool shot on the dryer should be switched on and again with the brush and a downward airflow, the cuticle is sealed shut.  The stylist or client should continue in this same manner throughout the hair until completed. 

So, you can see, this process would not work without P2 Soft Wax, but the proper styling technique is also critical for success!  Therefore, a proper styling lesson is essential if the guest will be duplicating their look at home.  Stylist + product + proper technique = beautiful hair!  With the proper products and a killer blowout technique, a flat iron is barely required if at all!

image source theskincareedit versace-ss12-hair

Now, let’s explain the “modifying” product!  P2 Soft Wax is for blow-drying smooth fine, medium or coarse hair of any density.  P2 Soft Wax was never designed to be used alone unless it is as a demi-matte finish pomade on short, cropped cuts to groom and control thick textures. 

So, to perfect your product mix to match the guest’s texture add one of the following products in the palm of your hand along with only a pea size to dime size of P2 Soft Wax, as it is extremely concentrated.  Try P2 Fixative mixed with P2 Soft Wax on fine hair, mix with P2 Potion on medium texture and P2 Polish for coarse bulky textures!  Or come up with your own winning combination!