Frequently Asked Questions

Heat therapy is best for:

• Muscular pain
• Stiffness
• Tensions and stress
• Cramping
• Arthritis

The Magic Bag® Classic and Limited / Signature Edition collections are made in Canada. These products are filled with organic Canadian grains. Magic Bag® is also designed, manufactured, and assembled at our headquarters located in Montréal, Canada.

For our SPA, Warmy and Sport Gel products, they are designed in Canada, but some of their components are manufactured in Asia.

Our packaging is also designed and printed in Canada. Magic Bag® proudly supports the local economy.

A Magic Bag hot cold compress is great for dealing with: Stress, back pain, lumbago, sciatica pain, abdominal pain, bursitis, menstrual cramps, arthritis, headaches, rheumatism, cold hands and feet, sore or tense muscles, inflammation and swelling, trouble falling asleep, chills and much more. Magic Bag also helps pregnant women during labor!

Magic Bag offers a wide variety of products that can satisfy many needs. If you are looking for a relaxing, soothing product, we recommend our Classic, Signature and Spa collections which are designed for direct skin contact. 

If you are looking for relief from a sporting injury or more serious inflammation, look no further than our Sport Gel line. 

Does your child need a cute, cuddly friend to keep them warm and safe? Our Warmy hot cold pack section has just that!

The Magic Bag must be heated from room temperature only. If your Magic Bag was in the freezer, let it warm back to room temperature before placing it in the microwave. This is to avoid hot spots and potential burning given the high contrast in temperatures from freezer to microwave. See here for more instructions on how to correctly use your Magic Bag.

Our cotton Magic Bags can be wiped with a damp cloth. They cannot be immersed in water.

Our SPA, Sport Gel and Warmy friends all have removable exterior shells that can be removed for cleaning. The inserts containing grains cannot be washed since the grains cannot be immersed in water.

Looking to use your Magic Bag compress for cold therapy? It’s easy and allows you to apply it directly to your skin. No need to wrap it in a towel; and no messy residue as you would get with regular ice packs!

The Classic Magic Bag provides relief with a slow-release, gentle cold; while the Sport Gel line provides a more intense cold to treat pain and inflammation.

Keep your Magic Bag compress in the freezer in a plastic bag.
If you did not store it in the freezer, you must wait approximately 3 hours for it to be cold enough for effective relief. 
Take it out as needed.
It will stay cold for about 20 minutes.
Return your Magic Bag to the freezer after use.

Magic Bag hot cold compresses last for about one hundred uses (or approximately 2 years of usage) before they begin to lose their effectiveness, so you should replace them to keep enjoying the benefits.

Magic Bag has been designed to soothe aches and pains with penetrating hot or cold therapy. The product allows for direct skin contact. That said, if you feel that the bag is not warm enough, check if you have followed the heating instructions. Also consider if your bag has been used over 100 times, it may be time to replace it.

For cold applications, the Classic grain-filled Magic Bags provide a gentle cold. Should you require a more intense cold for swelling and inflammation, try our Sport Gel line that is equipped with high-quality gel for a more intense cold and faster recovery.

Magic Bag offers a limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

The natural grains inside the bag will begin to lose effectiveness as of 100 uses; so the Magic Bag will need to be replaced after 100 uses or 2 years of usage.

Simply cut the corner of the Magic Bag open and empty the natural grains into the compost bin, and consider upcycling the cotton fabric for an ecological disposal.

You can buy a Magic Bag hot cold compress online right here on our website (magicbag.com) or you can find them at one of these fine retailers. The choice is yours.

Only unopened/ untampered packaged products can be returned for hygienic reasons. 

Consult our compression guide here. The measurement and size charts for each item are located on the product-specific pages, or here

Don't forget to check also our care and user guide page

Compression stockings are an essential component in the prevention of numerous venous problems and provide support and comfort to tired legs. By applying constant pressure on the veins, the stockings improve legs’ circulatory function, thereby reducing the risks linked to venous insufficiency, including:

• Heavy and tired legs;
• Leg and especially ankle and calf oedemas (swelling);
• Varicose and/or clot formation.
   

Compression stockings deliver support and comfort for:

• People who must stand or sit for long periods of time;
• Pregnant women;
• Seniors;
• Frequent travelers;
• People with certain health issues;
• Active persons looking to improve performance and speed up recovery.

Since health plans vary from person to person, please contact your plan provider for more details pertaining to your coverage.

The answer is no, not unless prescribed by a doctor or physician to do so (specific health issues or post-surgery, for example). Graduated compression is meant to be worn when you’re awake and moving around. It provides a constant amount of pressure to your circulatory system to fight gravity and pump blood back to your heart. When you’re lying down, fully horizontal for a long period of time, your circulatory system doesn’t have to fight gravity.

Absolutely! In fact, it is recommended. By keeping your circulatory system in check, you are helping to prevent issues that can occur later in life. You can wear compression socks: To work (standing or sitting for extended periods of time); to travel (offsets swelling and discomfort on flights); when pregnant as well as for general leg comfort.

To maintain product integrity, Supporo socks and garments should all be hand-washed in cold water with mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener nor bleach.

Yes, please find cotton options for our knee-high socks here.

Only unopened/ untampered packaged products can be returned for hygienic reasons. Please refer to our size grid to select the sock best suited for you.

Find a retail outlet here.

Holding your skin taunt with one hand, use the other hand to quickly pull the strip off, parallel to the skin and in the opposite direction of hair growth. Do not pull up straight. It will cause unnecessary discomfort and may affect effective hair removal.

Note: The quicker you remove the wax, the better the results and the less the discomfort.

Follow the instructions!

If it’s your first time waxing, we suggest waxing an easier area that covers a larger area, such as your arms or legs. Once you get more comfortable with waxing, you can move on to more challenging areas of the body that require more precision. Some waxing products, like our wax strips, are easier to use for beginners.

Here are some step-by-step instructions. Note that these also appear on the peel-back label on the Softepil Sugar Wax pot that you purchased.

Directions

Important: Do not use wax on broken, irritated, sensitive skin. Ensure wax is warm, not hot (approx. 40°C) to avoid burns. Perform 24h patch test on small area of leg.

Warning: If overheated, wax can ignite and burn like oil causing serious burns. Allow wax to warm and melt. Do not force stirring of top layer, as inside may be boiling. Microwaves may heat unevenly, causing wax to overheat at top or bottom.

You need: Softepil wax pot, oven gloves, wood/metal spatula, cotton/non-woven strips. Hair must be a minimum of 1.7 mm in length for optimal results.

1. Remove lid. Heat open wax pot in microwave. Begin at 20-second intervals, medium power for 30 to 50 seconds total. Wearing oven gloves, gently stir wax at each 20 second interval until wax is creamy (40°C). Heat times for reference only.
2. Dip spatula in wax. Scrape on edge of jar. Spread very thin layer on skin, in direction of hair growth. 
3. Apply strip over wax, smoothing with one hand. 
4. Stretch skin with one hand. With other hand close to skin, pull strip quickly parallel and in opposite direction of hair growth. 
5. Sugar wax is water soluble making clean up easy.

Here are some step-by-step instructions. Note that these also appear on the peel-back label on the Softepil Warm Wax pot that you purchased.

Directions

Important: Do not use wax on broken, irritated, sensitive skin. Ensure wax is warm, not hot (approx. 50°C) to avoid burns. Perform 24h patch test on small area of leg.

Warning: If overheated, wax can ignite and burn like oil causing serious burns. Allow wax to warm and melt. Do not force stirring of top layer, as inside may be boiling. Microwaves may heat unevenly, causing wax to overheat at top or bottom.

You need: Epildou wax pot, oven gloves, wood/metal spatula, cotton/non-woven strips, post depilatory wipes or baby oil to remove any residual wax from skin. Hair must be a minimum of 1.7 mm in length for optimal results.

1. Remove lid. Heat open wax pot in microwave. Begin at 30-second intervals, medium power for 2 to 4 minutes total. Wearing oven gloves, gently stir wax at each 30 second interval until wax is creamy (50°C). Heat times for reference only.
2. Dip spatula in wax. Scrape on edge of jar. Spread very thin layer on skin, in direction of hair growth.
3. Apply strip over wax, smoothing with one hand.
4. Stretch skin with one hand. With other hand close to skin, pull strip quickly parallel and in opposite direction of hair growth.
5. Clean wax residue from skin with wipes or oil.

Waxing usually lasts between 3 to 5 weeks before you need to wax again, however this depends on the person. People who wax often for an extended period see an increase in the length of time between waxing sessions.

Warm wax: This wax is oil-soluble, so make sure you protect the surface on which you plan to use the wax because spills can be very difficult to clean up. To remove excess warm wax from your skin, use baby oil or a post-depilatory wipe (if included with your wax). 

Our AQUA Sugar Wax: Sugar wax is water-soluble. To remove excess sugar wax from your skin, simply wipe with soapy water. Despite it being water-soluble, we still recommend that you protect the surface on which you plan to use the wax because spills can still be very difficult to clean up.

It is normal to experience some redness and momentary minor swelling. This is temporary because the hairs are being pulled entirely at the root. A cold compress followed by applying soothing cream will help. We also recommend not to wax in the days leading up to and during your menstruation, since skin can be more sensitive during this time.

Applying wax that is not hot enough will cause it to stick and be difficult to remove. On the other hand, applying wax that is too hot can burn your skin and cause discomfort. The correct texture / viscosity is liquid honey. To be safe and certain, test a small bit of wax on your wrist to ensure the temperature is ok before proceeding. Since all microwaves have different heating capacities, heat in small intervals (follow instructions on your wax pot) and stir frequently.

Warm (salon) wax should be heated to 50 °C while the sugar wax should be heated to 40 °C.

It depends on the type of wax you’re using.

AQUA Sugar-based wax: It is best to cloth-wash and exfoliate your skin prior to using a sugar-based wax to ensure proper adhesion of the wax to the hair for optimal results. If you plan on taking a steam shower before-hand, however, wait at least 1-2 hours before you start waxing since the hot shower will open your pores and soften your skin, making it easier for your skin to get irritated or bruised.

Warm (resin) wax: If you are using a ‘salon’ style wax, do not wash your skin before waxing since that layer of natural skin oils on your skin will reduce discomfort as the wax sticks less to your skin, yet still removing the hairs effectively. Should you decide to wax after you shower or bathe, it is highly recommended to use some talc powder to give that protective layer between skin and wax.

Yes, just be sure to remove them if they conflict with the region of the body that you’re waxing.

Yes, just be sure that your tattoo is fully healed before you start waxing. Freshly inked skin is technically an open wound. Therefore, waxing over that sensitive area can cause severe pain, or even infection. Once your skin has been waxed, be sure to moisturize the area to replenish your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

The principle of waxing is to completely remove the hair at the root, which does indeed cause a momentary level of discomfort. If done correctly, the pain is tolerable, and the long-lasting results make it worthwhile.

Wax does not have an expiry date per se, however it is best to use them within a year of being purchased and / or opened.  

There are several reasons as to why your hair isn’t coming off as well as you’d like, or at all.

Firstly, your hair might not be long enough, so the wax won’t be able to grab the hairs. In this case, wait a few days then try waxing again.

Another reason would be that you have not exfoliated your skin before waxing with sugar wax. Exfoliating your skin a few days before waxing will ensure that the wax is removing hair and not dead skin.

Also, ensure to use the correct type of wax for your hair type, that is:

• Warm wax = coarse hair
• Sugar wax = fine to medium hair"

Before putting any new beauty products on your face or a larger surface of skin, always do a patch test on a small area and wait 24 hours to ensure you are not allergic. If you don’t see any redness or irritation, you’re safe to use the product. Sugar waxes are the best bet for people who are prone to allergies.

Following the correct temperature indications on the wax pot is important to ensure the consistency of the wax enables you to apply it in a thin layer. If the wax is too cold, the wax will be thick and hard to spread. If the wax is too hot, it will be too thin and could even burn you. The correct wax consistency is like liquid honey.

Wax strips usually break off when they haven’t been heated properly by rubbing them between your hands for a few seconds; or are left to sit around for too long. Each wax strip will give you two functional strips when pulled apart. It is important to use both promptly to ensure the temperature is optimal and that the wax does not dry up.

Wax Strips come in different sizes and can be used on legs, arms, bikini and smaller ones for face and brows. Softepil offers both regular resin wax and our all-new Aqua formula.

The reason you’d choose Wax Strips over liquid wax pots is for ease of use and convenience. Wax Strips are perfect for those new to waxing, for smaller areas for faster hair removal time, and to bring on vacation with you for touch-ups.

There’s no liquid wax to deal with, and no heating. The wax is pre-lined on strips and is as simple as ‘press on, zip off’.

The key to great results is in applying a super thin layer of wax. This will ensure even distribution and adhesion to the region where you want to remove hair. If applied too thick, the effectiveness will be reduced.

Warm wax is a ‘salon’ style wax and is great for all hair types, specifically coarse hair. For example, warm wax will be the very best option for waxing leg hair that has been previously shaved. This wax is oil-soluble, so make sure you protect the surface on which you plan to use the wax because spills can be very difficult to clean up. To remove excess warm wax from your skin, use baby oil or a post-depilatory wipe (if included with your wax). 

Our AQUA Sugar Wax can be used anywhere, but not on short or coarse hair. Sugar wax is recommended for fine to medium hair with a minimum of 1.7mm in regrowth length. Sugar wax is the gentlest wax and is great for those with sensitive skin or who like a water-soluble wax. To remove excess sugar wax from your skin, simply wipe with soapy water. Despite it being water-soluble, we still recommend that you protect the surface on which you plan to use the wax because spills can still be very difficult to clean up.

It is recommended to wash your hair 24-48 hours prior to coloring your hair. The natural oils will protect your scalp and the color will adhere better. If you have not washed your hair for over 48 hours, we recommend a gentle shampoo (without scrubbing your scalp too much) and drying it prior to color application. 

Always apply coloring treatments on dry hair. On wet hair, the color will be diluted and will not give desired results. 

Here is a list of what you’ll need to get started (all available at your local pharmacy):

Consult the cosmetician to choose the right color and oxidant. The cosmetician will help customize the coloring treatment to your needs by determining the right proportions of each. 
Purchase a plastic bowl, brush and protective cape (to protect your clothes. It is recommended to wear an old shirt just in case). 
Use gloves to protect hands from staining.
Use your smartphone or kitchen timer for your wait time. 
Using your brush, mix the coloring cream and oxidant, in the correct proportions, inside the bowl until you have a homogenous texture. 
Separate your hair into quarters to be able to work section by section for complete and uniform color application. 
Start applying the color at the back of your head and working forwards, section by section.

Applied on natural hair :

You can lighten up to 3 shades using a coloring cream. To go even lighter, you will need to first bleach your hair. 

Applied on color-treated hair :

Depending on your current color, you would have to first remove the color or bleach your hair, and then proceed with applying the final color treatment. 

Color removal – see Color Off:  For a major color change (ex: going from red hair to brown or even blonde hair). The color remover will remove the color to come back to a natural base (closest to your natural shade) to apply the coloring treatment on a neutralized base. 

Bleach : To be used on natural hair or shades of blonde. 

Vitality’s Tip : Be realistic. For a drastic change, you will likely need more than 1 coloring treatment / step. For a more subtle change, it is easier to achieve in one coloring session.

Depending on the length of your roots, it is recommended to color / dye your hair every 3 to 4 weeks. Moreover, the difference between your natural color and the color-treated hair also has an incidence on the frequency in which you should color your hair. For example, if a client has white or grey hair and applies a very dark color on top, the roots will be very visible in a shorter time frame than if the client opted for a light blonde color. 

What do you need to consider when choosing the right tone / shade?

Determine the quantity of white or grey hair.

Determine the natural hair color (tones 1-10: 1 being black and 10 being very light blonde).

Determine the skin tone and undertones that best suit the client, ex:

• Warm tones : Golden
• Cool tones : neutrals, ash

Vitality’s provides color swatches in-store, and digital versions on each product page, to best represent the colors in our lines. We recommend consulting with a cosmetician at your local pharmacy to help with your selection and any questions you may have before getting started. 

If your color has not faded nor changed too much over time, you can start by applying the color to your roots and then, when 10-15 minutes are left before rinsing, apply the rest of the color to your ends until the timer is up. 

Vitality’s Pro Tip: To ensure absolute shine, when the timer is up, add a bit of water and lather the color in your hair (as though you were shampooing it) before rinsing completely.

We recommend consulting the cosmetician for the right color recipe / mix. 

When it comes to applying the color, you can indeed invite a friend over to help you, however, it is entirely possible to do it yourself.

Ash tones are the most complex in this case. It is best to consult your cosmetician if you want to use an ash tone in your hair. 

Chlorine can also alter the color of your hair, especially bleached and blonde hair tones. It is important to rinse your hair immediately after swimming, as well as washing your hair with shampoo specially designed for blonde hair to remove chlorine residue from your hair and neutralize it.

Darkening your hair by two shades is fine. You can apply the coloring cream directly onto the hair. If you want to darken your hair more than 2 shades, you must first repigment your hair on the surface. This step ensures that the color will not ‘slip’ or wash out too quickly. 

To repigment the hair, consult your cosmetician for the appropriate product.

The Art Absolute Coloring Creams contain an innovative Protector Oil serum to protect your scalp as well as your hair and ensure absolute shine.

A shampoo specially designed for color-treated hair will help maintain color, while a coloring conditioner (such as Vitality’s Espresso) will boost and revitalize your hair between coloring treatments.

After coloring your hair, you must shampoo it to neutralize the process. A shampoo specially designed for color-treated hair will help to maintain the color. Moreover, a coloring condition, such as Vitality’s Espresso, will boost and revitalize your color between coloring treatments. 

Natural hair :

Starting 1 inch from the roots: Apply the color on lengths and ends. After 10 minutes, apply the color to your roots, starting at the back of your hair working forward. Follow the wait time indicated on the box of your coloring cream. On average, wait times vary from 35-45 minutes. 

Color-treated hair :

On applique directement la couleur sur les racines, la longueur et les pointes. On commence par l’arrière de la tête.

Apply color on roots, lengths and ends; starting at the back of your head and working forward.

If you must bleach your hair first, follow the instructions on the Déco Jo Bleach packet. Once rinsed, you can gently shampoo your hair without scrubbing too much and then dry your hair. Proceed with applying Vitality’s hair coloring treatment thereafter.

To ensure that no reactions nor allergies are present. Certain persons can be intolerant to some ingredients. 

Vitality’s Pro Tip: Instead of testing behind the ear (where it is visible), we suggest to test inside the elbow crease. Our colorist applies the oxidant inside one elbow crease and the coloring cream inside the other elbow crease. You can typically assess the reaction quickly, yet it is recommended to wait 24 hours to be certain. 

If it is slightly itchy with minor redness, this is normal. 
If there are blisters or bumps, the client is allergic and should not use the product.

No, the results will not be the same. The natural undertones as well as the color of the color treated hair will determine the ultimate results. It is important to always consult the cosmetician to obtain the right formula for desired results. 

The general rule of thumb is the following:

• 10 volume : lifts 1 shade
• 20 volume: lifts 2 shades
• 30 volume: lifts 3 shades
• 40 volume: lifts 4 shades

Be realistic! If you want to lighten more than 4 shades, it must be done in multiple steps and may require bleaching firstly. Discuss with the cosmetician at the pharmacy firstly.