The 15 At-Home Waxing Kits We Tried and Love in 2024

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• Skin
• Hair Removal

Smooth af skin from head to toe.

Reviewed by

Onyeka Obioha, MD

BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Reviews
• What To Look For
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Why Trust Byrdie

Hair removalLaser hair removal

Since waxing pulls hair out at the root, the results last much longer than shaving. And, the more regularly you wax, the finer your hair becomes and the longer it takes to grow back. You can also wax all different parts of the body. The cons? Salon waxing can get pricey, and at-home options have historically been complicated, messy, and often painful—but they don't have to be.

Licensed esthetician Jodi Shays recommends looking for ingredients like glyceryl rosinate (a hardening component that acts as a barrier) and titanium dioxide (a skin protectant that helps prevent infections) act as a buffer to prevent the wax from sticking to the skin.12

We tested two dozen kits at home for six weeks, evaluating each based on what's included, the application process, comfort, effectiveness, how our skin looked and felt after, and overall value. After testing them based on the instructions and checking for hair growth in the weeks that followed, we spoke with two estheticians and a dermatologist who helped us narrow down our list to these top-performing at-home waxing kits.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face at Athenaclub.com

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Best Budget:

Sally Hansen Body Wax Hair Removal Kit at Walmart $10

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Best for Larger Areas:

SALE

Wakse Ultimate Face & Body Waxing Kit at Ulta $60 $45

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Best for Face:

SALE

Nad's Hair Removal Wax Strips at Amazon $16 $11

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Best for Bikini:

Happy Waxing Waxing At-Home Kit at Amazon $67

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Best Multipurpose:

Sugardoh The Full Body Sugaring Kit at Sugardoh.co

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Best Kit:

Gigi Mini Pro Hair Removal Waxing Kit at Amazon $60

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Best Pain-Free:

SALE

Parissa Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax at Amazon $20 $16

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Best Strips:

Veet Full Body Waxing Kit at Amazon $10

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Best Roll-On:

Waxfans Roll On Wax Kit at Amazon $17

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Best Overall

Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

Athena Club

View on Athenaclub.com

What We Like

• Virtually no prep or cleanup
  

• Peels off painlessly with minimal irritation
  

• Results last three weeks
  

What to Consider

• Double-sided strips could be wasteful

• Pricier without subscription

Amount: 20 double-sided strips | Includes: Wax strips, post-wax wipes, calming serum | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Of all the kits we tested, Athena Club was a clear standout. This at-home waxing system comes with wax strips that don't require any heat. We found them incredibly easy to use, as there's virtually no prep other than making sure your skin is clean, and cleanup is essentially nonexistent. They're a breeze to apply, stick securely to the skin, and peel away effortlessly while taking off all hairs with minimal irritation.

After using the wax strips on our faces, our skin looked and felt super smooth, and we didn't notice any hair regrowth for roughly three weeks. Per Shays's recommendation, this is a glyceryl rosinate-based wax. It also contains multiple plant oils for moisture and aloe vera to soothe the skin. We found the included post-wax wipes nourishing too.

Since the strips are double-sided, which is useful because you can immediately reuse the same strip on another body part, but we wish there was a peel-off barrier over both sides. That way, you could use the other side another time instead of potentially wasting it. The other thing to note is that the price is slightly higher without a subscription. But if you're doing a big at-home waxing sesh with multiple areas, it's still a great value.

Best Budget

Sally Hansen Body Wax Hair Removal Kit

Sally Hansen Extra Strength

$10 at Walmart View on Sallyhansen.com $11 at Riteaid.com

What We Like

• Wax is easy to spread

• Mostly pain-free experience

• Prevents regrowth for two weeks

What to Consider

• Microwaving isn't as convenient as pre-coated strips

• Slightly messy application

Amount: 8 ounces | Includes: Wax, spatula, strips, finishing oil | Cruelty-Free: No

This inexpensive full-body waxing kit effectively pulled out our hair at the roots and kept us hair-free for a couple of weeks. The wax was easy to spread, not uncomfortably hot, and relatively pain-free. It stung slightly immediately after ripping off the strips, but this is par for the course with waxing—and any irritation was gone within about 10 minutes.

Having to heat the wax in the microwave (rather than warming pre-coated strips in your hands) and applying it with a stick was kind of inconvenient. And it can get messy—there was some wax remaining not only on the area we waxed but also on our hands. But considering the accessible price point and effectiveness, this kit is absolutely worth buying.

Best for Larger Areas

Wakse Ultimate Face & Body Waxing Kit

Wakse Cosmic Candy Hard Wax Beans PHOTO: Ulta

$60 $45 at Ulta $55 at QVC

What We Like

• Low-mess, beginner-friendly process

• Removes all hairs in one pass

• Hardened wax doesn't stick to skin

What to Consider

• Semi-long melting time

• May make skin temporarily itchy

Amount: 12.8 ounces | Includes: Hard wax beans, post-wax serum, melting pot, wooden applicators | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The wax in this kit is in the form of little "beans" reminiscent of Dippin' Dots. They take 15 minutes or so to melt in the included warming pot (though the instructions said it would only take up to five minutes), which gets them to the exact right temperature and consistency. Despite having to dip wooden applicators into the melted wax and peeling it off without strips, the process wasn't very messy or complex.

Containing rosinate and titanium dioxide, the wax cooled and hardened quickly on our skin. It was strong enough to remove all hairs, so we didn't have to go over the same sections twice, and none remained stuck to the skin. Aside from some minor itching, we didn't experience any adverse reactions. And our body hair grew back substantially slower than it does after shaving.

Best for Face

Nad's Hair Removal Wax Strips

PHOTO: Amazon

$16 $11 at Amazon $6 at Target $7 at Ulta

What We Like

• User-friendly pre-coated strips

• Minimal redness or irritation

• Prevents hair growth for up to three weeks

What to Consider

• Strip shape isn't ideal for eyebrows

• May cause next-day bumps

Amount: 12-double sided strips | Includes: Wax strips, calming wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nad's was a mainstay in the '90s, and the tried-and-true brand still makes some clutch products. We tried the Facial Waxing Kit and were all-around impressed. Instead of melting wax, you just rub the double-sided strips between your hands to warm them, then press them onto the desired area.

The small strips are good for removing upper lip hair and peach fuzz on the face, though you might need more control over the shape and placement for your eyebrows. We found the strips easy to remove, and all the wax came off once we swiped our skin with the included calming wipes. Post-wax redness was minimal and short-lived, though we did notice a few tiny bumps the next day. Our hair didn't start growing back for about three weeks.

Best for Bikini

Happy Waxing Waxing At-Home Kit

Happy WaxingHome

$67 at Amazon View on Happywaxing.us

What We Like

• Warms wax to perfect temperature

• Pain-free removal

• Suitable for sensitive skin

What to Consider

• Beads are slow to melt

• Strong, cotton candy-like fragrance

Amount: 14.1 ounces | Includes: Wax beads, heater, melting tin, measuring cups, gloves, protective sheet, wooden applicators, prep oil, purifying lotion | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Happy Waxing might be your best bet for the most sensitive place to wax: the bikini zone. The wax beads take almost a half-hour to melt, but the included warmer ensures the wax is at the perfect temperature and consistency. It only took about 20 seconds to harden after we applied it to our skin, the wax pulled out all hairs at the roots, and, surprisingly, it wasn't painful whatsoever. There was some redness and bumps immediately after, but this subsided within the hour.

The wax has a strong cotton candy-like artificial fragrance we weren't thrilled about, though it didn't seem to be an issue for sensitive skin. That said, we love that this comprehensive kit comes with all the essentials for at-home waxing and that, unlike pre-coated strips, you can customize the size and shape of your hair removal area. What's more, our hair grew back slower and softer than with shaving.

Best Multipurpose

Sugardoh The Full Body Sugaring Kit

SugardohSugaring Kit PHOTO

View on Sugardoh.co

What We Like

• Can be applied from head to toe

• No warming or melting required

• Easy to use with simple cleanup

What to Consider

• May not get all hairs on first pass

• Slight irritation immediately after waxing

Amount: 28 ounces | Includes: Medium paste, firm paste, cloth strips, pre-wax powder, soothing gel, applicator, carry bag | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This sugaring kit can be used from head to toe, including the face, underarms, back, bikini zone, legs, feet, you name it. Instead of traditional wax, this kit comes with a sugar-based paste that doesn't require warming or melting. A little bit goes a long way, and although you might need to go over some areas again to get every last hair, you can use it virtually anywhere on your body.

We experienced some pain and redness immediately after pulling it off, but the irritation didn't last long—the included soothing gel helped. Similar to honey in color and texture, the sugar paste left our skin slightly sticky, but the tacky residue wiped off easily.

Cleanup was no problem—the paste rinsed off the reusable applicators with warm water. After using it on our legs, it took about two weeks for the hair to start growing back, and once it did, it didn't seem as coarse as before. It would be nice if the kit came with printed instructions rather than only a QR code, but other than that, we have no complaints.

Best Kit

Gigi Mini Pro Hair Removal Waxing Kit

Amazon Gigi Mini Pro Hair Removal Waxing Kit

$60 at Amazon $60 at Sallybeauty.com View on Gigispa.com

What We Like

• Includes various tools and skincare products

• Heater melts wax to perfect temp

• Mostly painless removal

What to Consider

• More complex/messier than pre-coated strips

Amount: 14 ounces | Includes: Wax, muslin strips, face and body strips, wooden applicators, prep lotion, cooling gel, post-wax concealer, hair-minimizer lotion | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Gigi Mini Pro Waxing Kit comes with all the essentials for achieving buttery-smooth, hair-free skin at home. You might not use every single component each time you wax, but it includes everything you could need. We started with the prep lotion, which removes body oils that may prevent the wax from attaching. Once it melted to the perfect temp and consistency in the included heater, we applied the wax with the wooden applicators and rubbed on the muslin strips.

Pulling off the strips was mostly painless, but if your skin is more sensitive or you're working on a delicate area, you can dab on some of the post-wax cooling gel. While the process is a bit more complex and messier than using pre-coated strips, it certainly gets the job done. And although the price is steeper than many other kits, it's a good value, considering the generous amount of wax and various skincare products and tools you get.

Best Pain-Free

Parissa Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax

Parissa

$20 $16 at Amazon View on Parissa.com

What We Like

• Easy roll-on application

• No noticeable bumps or irritation

• Wash-off formula; simple cleanup

What to Consider

• Can be tricky to achieve proper temperature

• Doesn't come with small strips

Amount: 4.7 ounces | Includes: Wax, epilation strips, applicator heads | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're enticed by the long-lasting results of waxing but wary about the potential pain, this gentle yet effective kit is for you. This sugar wax is meant to be microwaved and reheated as needed, which can be tricky, as all microwaves are different. But getting it onto the skin is a cinch, thanks to the roll-on applicator. We were surprised by how painless it was to rip off the strips, and there was no noticeable redness, bumps, or irritation.

We loved that we could reuse the same strip multiple times, and any remaining wax easily washed away in the shower. Cleanup is really simple too—just rinse off the applicator head and replace the cap on the wax container. One drawback is that the kit only comes with one strip size. Smaller strips would be nice for the face and other small areas, but you can always cut them if needed.

Best Strips

Veet Full Body Waxing Kit

Veet Full Body Waxing Kit for Sensitive Skin PHOTO: Amazon

$10 at Amazon $16 $13 at Walmart

What We Like

• No warming or melting required

• Pre-coated, arrow-shaped strips

• Finishing wipes effectively clean skin

What to Consider

• Too small for some areas

• Not recommended for a Brazilian wax

Amount: 20 strips | Includes: Wax strips, finishing wipes | Cruelty-Free: No

Veet's Full Body Waxing Kit comes with pre-coated, peel-apart strips. We like that there's no wax to melt, making for a simple, mess-free process. Though the strips are a little too small for some areas, they're arrow-shaped to indicate which direction to apply and pull from. The pain level was about average, but those with particularly sensitive skin might notice some lingering redness. After pulling off the strips, you can use the included finishing wipes to remove any excess wax or sticky residue.

We didn't see any new hair growth for about two weeks after waxing. While the strips can be used on various body parts, including your bikini line they're not supposed to be used for full Brazilian waxes—it seems like the wax isn't thick or strong enough, which could result in pain or patchy results. Depending on where you use them, you could end up with ingrown hairs, but this can usually be avoided by exfoliating beforehand.

Best Roll-On

Waxfans Roll On Wax Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$17 at Amazon View on Waxfans.com

What We Like

• Built-in warmer

• Post-wax gel smooths and hydrates skin

• Prevents regrowth for weeks

What to Consider

• Takes a while to warm up

• Wax builds up on applicator

Amount: 6.8 ounces | Includes: Roller heater, wax cartridges, non-woven strips, after-wax gel | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Waxfans kit effectively removed our body hair and the roll-on stick made for easy application. And the built-in warmer is a plug-in—so no microwave is needed. Not only did it prevent regrowth for weeks, but when the hairs started sprouting back up, they seemed to grow much slower. Pulling off the strips hurt a bit—to be expected from waxing—but we didn't experience any notable irritation. Although the gel didn't do much to remove residual wax, it left our skin smooth and hydrated.

This wax comes in a roll-on deodorant-style stick with a built-in warmer. The instructions say it only takes 20 minutes to heat up, but unfortunately, it's more like 45 minutes. While it wasn't the messiest system we tried, it left our skin with a stickiness that was hard to remove, even with the included after-wax gel. Also, the wax can build up on the applicator, which can make it tricky to clean.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Completely Bare Bare More Ouch Less Waxing Kit

PHOTO: Walmart

$13 $12 at Amazon

What We Like

• Wax clings to hairs, not skin

• Minimizes bumps and irritation

• Unlikely to burn skin

What to Consider

• Takes a while to melt

• Rehardens quickly; requires frequent reheating

Amount: 3 ounces | Includes: Wax pearls, reusable jar, applicator sticks, gloves, post-wax towelettes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This kit gives new meaning to donning your finest pearls. Designed for the face and body, the vegan wax pearls (which require no strips and are infused with soothing, moisturizing coconut oil) can be melted in the microwave in the included reusable jar. The wax essentially fuses to your hair follicles—instead of clinging to your skin—for a less painful waxing experience.

We also love that it's meant to reduce inflammation and the dreaded resulting bumps. Wipe up the scene after you're done with the post-wax towelettes, which are formulated with calming lavender oil.

Best for Eyebrows

Parissa Eyebrow Wax Strip

PHOTO: Amazon

$17 at Amazon $12 at Parissa.com

What We Like

• Mini strip size is perfect for brows
  

• Beginner-friendly
  

• Calming, anti-inflammatory formula

What to Consider

• May not work with very thick or coarse hair

Amount: 32 strips | Includes: Wax strips, spoolie, soothing oil | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Made with beginners in mind, these brow wax strips couldn't be easier to use. The brand has detailed videos on its site about how to shape your brows without error (it's your face, after all). Those with sensitive skin will also love it, as the wax is formulated without irritating fragrances.

Each kit comes with small, double-sided, cream-based wax strips that can be warmed between your hands, plus a bamboo spoolie brush and post-wax soothing oil. We also appreciate that the strips are made with antimicrobial eucalyptus oil to keep potential infections and inflammation at bay and calming chamomile extract.3 We just wish it worked better on thicker hair (which brows can sometimes be).

Best for Underarms

GiGi Roll-On Waxing Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$43 at Amazon $43 at Ulta $43 at Gigispa.com

What We Like

• Included warmer; no microwave needed

• Easy roll-on application

• Soft wax is good for sensitive areas

What to Consider

• Wax sometimes rolls on unevenly

Amount: 2.4 ounces | Includes: Wax cartridges, roller heads, warmer, 15 strips, pre-wax cleanser, wax remover | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Gigi Roll-On Waxing Kit is a complete system for beginners and experts alike who’d like their underarm hair to grow back slower. It comes with a wax warmer (so no microwave is necessary for heating) and two applicators of different sizes to help target various areas.

Though it can be used nearly anywhere on the face and body, the soft wax formula is particularly good for sensitive spots like the underarms and bikini line. Also, since armpits have unusual contours, the applicators—which are similar to a roll-on deodorant stick—are helpful in terms of getting full coverage.

Best for Coarse Hair

VidaSleek Hair Removal Wax Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$29 at Amazon View on Vidasleek.com

What We Like

• Formulated for thick, short hairs

• Minimizes redness and irritation

• Suitable for most body areas

What to Consider

• Not recommended for facial hair

Amount: 10 ounces | Includes: Wax, applicator sticks, cleansing wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Here's the hard truth: Unwanted, coarse hair can pop up in unwanted places at inconvenient times. That's where this down-to-business hard wax comes in. While you can use it almost anywhere on your body, including your legs and forearms, the wax is specifically formulated to target short, stubborn, coarse hairs under the arms and around the bikini line.

The microwavable wax melts quickly and hardens on its own, so you don't need paper strips or cloths. It includes anti-inflammatory, redness-reducing avocado oil to mitigate irritation. The included cleansing wipes incorporate jojoba oil and chamomile to nourish and soothe the skin.4 That said, as this wax is made for thicker, coarser hair, we don’t recommend you use this on your face.

Best for Slow Regrowth

Avashine Wax Strips

Avashine Wax Strips Legs & Body PHOTO: Amazon

$17 $10 at Amazon

What We Like

• Effectively removes thick, dark hair

• Mostly comfortable and pain-free

• Makes hair grow back finer

What to Consider

• Strips are somewhat stiff and hard to warm in hands

• Strongly fragranced calming wipes

Amount: 16 double-sided strips | Includes: Wax strips, calming wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

These wax strips got to the root of our hairs, pulling most out (save for some finer strands) in a single pass. The experience was comfortable and pain-free for the most part, and we applied the included calming towelettes immediately after. Best of all, we saw a reduction in the amount of hair that grew back, particularly in places that usually grow thicker, darker hairs, like the legs. There was slight regrowth after about eight days, but it was a lot finer than before and hardly noticeable—and we didn't feel the need to re-shave or wax again at that point.

Although we found the strips somewhat stiff and not the easiest to warm up between our hands, they definitely got the job done. And while the wax is unscented, the wipes have a strong fragrance, which might bother folks with sensitive skin or noses.

What to Look for in At-Home Waxing Kits

• Wax Base and Consistency: According to licensed esthetician Danielle Hogue, cream-based waxes tend to be gentle on the skin yet effective at grabbing and removing hair. As with the Sugardoh Full Body Sugaring Kit, sugar-based pastes are much tackier and, as such, adhere securely to the skin, making it easy to pull out all hairs in a single pass.
• Skin-Friendly Formula: If your skin is reactive to waxing, look for soothing, skin-safe ingredients. Dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, says shea butter, chamomile, and beeswax work for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face is a glyceryl rosinate-based formula, and Wakse Ultimate Face & Body Wax contains both rosinate and titanium dioxide.
• Body Part and Area Size: Some waxing kits come with small strips designed for the face, such as Nad's Facial Wax Strips, while others can be used from head to toe. If you're a newbie, Hogue advises starting your DIY waxing journey by approaching smaller areas first. "Try your upper lip before you shape your brows, or start with your bikini line before you move onto a full Brazilian," she says. This lets you familiarize yourself with the product and see how you react to it, creating less room for error.
  

FAQ

• How do you use an at-home waxing kit?

  Start by applying a cornstarch-based baby powder to the area, which you'll want to have exfoliated a couple of days beforehand. Then, apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth. Before it can cool, firmly press a strip onto the wax and smooth it in the direction of growth, then quickly peel it in the opposite direction once it's time to remove it, staying as close to the skin as possible.
  

• What type of wax is best for sensitive areas?

  For waxing sensitive areas, like your upper lip or bikini line, Shays advises against using honey and resin waxes and instead applying "soft cream waxes that contain titanium dioxide or high-quality hard waxes" in small sections. "When you pull, keep your hand as close to the skin as possible," she says. "If you pull up, you will cause bruising." If you're waxing when you're on your period, Shays recommends taking a pain reliever to reduce discomfort.

• Are at-home waxing kits safe?

  At-home waxing kits are safe, but you'll want to make sure to use them correctly. Cream wax is generally better for more delicate skin, and it's not advised to do any waxing if you're taking Accutane or using retinol products. Follow the instructions carefully—ensuring the wax is at the correct temperature is crucial to a minimally irritating result.

  "When you talk about people with darker skin tones or hyperpigmentation, the only way a wax is going to harm them is if the wax is too hot, too sticky, or is removed incorrectly," Shays adds.

• Is there a way to lessen the pain of waxing at home?

  Make sure the wax is at the correct temperature (never apply wax that's too hot, as it can cause burning). Additionally, using the right amount of wax goes a long way in reducing the pain. Still, anyone with sensitive skin may also want to use a numbing cream or spray. You can even take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or aspirin, about a half-hour before starting.

• Is it better to shave or to wax?

  According to Shay, it depends on your lifestyle because each has its pros and cons. For instance, you have to wait for your hair to grow long enough for waxing, whereas shaving requires removing the hair more often. Dr. Rabach prefers shaving over waxing. "I think shaving is the safest, tried and true, and my preference because it isn't painful," she says. "When hair is torn out in a wax, there is more chance for irritation and ingrowns." Ultimately, it is what works best for you!

  We suggest using scissors or trimming devices to remove hair inside the body, such as nose hair, instead of waxing to avoid irritation and soreness.

• How do you prep your skin for waxing?

  Hogue recommends first exfoliating the area with a grainy scrub or loofah to remove dead skin from the surface. "Doing this allows the wax to better grab the hairs you're trying to remove and ultimately makes waxing more effective," she explains. Also, make sure any hair you're waxing is roughly the length of a grain of rice.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud

Three experts were consulted for this story:

• Jodi Shays is a licensed esthetician, self-professed hair removal obsessive, and the owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spas.
• Danielle Hogue is a licensed esthetician and the founder of Wax Theory Salon in El Segundo, California.
• Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any travel pants from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.