Waxing lyrical

Waxing as we all know is probably the most popular salon treatment. Well, when I say popular, I don't mean the most luxurious, or the one most people would pick from a treatment list out of choice, but in the sense that is the most carried out treatment in salons up and down the country. STICKY ISSUE While writing the waxing feature for the June issue (currently i'm only a third-or so through it), it occurred to me how many brands, systems, pots, tubs and tubes are out there...So far I've received information on over 20 differrent brands, each promoting their superior grade waxes, pre- and post-care products, thermostatically (thankfully) controlled heaters and so on... While visiting salons I often see the same systems in use, which led me to believe there was an unofficial "industry standard", but with all these products (and new ones all the time) coming on to the market -- and my desk -- maybe that's just not so. But with so many brands out there, how do ones choose one to errr, stick with? And once the brand is chosen, which of many waxes flavours, fragrances and formulations would then be used? Is lavender really that soothing? Is there really a formulation for stubborn hair and while hibiscus and honey blossom may smell nice, will it really turn the experience into a pleasurable one for the client? Obviously, hygiene is paramount in all (-- well, it should be) salons, so systems offering specialist application (either applicators or techniques) are to be applauded, but does this really affect the overall choice? Another thinking is that brand loyalty is established during learning -- I'm sure most people would be happy to buy a system they have previously been taught with or perhaps bought for college. Or maybe I'm being cynical and it all boils down to money... What do you think? What systems have you always stuck with, using year-in, year-out, and which ones have you recently started using and wished you'd discovered years ago?