A home waxing kit is a great way to achieve better hair removal results with less upkeep required. However, DIY waxing requires quality equipment and some practice to get the method down.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what a waxing kit needs to include, how to properly use one, and show you the best waxing kits for 2024.
- What to Look for in a Waxing Kit?
- Top 10 Best Waxing Kits 2024
- 1. Best Overall Waxing Kit: KoluaWax Waxing Kit
- 2. Best Premium Waxing Kit: GiGi Brazilian Hair Removal Waxing Kit
- 3. Best Budget Waxing Kit: Bella Verde Home Waxing Kit
- 4. Cutest Waxing Pot: Tress Wellness Hair Removal Wax Kit
- 5. Most Precise Temperature Control: Yeelen Waxing Kit
- 6. Best for a Salon Experience: Kotamu Hair Removal Waxing Kit
- 7. Best Soft Waxing Kit for Sensitive Skin: Veet Sugar Wax Hair Remover
- 8. Best Hard Wax for Sensitive Skin: Lansley Waxing Kit
- 9. Best Large-Capacity Warmer: Femiro Hair Removal Home Waxing Kit
- 10. Most Beginner-Friendly Waxing Kit: Waxup Honey Roller Waxing Kit
- Everything You Need to Know About Wax Kits
- Final Word
What to Look for in a Waxing Kit?
When you buy a waxing kit, you’re making a long-term investment. Once you’ve gotten your kit, your main purchases afterward will just be re-upping your supply of wax or applicators.
However, if this is your first home waxing kit, you’re also shopping to find your go-to wax formula. So, you want to consider the wax included as well as the rest of the equipment.
Wax Type
Wax comes in two main forms: hard and soft. They differ in formula, results, and in the process used to apply and remove them. Here’s a quick overview of each type:
Soft Wax
Soft wax is a good option for waxing brows, lips, or other areas on your face. It’s a gentle and less irritating option. The key drawback is that it’s not quite as effective as hard wax. It’s also liable to miss the roots and just rip off the exposed section of hair.
If you’re new to waxing, it’s a good option to get used to the process while keeping pain to a minimum. However, you’ll ultimately want to switch to a hard wax to get the professional-quality results that waxing promises.
Hard Wax
Hard wax provides more consistent results and is generally better for coarse hair. It grips hair better, and it’s not as messy as soft wax (though, it is still messy, especially if you’re still getting your technique down).
It’s safe for all skin types but does require proper cleaning and skin prep to minimize irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
If you’re getting a hard wax kit, pay more attention to the warmer pot than the wax itself. If the wax sucks, you can always try a different formula next time. This is something you have to buy again either way. But if the warmer pot sucks, you’ll need to get a whole new kit.
Heating Method
Waxing kits will either come with their own warmer pot or a microwavable tub (with microwave instructions) that the wax in stored in.
Microwavable kits like Veet are the more affordable options. The advantage is that there’s less equipment involved. However, you do lose out on temperature control.
With a warmer pot, it’s easier to maintain a fixed temperature because the pot will automatically turn itself on and off to maintain the temperature you set.
Pre- and Post-Wax Sprays
The main purpose of a pre-wax spray is to cleanse the area in preparation for waxing. Cleaning the area will minimize the risk of pimples and irritation. It also helps the wax adhere better to the surface.
Some of the more professional waxing kits, like KoluaWax add a mild numbing agent to the pre-wax spray. This is a nice plus if you’re new to waxing or if you’re waxing sensitive areas.
Post-wax spray comes as either a spray or an oil. Its job is two-fold. First, it helps remove any remnants of the wax you applied by dissolving it so you can wipe it away. Second, it conditions and calms the skin, usually with an essential oil blend.
Many kits come with both sprays but sometimes, you’ll find a kit that only has one or doesn’t have any. In that case, you need to use your own cleanser and moisturizer to properly care for your skin.
Now that you’ve read through the main features to consider in a waxing kit, browse through our list of the best waxing kits for 2024 below:
Top 10 Best Waxing Kits 2024
1. Best Overall Waxing Kit: KoluaWax Waxing Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
This wax kit comes with everything you need to get started and provides salon-quality results while making the process as painless as possible. You’ll get the professional warmer pot along with all the wax and accessories you need to start waxing.
What Does the Kit Include?
The KoluaWax waxing kit comes with the warmer pot, three different types of hard wax for different hair types, large applicators, small brow applicators, and both the pre- and post-wax sprays.
The warmer pot comes with a precision dial that allows you to set an exact temperature rather than relying on vague temperature settings like “high” or “low.”
One of our favorite features of this kit, however, is that the pre-wax spray numbs as well as cleans. For beginners or those with a low pain tolerance, this mild numbing effect will really help make the waxing process less irritating.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
The three distinct wax formulas mean you can wax any area without irritating skin or leaving hair behind. The coarse hair formula is best for bikini lines and underarms. The brow formula is best for the fine hair and sensitive skin on your face. The all-over body wax is best for legs, arms, and everywhere else.
As with many of the more premium kits, the wax included is intended more as a sample to get you started and to allow you to try out the different formulas that KoluaWax offers. Because of this, there’s not enough for a serious, full-body wax session or, at least, not more than one. You’ll have to buy more wax soon after you start using this kit.
If you’d prefer something that comes with a larger quantity of wax to start, check out the GiGi kit which comes with nearly a pound of wax to start.
Skin Type
The three hard wax formulas are suitable for all skin types. If you have especially sensitive skin, we recommend using the brow formula as your all-over wax but go ahead and test out the other two formulas on a small area before you decide to stick to the gentler formula.
Pros
- Includes samples of 3 wax formula for different hair and skin types
- Warmer pot has a precision temperature dial
- Pre-wax spray includes numbing agents
- Includes small applicators for brows and upper lip
Cons
- Small sample sizes of wax
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
This kit comes with a hard wax that has the gentle, luxurious feel of a soft wax without sacrificing the professional-level results and the strip-free removal process. It’s both beginner-friendly and suitable for professional use!
What Does the Kit Include?
The kit includes a well-designed warmer pot, nearly a pound of Gigi’s unique hard wax, pre- and post-wax sprays, 30 applicator sticks, and an instructional video.
The video is a great addition for first-time home waxers. It provides complete instructions for using this waxing kit and demonstrates it so that you can see what you’re supposed to do.
The warmer pot comes with a lid that helps to speed up the warming process so that your wax is ready to use in under 30 minutes. Then, it features two helpful indicator lights. The red light shows that the pot is on and in the process of heating your wax. The green light tells you when it’s reached the right temperature.
The temperature lever does not provide specific temperature settings. You just get low, medium, or high. As long as you continue to use Gigi’s own wax, this won’t be a problem as the pre-programmed high, medium, and low temperature settings are designed to work with their wax.
However, if you would rather invest in a kit that has a more universal warmer with a precision temperature dial, check out the Tress Wellness kit which will make it easier to use any brand of hard wax with the warmer.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
This hard wax is strong enough to handle the coarse hair under your arms or along your bikini line but also gentle enough to use on your face, so it’s one of the best full-body formulas on the market.
Skin Type
The olive oil-infused hard wax is safe and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It nourishes and protects your skin while it removes the hair.
Pros
- Oil-infused hard wax is one of the gentlest hard wax formulas
- Light indicators tell you when wax is at ideal temperature
- See-through lid to keep heat in and contaminants out
- Includes video instructions
- Includes 30 applicators sticks in various sizes
Cons
- No precision temperature dial
3. Best Budget Waxing Kit: Bella Verde Home Waxing Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
This is a very cost-effective wax kit that would be a great pick for first-time waxers who aren’t yet sure they want to commit to a more expensive brand or to waxing in general. You get plenty of wax to start, so you’ll be able to go through the trial and error of learning how to wax without feeling like you’re pouring money down the drain if you make a mistake.
What Does the Kit Include?
The Bella Verde waxing kit includes a well-built warmer pot, a generous supply of lavender-scented hard wax, 20 applicator sticks, and the pre- and post-wax sprays.
While most kits will include just a few ounces of wax as a sample of the brand’s formula, this kit comes with five bags, totaling more than a pound of hard wax. This means you’ve got everything you need for a full-body wax right out of the box if that’s what you want to do.
It’s also a good option for beginners. It takes time to perfect the art of getting the right width and thickness when you apply wax. In the meantime, many beginners end up using more than they need or spilling it in the process. Luckily, you’ll still have plenty left even if you do that.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
The kit comes with just one hard wax formula, but it’s suitable for both coarse and normal hair so you can use it just about anywhere, including your face if you have normal, non-sensitive skin. If your face has particularly sensitive skin, you may not want to use it for any facial waxing.
Skin Type
This wax is suited to most skin types. Though some with sensitive skin might find that this causes some irritation. Patch test it on a small area when you first get it to make sure the formula works for you.
If your skin doesn’t respond well to the wax that comes with this, you can still use the warmer pot with another brand of hard wax, so your money isn’t wasted.
For a kit with hard wax that’s safer for sensitive skin, try ILansley.
Pros
- Includes over a pound of hard wax
- Comes with a large warmer pot
- Warmer pot is compatible with any hard wax
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
4. Cutest Waxing Pot: Tress Wellness Hair Removal Wax Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
This complete kit comes with all the essentials plus some extra items and a generous supply of wax, so you’re ready to go as soon as your order arrives. The warmer pot, with its precision dial and digital display, is one of our favorites on the market.
What Does the Kit Include?
This kit includes the warmer pot, protective paper collars, five sample pouches of hard wax, pre- and post-wax sprays, five pairs of gloves, and 30 applicator sticks.
The warmer pot has a precision temperature dial and a digital display. This takes all the guesswork out of the process. The dial lets you set the temperature you’re aiming for and the display tells you what the current temperature is. This makes it so easy to know precisely when the wax is at a safe temperature to apply to your skin.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
The wax in this kit can be used from head to toe and will remove hair no matter how coarse or fine.
Skin Type
One somewhat disappointing feature is that the five different hard waxes are actually just different scents of the same formula. That formula is suitable for full-body use but may not be gentle enough for especially sensitive skin. Patch test it before using it.
If you do have particularly sensitive skin, you might prefer the Waxup Honey Roller kit.
Pros
- Precision temperature dial
- Digital display tells you the exact temperature
- Includes gloves
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
5. Most Precise Temperature Control: Yeelen Waxing Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
This Yeelen waxing kit comes with the essentials you’ll need to start waxing at home. The hard wax is suitable for all areas, and the warmer pot can be used with any hard wax if you decide to try another brand.
What Does the Kit Include?
Yeelen includes a large capacity warmer pot, 4 pouches of hard wax, and 20 applicator sticks. The warmer pot has a precision temperature control dial and an indicator light. It also has a removable lid to help keep your wax warm and contaminant-free.
Our biggest issue with this kit is that the advertisement claims that it comes with pre- and post-wax sprays. However, in the actual details, it says that these are no longer included. So, you will need to have a cleanser and moisturizer ready before you start waxing.
If you’d rather get a kit that comes with everything, try Bella Verde.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
There are four different colors of hard wax included but without labels or information, it’s unclear if they are intended for specific areas. They might just be different scents or colors of the same basic formula. You’ll just need to patch test them to see how they deal with different types of hair.
Skin Type
This hard wax is safe for just about any skin type. Unless you are especially prone to inflammation or breakouts, you’ll be able to safely use this formula.
Pros
- Precision temperature control
- Large capacity warmer pot
- Suitable for use with any type of hard wax
Cons
- Unclear packaging
- No pre- or post-wax spray
6. Best for a Salon Experience: Kotamu Hair Removal Waxing Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
This professional quality waxing kit is a great pick for the experienced home waxer who’s ready to get a better warmer pot and try out some of Kotamu’s luxurious hard wax formulas.
What Does the Kit Include?
The kit includes the wax, warmer pot, and applicator sticks. The pot can hold a generous 500 ml (or 14 oz) of wax at one time, making it a great choice for those who plan to do full-body waxing sessions.
The precision temperature control dial can heat wax up to 240° F or as low as 160° F. It also has a red indicator light to let you know when the wax has reached your desired temperature.
What’s missing from this kit are detailed instructions. If you’re experienced with waxing, you’ll be fine here but for beginners, the lack of guidance can make the process confusing. This is even more the case given that the different waxes aren’t labeled or explained. You really have to hunt down information to find out what the different waxes are for and how to use this machine.
For a more beginner-friendly kit with better instructions, check out the Gigi kit.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
Each sample pouch comes with a different wax formula, intended for a specific area. The yellow lemon wax and the blue chamomile wax are full-body waxes for large areas. The blue is a gentler formula for more sensitive skin.
The pink wax is for coarse hair, particularly along the bikini line and underarms. The green tea tree wax is an invigorating yet gentle formula that is intended for fine hair like brows and upper lip.
Skin Type
This kit comes with wax for every skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll probably do best with the blue and green beads which are a little gentler but patch test all of them to see which ones work best for you.
Pros
- 4 different wax formulas for all skin and hair types
- Precision temperature control
- 2 hard wax blends are great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Minimal instructions
7. Best Soft Waxing Kit for Sensitive Skin: Veet Sugar Wax Hair Remover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Soft Wax
- Heating Method: Microwave
This soft wax from Veet is a safe alternative to hard wax that’s more beginner-friendly and gentle on even the most sensitive skin. The warm vanilla scent and essential oil blend make the process more soothing and relaxing.
What Does the Kit Include?
The Veet sugar wax kit includes 8.45 oz. of wax, a reusable spatula, and 12 fabric strips.
The wax can be microwaved or heated in boiling water, so it doesn’t need a warmer pot. While the spatula has a “temperature indicator” on the end that is supposed to change color to indicate when the wax is at a safe to use temperature, we find this isn’t the most reliable.
You should, instead, just test it by apply a tiny dot of wax to the inside of your wrist when you think it might be at a safe temperature.
The spatula can be reused, provided you clean it, until you reach the end of your wax so there’s no need to buy additional applicators.
The key drawback with this and any soft wax method is that you need to keep getting new fabric strips. You can cut back on this expense by getting reusable strips but these can be a pain to keep clean.
Hard wax kits like Kotamu are your best bet for keeping costs down in the long run since your main ongoing purchase is just new wax, especially if you get a reusable applicator.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
Sugar wax can be used on any area, but it’s best on fine to normal hair such as found on your face, legs, or arms. It can be used on your bikini line or underarms, but it may take a couple applications to fully remove coarser hair.
Skin Type
This is the best waxing option for sensitive skin. Not only is sugar wax gentler than hard wax and even gentler than most soft waxes, but this formula is also extra soothing and nourishing. It contains added essential oils to keep your skin protected and hydrated throughout the process.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Sugar wax is infused with nourishing essential oils
- Reusable spatula included
Cons
- Requires regular purchase of new strips
- Temperature indicator is not reliable
8. Best Hard Wax for Sensitive Skin: Lansley Waxing Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
ILansley has created a great waxing kit for beginners here. It includes everything you need to get started, including a generous sample size of their unique aloe-infused hard wax and a quality warmer pot with a precision temperature control dial.
What Does the Kit Include?
This is a complete kit with two different wax formulas, two different applicator stick sizes, the pre- and post-wax sprays, and the warmer pot. The warmer pot has a precision dial that allows you to adjust the temperature up to a max of 240° F.
The pot also comes with a set of protective collars you can place around the opening. These will catch any stray drips or strings of wax that fall as you lift the applicator stick, making clean-up much easier.
The addition of two sets of latex gloves is another nice touch that makes this kit ready to use right out of the box.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
The aloe hard wax is intended as an all-over body wax that will work on a variety of hair types. The jasmine hard wax was designed specifically for the finer hair on your face. However, both types can be used all over. Just do some patch testing first to see how your skin reacts to the different formulas.
Although the hard wax formulas are suitable for use on any area, the kit is short on applicator sticks. If you’re using this for your face or bikini area, you’ll be fine. However, if you’re planning to wax your legs, arms, or back, you’ll likely run out of applicator sticks before you finish the job. We recommend investing in some extra applicators if you’re planning to wax larger areas.
Skin Type
Our favorite thing about this wax kit is that it comes with aloe-infused hard wax beans. Aloe helps immediately soothe any irritation or inflammation caused by the waxing process while keeping your skin hydrated. This is such a good formula for sensitive skin, but it will feel great on all skin types.
Pros
- Aloe-infused hard wax to soothe skin
- Precision temperature control
- Protective rings for easier clean-up
- Includes small applicator sticks for brows and lip area
Cons
- Limited amount of applicator sticks
9. Best Large-Capacity Warmer: Femiro Hair Removal Home Waxing Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Hard Wax
- Heating Method: Warmer Pot
The Femiro kit is most notable for the incredible wax formulas that this brand makes. The creamy, easy-to-apply texture and the gentle ingredients set them apart from their competitors. While the kit is missing a couple of key components, those wax blends more than make up for it.
What Does the Kit Include?
The kit includes the warmer pot, four hard wax sample pouches, 20 applicator sticks, and a how-to guide with helpful tips.
The warmer pot has a precision temperature control dial, an indicator light that tells you when the wax has reached your desired temperature, and a large, 500ml capacity pot so you can heat enough wax for full-body hair removal.
Unfortunately, the kit is missing a pre- and post-wax spray, so you’ll need to make sure you wash the area thoroughly with your own cleanser and have a rich moisturizer, ideally a natural oil, to soothe and rehydrate the area immediately after.
For a kit that comes with everything, you might prefer the Tress Wellness kit.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
The four samples included in this kit were created to target different hair and skin types so you can maximize results while minimizing irritation on any area of the body.
The original blackberry formula was intended as a chest wax but also works on legs, arms, back, or other large areas.
The cream wax is a unique rosin and beeswax blend that melts at a lower temperature so that you can use it safely on your face or other sensitive areas without burning your skin.
The rose wax is a gentle, extra creamy blend that goes on easily and works great for bikini waxes or for sensitive skin types.
The chamomile wax is a variation on their original formula that is better suited to sensitive skin. So, it’s a universal, full-body wax that’s gentle enough to prevent inflammation.
Skin Type
With four different hard wax blends, there’s a formula for every skin type included in this kit. We recommend testing each one out to find the one that works best for your skin.
Pros
- Includes samples of 4 different hard wax formulas
- Includes 2 sensitive skin wax formulas
- Warmer pot is compatible with a variety of hard waxes
- Large capacity warmer pot
Cons
- No pre- or post-wax sprays
10. Most Beginner-Friendly Waxing Kit: Waxup Honey Roller Waxing Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Wax Type: Soft Wax
- Heating Method: Handheld Warmer
This roll-on soft wax is a great kit for beginners. It takes all the guesswork out of what temperature to use and how much wax to apply so you can avoid some of the most common rookie mistakes of DIY waxers.
What Does the Kit Include?
The kit comes with an electric handheld warmer, two wax cartridges, cloth waxing strips, and an after-wax oil. You insert a wax cartridge and allow it to warm to the right temperature. Then, you roll the wax onto a clean fabric strip to create a solid layer of the perfect thickness and width. Immediately apply the strip to your skin and let it sit for 15-20 seconds before removing.
What we like about this soft wax option is that it comes with a warmer cartridge, so you get more temperature control than you normally would with a soft wax.
While it is a unique and well-designed soft wax system, that convenience and design come with a high price tag. You can get a premium hard wax kit for a much lower price. So, if you don’t have especially sensitive skin that requires a soft wax, a kit like the Femiro kit gets you much more for your money.
Which Areas Can You Wax?
The roll-on wax is suitable for normal hair so it can be used on your face, arms, or legs. It can also be used on your bikini line, but it might not give you perfect results.
The best part about the roll-on design is that it’s so beginner-friendly. The electric heating cartridge keeps it consistently at the perfect temperature. Then, the roller dispenses wax at the ideal rate to ensure you get the perfect thickness on your wax layer. This prevents you from using too much or not applying enough.
Skin Type
This is best for sensitive skin that’s easily irritated or prone to breakouts. However, proper pre- and post-wax care is still important, even with a gentle, soft wax.
Make sure to avoid exfoliating for at least 72 hours prior to waxing. Immediately before waxing, cleanse the area with soap and water. Then, dry it thoroughly.
There is no pre-wax cleaning spray included in this kit, so you’ll need to use your own cleansing method. If you’d rather get a more all-inclusive kit that has a cleaning spray, try the KoluaWax kit which includes a gentler hard wax formula that’s safer for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Convenient handheld wax warmer
- Roll on cartridges regulate wax dispensation for easy application
- Soft wax formula is gentle on sensitive skin
Cons
- No pre-wax spray
- Expensive
Everything You Need to Know About Wax Kits
Those who are new to DIY waxing naturally have a lot of questions about how to do it and what to expect during the process.
If you’re still on the fence about trying an at-home waxing kit or you just want to be extra-prepared to do it right, keep reading for some helpful answers to some of the most common questions people have:
Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?
The answer depends on what your priorities. Shaving is better for quick, painless results, but it can irritate skin and increase your risk for ingrown hairs if you shave too often. The results also only last a couple days at best.
Waxing takes more time and effort to get the job done but the results last longer, cause less irritation, and cut down on the amount of time spent removing body hair in the long run.
The Pros and Cons of Waxing
The main advantages of waxing include:
- Results last 3-4 weeks
- Lower risk of ingrown hairs
- Removes hair by the root for the smoothest possible results
- No razor bumps
Essentially, you get better quality results that last longer. If you have sensitive skin or you’re prone to ingrown hairs, waxing is a good solution to keep your skin looking smooth and irritation-free.
The drawbacks of waxing include:
- Moderately painful process
- Higher buy-in costs
- Requires practice and proper pre- and post-wax care
Most people are aware that the process of ripping hair out by the root with hot wax is probably going to be a little painful. If you’ve never waxed before, that pain level will be higher. But there is good news!
The more often you wax, the less painful it gets.
This is partly because you just get used to it, so you stop registering the pain as intensely. It’s also because you get better at doing it, so you stop making some of the most painful mistakes like inadequate pre-waxing prep or letting the wax sit on the skin too long.
It’s also because your hair follicles get weaker with time so hair can be removed with less resistance. Basically, if you tried it once and it was unbelievably painful, just stick with it and it will continue to get less painful with time.
Is Sugaring Better Than Waxing?
This depends. Sugaring is a safe alternative for sensitive skin. You can apply it at room temperature so there’s no risk of burning your skin. It’s not as exfoliating as a hot wax because it doesn’t adhere to the skin as firmly. So, using a sugar wax-like Veet won’t irritate sensitive skin.
However, for these same reasons, it also doesn’t provide perfect results like a hard wax can. It’s especially difficult to get a good result on coarser hair around the bikini line or beard area.
It’s a good option for softer leg and arm hair or for getting rid of the fine hair on your cheeks and lip area, though.
Which Wax Is Best for Full-Body Waxing?
Some wax kits, like the Femiro kit come with different types of hard wax that are specially formulated for different hair and skin types. They differ in consistency and in ingredients. So, coarse hair formulas are better at providing the firm grip needed to rip out stubborn coarse hair along the bikini line or under your arms.
For larger areas, like the chest or back, a hard wax formulated for coarse or medium hair, like the aloe-infused wax from Ilansley is the best choice.
Fine hair formulas tend to be gentler and often include soothing, nourishing ingredients like the shea butter found in the facial wax from KoluaWax.
If you want to start waxing from head to toe, you may want to get a couple different formulas to better target specific areas.
What Are the Risks of Waxing?
While waxing is generally a better, less-irritating alternative to shaving, it still carries some risks for your skin.
Most of these risks are associated with not taking the proper steps before and after waxing. So, in this section, we’ll go over what those risks are and what steps you should be taking to avoid them.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can happen with waxing if proper precautions aren’t taken. This happens because waxing, especially with hard wax, is also an exfoliating process. It removes the top layer of dead skin, which temporarily makes your skin more vulnerable to UV rays.
Moreover, the process of waxing itself can trigger extra melanin production because your body tends to produce melanin in response to injuries. This is even more likely to happen if you have dark skin.
To prevent this, make sure to clean the area thoroughly beforehand so that the wax sticks mostly to the hair and not to the skin.
After waxing, keep the waxed area out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours. If that’s not an option, wear a high SPF sunscreen and get serious about that “reapply every 2 hours” recommendation on the bottle.
Burns
Hot wax, unsurprisingly, has the potential to burn your skin and, unlike when you touch a hot stove, you can’t quickly pull it away. It adheres to your skin. So, temperature is important. That’s why wax kits like the Tress Wellness kit that come with precision temperature control dials on their warmer pots are so much safer to use.
If you do use a microwavable wax, you need to test the temperature before you apply it to your skin. To test it, apply a small dot of the wax to the inside of your wrist. It should be hot enough to spread it out easily but not so hot that it scalds your wrist.
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs happen if the wax fails to remove the full root of the hair. What remains will have been stripped and coiled much like a ribbon on a present after you run a scissor blade across it to make it curl.
To prevent ingrown hairs, pull the section of skin you are about to apply wax to in the opposite direction that the hair is growing. Hold it taught the entire time from the first application to the final stage of ripping away the strip of wax.
This opens the hair follicle, lifts the root up further, and ensure the wax can securely grasp the hairs for a clean removal.
What Other Products Should I Use When Waxing?
Since your skin needs all the extra attention it can get before and after waxing, make sure you’re taking the best possible care of it with these other products:
- Organic Body Butter. After waxing, use an all-natural formula to soothe the area and immediately start repairing your skin’s natural barrier.
- Body Wash for Dry Skin. Keep skin squeaky clean without risking brittle, flaky skin by using a body wash for dry skin. This will minimize the risk of damage and irritation while waxing.
- Body Lotion with SPF. If you can’t avoid sunlight for the recommended 48 hours, make sure you protect your skin and keep it hydrated at the same time with a high SPF body lotion.
Final Word
As you shop for the perfect wax kit, think about your skin type and the areas you intend to wax. Is the hair coarse or fine? Is it a large area like your back or a small area like your eyebrows?
These questions will help guide you as you decide which wax type to use and what kind of accessories your wax kit needs to have.