Cold Hands Embalming Tip of the Week

We are excited to collaborate with Cold Hands and Monica Torres, renowned licensed funeral director, embalmer, cremationist, cosmetic reconstructive specialist, desairologist, and owner/founder of NXT Generation Mortuary Support! Every week Connecting Directors will now share “Cold Hands Embalming Tip of the Week,” which Monica posts each Sunday afternoon to her Instagram channel @coldhandshosts.

Cold Hands Embalming Tip of the Week: Use “Vax” To Combat Possible Dehydration on the Lips

To create your own “Vax,” mix roughly 30% Vaseline with 70% Lip Wax.

“VAX” is a must for any Desairologist and we love pro @amek_graphics Embalmer and educator, Amanda King, LFD, LE, Reconstruction Specialist for being our guest tipster and suggesting this tip today!

By mixing the Vaseline in, the wax is now able to adhere better to various surfaces on the skin. After mixing on the back of my hand, I apply it using a small brush paint and then thin it out by dabbing a small amount of “Lacquer Thinner” or “Dry Wash” onto my brush before going over it again.

I also found adding the small percentage of Vaseline in also helps combat dehydration areas that need to be waxed over. It will prevent the dehydration from expanding its surface area. If I’m preparing a decedent a day or so prior to their services.

Pro tips:

I also apply a very thin layer of “Vax” to the line of closure on the lips to ensure possible dehydration won’t separate them.
“Vax” will not affect lipstick, mortuary cosmetics or airbrush that might be applied over the Vax on the lips.
“Vax” is especially helpful for any defects that need to be filled in or tended to with wax on unembalmed skin
Use only “Vaseline” brand

Let’s give our #embalmersister Amanda King a shout out in the comments for submitting this tip! Until next week….Happy Embalming!

Deathcare professionals: To gain online support for the embalming tips, visit Cold Hands Answers at
https://www.nxtgenmortuarysupport.com/product/cold-hands-answers-morticians/.NXT Generation Mortuary Support offers ongoing online continuing education opportunities for deathcare professionals! Next up is Suicide Series: Death by Overdose on September 16, 2021, for which you may register here.