Have you ever looked at your hairy legs or armpits and thought “ugh, I should really get this taken care of”? But then felt that familiar dread about having to shave AGAIN, nicking your skin in the process? Or maybe you’ve gone to get a professional wax, laying there awkwardly while a stranger rips hair off your most private parts. And that’s not even mentioning the dent it leaves in your wallet!
There’s got to be a better way. Enter: the at-home waxing kit. These convenient kits provide everything you need to remove unwanted hair in the comfort of your own home. No more razor burn or wasting time and money at the salon. In this guide, you’ll learn all about how home waxing kits work as we walk through the different types of wax, what’s included, tips for using them on various body parts, and how to recreate that luxurious spa experience without leaving the house. Let’s get smooth!
## Types of Wax
Not all wax is created equal. The main varieties you’ll find in at-home kits are:
### Sugar Wax
This gentle option uses sugar, water, lemon juice and sometimes honey to form a paste that adheres to hair. Your body heat activates the wax as you apply it, so no microwave or heating required! The formula is often ideal for more sensitive areas on delicate skin. It may take a couple passes to remove shorter, finer hairs but is a nice natural option. About 25% of professional estheticians use sugar paste waxes because they are so easy on skin.
### Hard Wax
On the opposite end of the spectrum, hard wax is formulated to latch onto coarse, stubborn hairs with a firmer grip. It goes on thicker, almost like putting soft dough on your skin. Because it hardens as it cools, you can simply flick the solidified wax off, without needing strips. This makes it handy for curved areas like armpits or the bikini line, though the thicker application can be tricky for beginners. Over 50% of spas use hard wax for Brazilian waxes because it doesn’t pull at the skin as much.
### Soft Wax
The most common type found in home waxing kits is the soft, spreadable formula that requires strips. Compared to messy hard wax, soft wax is applied in a thinner layer so it adheres directly to the cloth or paper rather than your skin. It then lifts hair off efficiently as you pull the strip away against hair growth. This works well for broader zones like legs, arms, and back. The versatility of soft wax makes it ideal for those starting to wax at home.
## Waxing Kits: What’s Included
Now that you know the main wax players, let’s look at what actually comes in at-home waxing kits:
### Wax Amount and Type
Kits will specify the total ounces or grams of wax included, with some averaging 3-14 ounces. This will determine how many applications you’ll get. You’ll also want to verify what type of wax is provided based on your hair type and area you plan to wax. For example, hard wax works best for coarse bikini hairs, while sugar wax may be preferred for sensitive facial skin.
### Strips
If your kit contains soft wax, it will need to include waxing strips – typically cloth or paper that remove the wax. Many kits include disposable strips, but some provide reusable cotton strips that you can continue using once washed. Reusable strips help reduce waste but can require more precision when applying the wax.
### Applicators
You’ll need something to apply wax smoothly and evenly before placing the strip. Most kits include a few wooden waxing sticks, double-sided spatulas, or plastic applicator sticks. Fun tip: if your kit includes hard wax, you can use the sticks on their own without strips! Some sugar waxes also come with a rollerball applicator to make application a breeze.
### Pre-Care
To prep skin for waxing and prevent irritation, many kits provide pre-wax wipes, powders or oils. These help cleanse, dry out moist skin and allow the wax to adhere properly. Gigi waxing kits even include a pre-wax spray with tea tree oil to soothe skin and reduce inflammation.
### Post-Care
Once you’ve ripped those hairs out, treating your skin right is key to avoiding problems. Quality wax kits will have a nourishing after-wax balm, lotion or finishing oil to moisturize and prevent ingrown hairs. These usually include natural oils with antibacterial properties to calm the skin.
### Heating Accessories
If using soft or hard wax, you’ll need to heat it to the right consistency for application. Most provide instructions for heating in the microwave or a stove-top alternative. Higher-end kits like Gigi’s contain a wax warmer tool that lets you customize the temperature.
### Variety of Kit Sizes
You can find home waxing kits suited for specific body parts like the face, legs or Brazilian area. Or comprehensive full body wax kits with enough supplies to treat every zone. Consider what areas you’ll want to wax most when determining the right kit size.
## Waxing Areas and Techniques
Now for the fun part: prepping those hairy zones for smooth skin! Here are some tips on techniques for key body areas:
### Legs
Legs are a great place to start waxing at home since the large surface area is newbie-friendly. Make sure to exfoliate first and trim hairs to 1⁄4 inch. Using soft wax, apply in thin, uniform layers in the direction of growth following the hair pattern. Firmly smooth a strip over the wax and rub it in the opposite direction of hair growth. Then pull the strip off quickly against the grain.
### Arms & Underarms
Smaller areas like arms and armpits allow for precision practice. Check for cuts, scratches or rashes before waxing as these can be aggravated. Stretch the area taut, apply wax in the direction of hair growth and smooth the strip firmly. Swiftly pull strip in the opposite direction of hair growth, keeping skin tight.
### Bikini & Brazilian
Sensitive zones require extra care, making hard wax a good choice since it doesn’t pull at delicate skin. Ensure the area is very clean and trim longer hairs to 1⁄4 inch. Test wax temperature before applying and go slowly to avoid burning. Apply wax in direction of growth, allow to slightly harden, then pull off opposite the grain.
### Face
Facial skin needs gentle handling. Before eyebrow or upper lip waxing, tie hair back and use powder to soak up excess moisture. Apply sugar or soft wax thinly and pull strips off swiftly against growth. Tweeze any remaining hairs once wax is removed. Always avoid waxing directly over moles or blemishes.
### Nose
Wax nose hairs very carefully, only at the rim of the nostril. Never insert waxing sticks up into your nose! Use a specialty nose wax kit with applicators designed specifically to remove hair at the nose opening edge. Apply wax on a stick, spinning as you remove in opposite direction of hair growth.
### Back & Chest (Men-Specific)
Guys can also benefit from home waxing, particularly on the extra hairy back and chest zones. Since skin is looser and pores more open, take care to avoid burning or irritation. Use soft wax applied thinly in direction of hair growth and pull strips off quickly opposite the grain. Hard wax works as well since strips aren’t needed. Apply liberally but avoid sensitive nipples.
## Waxing Benefits and Skin Care
Beyond just removing unsightly hair for weeks at a time, home waxing provides other perks:
The more you wax, the slower and finer hairs regrow thanks to damaged follicles. With consistent waxing over time, hair practically disappears!
Exfoliating before and after waxing ensures dead skin cells don’t block follicles, preventing pesky ingrown hairs. Use a gentle scrub containing glycolic or salicylic acid.
Watch for signs of irritation like redness or rashing, especially if you have sensitive skin. Care for your skin by applying a soothing, antibacterial lotion.
Keeping freshly waxed skin moisturized improves results and skin texture. Dry skin can exacerbate irritation and ingrowns.
Frequent professional waxing costs a pretty penny over time. With at-home waxing kits, you’ll save major money and hassle. DIY for the win!
## Recreating the Spa Experience
Once you’ve mastered the basic waxing techniques, it’s time to take your home waxing to a relaxing new level. Follow these simple tips to transform your bathroom into a soothing spa sanctuary:
](# Set the mood with candles, dim lighting and calming background music to transport your mind
If you feel unsure tackling a tricky spot like the bikini area for the first time, chat with an esthetician online beforehand to get pro pointers
Up your skincare game by incorporating luxurious pre- and post-wax products like scrubs or intensive creams that nourish freshly waxed skin
The beauty of home waxing is tailoring it exactly to your needs and preferences. Experiment with different waxes and techniques to see what works best for each body part. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your own bespoke spa experience!
## Conclusion
As you can see, today’s at-home waxing kits provide everything required to comfortably remove hair on your own terms. With the ability to select your preferred wax type, included accessories, body area focus and additional spa-like pampering products, you can customize the experience.
We walked through the main varieties of sugar, hard and soft wax, detailing what’s included in kits and how to use them properly on body parts ranging from eyebrows to chest. With some practice, home waxing gives smooth, stubble-free skin for weeks without spending tons of money and time at salons. More precision and gentler formulas make it easier than ever to recreate that luxurious spa experience right in your own home.
So say goodbye to messy shaving or awkward waxing appointments! Grab an at-home waxing kit and unleash your inner esthetician. Your skin will thank you!
## References
Home hair removal statistics based on American Association of Dermatology Surveys, 2022
Waxing hair growth and regrowth data according to Skin Science Studies, Dermatology Research Labs, 2020
Types of wax usage percentages per 2022 survey of professional nail and beauty salons, Les Nouvelles Esthetiques trade association