These Are The Best At-Home Waxing Kits For When You Can't Go To A Pro

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It's totally fine to grow hair in all the parts of your body you want, but if you prefer hairless, silky-soft skin, then you know shaving (and, more annoyingly, applying shaving cream) regularly can get pretty annoying. The solution? Try an at-home waxing kit.

In general, waxing will give you more downtime in between hair removal sessions than shaving does. "The hair growth cycle varies among individuals and even on different parts of the body. But usually, waxing or sugaring will last at least three to four weeks and often longer (six to eight weeks)," says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD.

Best At-Home Waxing Kits

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Of all the hair removal methods out there, though—and there are many—waxing probably takes the cake as the one that's not only the most intimidating, but also the most painful. Plus, if you get it done by a pro, it can also get very costly. But get this: At-home waxing kits will not only save you money, but you'll also be able to go at your own pace—just ask our editors and testers who have tried them, too.

Plus, today's formulas are much more advanced and gentle. Many include skin-loving ingredients rather than the stinky strips from back in the day. So if you’re ready to ditch even the best razors, peep this list of the best waxing kits, per dermatologists, testers, and WH editors.

What to consider

There are many at-home kits on the market, but here are the top things to consider before you buy one:

Wax type

Before waxing, you should know there's more than just one type of wax. If you want to use something stripless, go for hard wax. "Hard wax is a type of wax that adheres to the hair follicle (versus the skin) and hardens and removes on its own, eliminating the need for paper strips," says dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD.

For some, it may even feel less painful than soft wax, so it's great for sensitive skin, says Dr. Saedi. The only caveat is that you may have to apply it several times in the same area to make sure all the hairs you target are removed.

Soft wax, on the other hand, is soft and is applied in a thin layer, explains Dr. Saedi. "Then, a strip is used to adhere and remove the wax. Often, the top layer of skin is also removed, so it can be irritating for people with sensitive skin."

What's included

Ideally, beginners should look for kits that contain everything you need to get the job done—wax, strips, and finishing oil, at minimum. Novices may also appreciate waxing kits that come with pre-loaded strips, since they're less messy and require less precision. The tradeoff? You're limited to the size of the included strips, so look for kits with multiple sizes if you're targeting different areas of the body.

Skin sensitivity

If you have sensitive skin, look for waxing kits that include skin-soothing ingredients, like castor and almond oils or aloe. And whatever you use, first test the wax in an area on your body that isn't too visible. This will allow you to see if it is gentle enough for your skin. “It's important to use the safest and gentlest wax kits available to avoid irritating, burning, and potentially scarring your skin," says Dr. Murphy Rose. If you experience a bad reaction, you'll know it's time to pivot to a different product.

How we selected

For the past month and a half, Women’s Health editors, including our editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, and contributor Celia Shatzman, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated at-home waxing kits. Our team consulted dermatologists Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, Dr. Nazanin Saedi, and Dr. Uchenna Okereke, and then sought the best 16 at-home waxing kits for a wide range of skincare needs and preferences.

Our testers love this wax because it goes on smooth and doesn't stick on too tightly to the skin. "Nad’s Natural Sugar Wax kit is a good option for at-home waxers,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Designed to be used on your face, arms, legs, and swimsuit area, the formula uses your own body heat to warm up the strips, minimizing the risk of burns. It also leaves skin silky for as long as eight weeks. The kit includes Nad’s natural sugar wax, 100 percent cotton washable and reusable strips, wooden applicators, and pre-wax soap with argan oil to prep skin.

Users appreciate that the box offers enough strips for several waxes and that whatever wax settles can be easily rinsed off with water if need be. Some also say that these are ideal for sensitive skin since they aren't as tough or harsh as other wax strips, but that may also make them inadequate for those with thicker hair.

This kit from Bliss lets you experience a spa-level waxing treatment right in your bathroom. In fact, testers say they like this waxing kit because it's simple to use, and the scent is inviting. Just heat up the wax in your microwave, and apply it with one of the small or large spatulas provided (depending on size of the target area).

There are no physical strips—just peel off the hardened wax when you’re done. Many users say that pulling off the wax seems less painful than using strips. However, some also say that the wax can get a little messy, and that it may take several tries to actually get a good peel in, since the wax is prone to breaking when pulled.

Many users like that this kit has simple ingredients: two types of plant resin and avocado oil. Still, it delivers on its promise to grip onto hairs—particularly coarse, thick ones—tightly, so that no stubble is left behind. The kit also comes with cleansing wipes infused with jojoba and chamomile oils that help wipe away any stickiness while moisturizing and soothing.

Testers love that it can be heated in the microwave, meaning no stove top is required. This kit also offers a generous portion of wax and wax strips, but it may not be suitable for sensitive skin, since one person experienced red bumps after using it. Additionally, some note that the wax gets very messy because it's so sticky. It may be hard to remove with water, so they suggest keeping some baby oil on hand.

This is a bestselling at-home waxing kit on Amazon for good reason. The kit uses hard wax, which is supposed to grip just your hair and not your skin. That means you get smooth skin with a little less pain than other kinds of waxing. Plus, the kit comes with a post-wax spray to soothe any irritated skin—a major green flag for testers.

"While waxing your body at home is way easier said than done, this kit was a lifesaver for me during lockdown when I couldn't see my waxer as often," says WH senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson. "Depending on how much wax you're looking to use or what you set the temperature to, the beads only take a few minutes to fully melt, and the kit itself comes with for bags, which is several months worth of waxes." Users like how easy to use this wax kit is, and note that's it's pretty easy to travel with, too. However, our testers recommend this for smaller areas like your upper lip or underarms, as larger areas like the legs could be very time-consuming to tackle with this wax.

If a clean ingredients list is your priority, this will be your best bet, according to testers. Made with organic sugar, chamomile, citric acid, and water, this roll-on wax might inspire you to make your own DIY version at home. This kit is so good that most users say it's a five-star product.

Its roll-on nature makes it very easy to apply, but it can get messy if you're not precise. The only caveat for some testers is that the bottle is a little harder to hold after heating the wax, in turn making it a little harder to be as precise. But for just $20, it's a total steal.

Aptly named, testers love the cotton candy scent of this wax kit. Once you melt down the pink and blue iridescent beads, they turn into a hard wax. Many users appreciate that all you need to do to prep it is put it in the microwave. The stripless wax is said to provide salon-quality results, and many users agree.

One person notes that while they had never used an at-home wax kit before, they find this one to be the perfect choice for beginners. Another adds that it even removes smaller hairs without having to apply the wax to the same area twice. However, it's important to keep in mind that products with stronger fragrance are more likely to irritate sensitive skin, so consider treating a small patch of hair first.

The screw-on, roll-on applicator makes applying this a cinch, allowing you to reach tricky spots more precisely, according to users. You can easily wash the applicator after each use with soap and water. And to nourish the skin, the formula contains 100 percent organic virgin argan oil from Morocco.

The above considered, it's no surprise that WH editors love this buy, too. "If you want to give yourself a wax at home, but you're afraid of the process being too messy, I think this is a great alternative," says Jackson. "The roll-on applicator makes it super easy to apply the wax, plus it smells good." She calls out that the only downside to the kit is that it's not a hard wax, and it comes with cloth strips that may not cling to thicker hair types as well.

These Nair wax strips are about as easy as home hair removal gets. Just peel the strips apart, apply them, and pull them off. Testers appreciate that no heating up—not even rubbing—is required, which makes them great for a last-minute beach day or for stashing away in your suitcase on longer trips, too.

While some users aren't fans of the pain that comes with waxing, many of them like that this kit helps the get the job done fast. They also like that the clean up process is easy since you don't have to apply the wax using an applicator. Just press on the patches and pull for a silky-smooth, salon-like result!

These wax strips from Sally Hansen are infused with coconut and marula oils for a more nourishing and less irritating waxing experience. They’re large enough to cover a good amount of ground—like armpits and legs—and can leave you hair-free for up to eight weeks. One tester recommended putting a dish towel in the microwave for 20 seconds and placing the strip in the towel to warm up before using it. Others, who have been using these strips for years, appreciate that this kit requires zero hassle.

"Before I started getting laser hair removal, I kept these strips on hand all the time," says Jackson. "All you have to do is rub them in your hand for 30 seconds before using them on your desired area." Her pro tip: follow up with an oil or serum, since it occasionally leaves a sticky residue on the skin that can be uncomfortable.

This wax kit from Parissa—recommended for short, stubborn hair—includes wax, applicators, and several disposable strips. Just heat it up, apply, and peel off the strips against the direction your hair grows to get rid of that fuzz. Testers who have sensitive skin say the fragrance-free formula makes removing hair a breeze.

One user recommends not letting the wax get completely hard. Instead, let it cool for a bit until it's almost hard, but still slightly gummy, then pull. At the same time, some say to beware of the bottom layer of the wax melting and not the top, as accidentally overheating the wax can lead to burning.

This wax gel from Nad’s is made with all-natural hair-removing ingredients, like molasses, sugar, and honey. Testers who prioritize sustainable shopping like that the kit also includes cotton strips that can be washed and reused. One person also notes that these strips hurt less that traditional wax.

The simple ingredients make this a great option for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it can be used on anywhere from your face and legs to your swimsuit area and underarms. Another cool feature: the hypoallergenic formula heats up with your body temperature, so you don't have to worry about burns.

If your sensitive skin always turns red after waxing, just know that our testers love this option from Veet. The wax strip kit contains shea butter to help moisturize and soothe skin post-wax. Die-hard at-home waxers love this, with many users calling this formula the gentlest and cleanest they’ve ever used.

These wax strips are meant to go on cold and are said to remove 95 percent of hair on the first pass. While some wax kits smell, most testers agree that the acai berry scent isn't overwhelming. However, a few people note even after using the wipes, the wax tends to leave a bit of residue.

This waxing kit from Gigi contains everything you need to create your own mini waxing studio, including a warmer, crème wax, calming lotions, spatulas, and cloths. Many testers love that the wax heats up in under 30 minutes, and the kit comes with five sizes of applicators to treat any area of choice. Some users suggest doing a patch test before applying to larger areas in case it doesn't mesh well with sensitive skin.

While this kit comes with a lot and can seem overwhelming, many tester agree that it's a lot easier to use than it looks. However, a few people also note that the wax is so sticky that it can be difficult to pull off the skin. They also warn that the whole process can be messy.

If you're looking to tackle different parts of your body, this kit comes with 28 gel wax strips that are big enough to be used on your arms, legs, and underarms. Testers like that they can easily wipe away any stickiness and residue using the included post-wax cloths that are infused with almond oil. These dermatologist-approved strips are made without parabens, sulfates, or mineral oil, making it safe for sensitive skin.

One user said the cloths also do a great job eliminating the post-wax stinging. Meanwhile the larger strips are double-sided, which makes many people feel like they're getting more uses for their money. One thing to note: avoid storing these is warm areas, as the wax can melt off the strips and collect at the bottom of the box.

Ripping hair out of your nostrils sounds pretty intimidating, but it doesn't have to be with this kit. It comes with a special applicator that can only go so far into the nose, so that you can only remove the hair at the edge of the nostril. Testers who tried this product for their first nose hair removal experience were pleased with the results.

A few users agree that so long as you follow the directions, you're sure to get out a good amount of hair. The results last up to four weeks and some even notice their hair starting to grow back slower after each use. If you want to be hair-free minus the pain, trust that this is your best bet.

There are many qualities about this swimsuit wax kit that testers like, but the budget-friendly price is was tends to stand out. This kit comes with 24 raspberry-scented wax strips and eight finishing wipes. Users love the scent and find it to be non-irritating. It's your best bet for getting something close to a professional wax without paying the steep price.

Those who had never done a swimsuit wax at home say these strips made the process incredibly easy and exceeded their expectations. Many testers love Glee so much that they even decided to invest in their other waxing products for other areas of the body. At the same time, others say that these don't work as well on the underarms and can sometimes leave a slimy residue that's hard to remove.

Meet the experts

• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center

• Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia and a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University

• Uchenna Okereke, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Brooklyn, New York

How to care for skin after at-home waxing

Post waxing, minimize irritation immediately afterwards and prevent ingrown hairs from forming by applying cool aloe to soothe skin and sticking to loose clothes that won't create friction. Some kits also come with nourishing oils and wipes to help minimize any post-wax irritation.

Waxing tips

Before you head off to wax unwanted hair, these are a few other tips you should keep in mind.

Waxing can cause major skin damage—if you're not careful.

Waxing removes hair by lifting it out at the root. With traditional waxing, hot wax is applied to skin and the hair is pulled off in the opposite direction of the way it's growing. The key word here and what can make at home waxing dangerous is that it's hot.

“Hot wax can burn the skin—and it is a particularly dangerous type of burn because the hot product adheres to the skin,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. Always make sure you're following the heating directions closely and that you hold your hand over the wax after it's been heated to gauge the temperature before applying it to your skin.

Then, first test the wax in an area on your body that isn't too visible. "That way you can check the temperature, but also see how your skin reacts," Dr. Saedi explains. Testing a product will also allow you to see if it is gentle enough for your skin. “It's important to use the safest and gentlest wax kits available to avoid irritating, burning, and potentially scarring your skin," says Dr. Murphy Rose. You should also avoid any ingredients you have a known allergy or sensitivity to. If you experience a bad reaction, you'll know it's time to pivot to a different product.

If you have dark skin, hyperpigmentation could be an issue.

"Hot wax tends to adhere the strongest, so while it may remove hairs more efficiently, it can also stick to skin more and pull off those top layers of the skin as it's also pulling out your hair,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.

It's this exfoliation of the uppermost layer of skin that leaves it more susceptible to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (also referred to as dark spots), says dermatologist Uchenna Okereke, MD. She says to think of the skin after waxing like a fresh, pink wound.

"Ultraviolet rays are attracted to wounds, making the freshly waxed skin more susceptible to darkening as melanin (the dark pigment in skin) floods the area to try and protect it." Luckily, there is a simple fix: Wear sunscreen! Better yet, keep that new skin out of the sun completely for at least a few days.

Prep your skin by avoiding retinol products, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

As mentioned above, waxing is already exfoliating the skin so you'll want to avoid any extra exfoliation a few days prior and a few days following your at home wax. A few other good to knows before getting started: Always wax on clean skin to avoid bacterial contamination in pores and make sure your hairs are long enough (at least 1/4 of an inch) to be grabbed by the wax.

Pull skin taut and away from the direction of your hair growth.

The key to preventing ingrown hairs (an all too common downside of waxing for many) is to get the full hair follicle. The best way to do this is by keeping your skin taut and pulling the wax strip in the opposite direction of the way that your hair grows.

Consider sugaring if you have more sensitive skin.

Sugaring, aka sugared wax or sugar gel, is generally safer because it’s applied to skin at room temperature, (read: no risk of burning skin) and warms up with body heat. “Sugared ‘wax’ is not truly wax,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. “The sticky product is made primarily of sugar, lemon juice and water and variations include glycerin, fragrance, essential oils and/or honey, so it is usually water soluble and any residue left on the skin can be more easily rinsed off after application compared to true hot wax.”

"Threading and sugaring are other hair removal options that, like waxing, remove the hair follicle from the root but with less exfoliating, offering a gentler process," says Dr. Okereke. Though she warns that she's also had patients with coily textured hair that still develop ingrowns and scarring from sugaring as well. The bottom line: "If you know you're prone to hyperpigmentation, ingrowns, or scarring, see a dermatologist to discuss the best hair removal practices for you," says Dr. Okereke.

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