Safety Guide

This is a safety guide for wax play, written for the use of Collared Foxy candles, although it is a general guide for safe, consensual wax play as well. If you have any other suggestions, please comment so I can add them.

This is a form of fire play. Despite common assumptions, it is an edge play kink and there are serious risks of fire and burning, and consequences if proper safety precautions are not followed.

Wax Play Area Selection

  • Ensure you have a comfortable area for wax play, including somewhere comfortable for the bottom to lay and where the ambient temperature is adequate, so that the body temperature of the bottom will not drop significantly, they are not overheating and it is not draughty.
  • Ensure there is adequate lighting for the top to be able to see where the wax drops are landing and gauge the bottom's reactions
  • Use a non-porous protective covering such as a painting drop sheet or an old sheet
  • Stable surface for your candles that is also covered with a non-porous, preferably non-flammable covering.
  • Remove all flammable materials in the area
  • Have wet towels, a fire blanket or extinguisher on hand in case of emergency. It is also advisable to have access to running water for burns, should they occur, as well as a first aid kit. A cloth that can be dunked in water to cool an area down before it burns if the temperature is too hot is also advisable

Wax Bottom Considerations

  • All wax play will have been pre-negotiated with explicit consent prior between the wax top and bottom, which will have included a discussion about possibly allergies and sensitivities. See separate guide for information.
  • If the bottom has long hair, they should tie it back or cover it to avoid wax as removal is difficult
  • You may use a barrier oil on the wax bottom's skin prior to applying wax, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil or a massage oil. This will make removal easier, particularly of soy based waxes, although be aware that some oils may increase the temperature of the wax when applied to the skin, and they may cause cracking in the wax.
Temperature Check
  • Before dripping wax onto the bottom's skin, always check the temperature of the wax. Use a small amount on your own wrist first to gauge its heat. Wax that is too hot can cause burns and serious injury.
  • Different people have different heat tolerances and individual candles can vary. All attempts are made to adhere to the designated heat range.

Distance and Height from the Body

  • Maintain a safe distance and height when pouring wax onto your partner's body. Start higher and then decrease the distance
  • Always watch the bottom and gauge their reaction
  • Pouring from too close can increase the risk of burns. Aim for a height of at least 30-50cm above the skin to allow the wax to cool slightly before contact.
  • Pouring from too high increases the risk of splashes onto other areas.
  • Bottoms need to be willing to give feedback on the temperature to the top.
  • The top can use their fingers to spread the wax if the temperature is a little too high for the bottom.

 

Body Areas

  • The safest, least sensitive place to start is often the upper and middle back
  • Areas where the wax can pool, such as the lower back and stomach must be approached with caution to avoid burns
  • More sensitive areas have more nerve endings, such as the buttocks, breasts and backs of legs and may elicit different reactions
  • Use extreme caution when pouring on the face, nipples and genitals (unless with prior consent, rigorous discussion and risk awareness), and any areas with thin or delicate skin. These areas are more susceptible to burns and irritation, particularly the mucus membranes of the urethra, vaginal, anus and mouth. Avoid any area where the wax may pool heavily as more heat is retained in these areas. Be cautious of applying wax over areas already engaged in prior impact play as these may be particularly sensitive. Avoid areas with broken skin from medical play.

Body Hair

  • If the area has body hair, cover it with a layer of mineral oil or massage oil
  • Use a fine-tool plastic comb to remove the wax

Skin Sensitivity

  • Take into account the bottom's reported skin sensitivity and any existing medical conditions or allergies, particularly if using soy wax.
  • Test a small area of skin with wax before proceeding to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
  • Avoid any broken skin, areas with recent muscle injury or recent tattoos.
Within Scene Communication
  • Establish clear communication between the bottom and top throughout the wax play session.
  • Use safe words or signals to indicate discomfort or the need to stop.
  • The top must respect boundaries and preferences at all times.
Extinguishing Flames
  • Be cautious when extinguishing the flame. Blowing out the flame can cause hot wax to splatter. Ensure you extinguish all flames before attempting clean up.
Cleanup
  • Have a plan in place for cleanup after the wax play session, including a bin handy nearby for removed wax
  • Allow the wax to cool and solidify before removal.
  • Remove the wax by using a flat-bladed blunt knife such as a butter knife, a credit card, a scraper or a loofah. Be careful of sharp edges and breaking the skin. Be aware that it can and does go everywhere!
Aftercare
  • After the session, provide gentle aftercare to soothe and moisturise the skin. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that may irritate the skin further.
  • A shower will remove any wax and oil residue.
  • Aloe vera gel will soothe any heat still left over

Remember, safety should always be a top priority. Take the necessary precautions, communicate openly with your partner, and prioritise mutual consent and respect. If in doubt, err on the side of caution to prevent injury and ensure a positive experience for all involved!