Everything you need to know about home waxing
Admittedly, many TikTok trends are ridiculous or dangerous, but others can actually make your life better. They can save you time and money while solving day-to-day problems. Home waxing kits have become hugely popular on TikTok. While waxing has some risks, people often favor waxing over shaving because it lasts much longer.
What is waxing?
Waxing is an alternative to shaving. You heat up wax, coat an area of the skin with the wax and remove it. Waxing completely removes hair from the skin. This includes the follicle, which makes the process much more effective and long-lasting than shaving.
Hard waxing vs. soft waxing
There are two types of wax used in hair removal: hard wax and soft wax. It's important to understand the difference between the two so you know which is best for your needs.
Hard wax
Hard waxhard wax
Soft wax
Soft wax adheres
How to use wax to remove hair
Your at-home waxing kit comes with specific instructions to follow for best results. However, for a general overview of the process, you need to do four things:
- Clean and prepare the area for waxing.
- Warm the wax.
- Apply the melted wax in the direction of hair growth.
- Remove the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth.
What to consider before waxing
While waxing is very effective and the results last much longer than shaving, there are a few things to consider before waxing:
- You shouldn't wax if you have circulatory problems.
- Wax should not be applied to irritated or damaged skin, varicose veins, warts, eyelashes, nipples or moles.
- The American Academy of Dermatology advises to avoid using retinoid creams up to a week prior to waxing.
- Waxing may cause irritation, bumps, an allergic reaction, swelling, rashes, dark spots, ingrown hairs and more.
- If skin irritations do not go away after two or three days, consult your doctor.
Best-reviewed at-home waxing kits
KoluaWax Waxing Kit
This all-in-one waxing kit includes a digital warmer, hard wax beads, a heat-safe bowl, pre-wax oil, post-wax oil and more. Everything you need to start your at-home waxing care is included in this comprehensive kit. Sold by Amazon
Shop Now
GiGi At-Home Beginner Waxing Starter Kit
The GiGi Waxing Starter Kit gives you the ability to accomplish salon-quality waxing in your own home. For convenience, the included materials are suitable for both sensitive and large areas. Sold by Ulta
Shop Now
Kotamu Wax Warmer Kit
The Kotamu waxing kit includes hard wax designed to only stick to your hair, not your skin. It comes with specially formulated facial wax, exfoliating powder and all the tools needed to complete your first at-home waxing. Sold by Amazon
Shop Now
Sally Hansen's All-Over Body Wax Hair Removal Kit lets you microwave wax to remove stubborn hair. It's dermatologist tested and comes with azulene oil to remove any lingering wax and soothe sensitive skin. Sold by Ulta
Shop Now
If you're looking for facial wax, this is a solid option. The microwaveable kit is suitable for eyebrows, face and lips. There are no strips required: apply and peel. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty
Shop Now
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
