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Waxing can feel like an expensive, painful chore—or it can be quick, efficient, and done from the comfort of your own bathroom with one of the best at-home wax kits. Whether you’re using a soft gel wax that requires a wooden spatula and some grit, or opting for pre-waxed strips that don’t even need to be heated, at-home waxing has come a long way. Many kits are now beginner-friendly, mess-free, and gentle enough for sensitive areas like the face or bikini line, making them a cost-effective alternative to salon visits for small touch-ups.
Now, to be clear, these kits still hurt (you’re ripping hair from the root, after all). But with the right consistency and formula, the experience can be way less brutal. Below, we tapped two board-certified dermatologists to break down everything you need to know: How to prep your skin, what the 24-hour rule is, what to look for in an at-home wax kit, and how to prevent pesky ingrown hairs. We also rounded up seven of our favorite at-home wax kits for smooth, hair-free skin.
Vogue’s Favorite At-Home Wax Kits:
- Best Overall: Flamingo Women’s Body Wax Kit, $17
- Best Hot Wax: Nair Lux Wax, $14
- Best Natural: GiGi All Purpose Honee Hair Removal, $14
- Best Gentle: Billie Wax Kit, $9
- Best for Body: Sally Hansen Extra Strength All-Over Body Wax Hair Removal Kit, $13
- Best Heatless: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Body, $11
- Best Paste: Sugared + Bronzed Sugar Paste, $45
In This Story:
- Is at-home waxing safe?
- What is the 24-hour rule for waxing?
- How should you prepare your skin for waxing?
- What to look for in an at-home wax kit
- How to wax at home without getting ingrown hairs
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Flamingo Women’s Body Wax Kit
- Why We Love It: If you’re new to waxing, pre-waxed strips can be a total lifesaver, as they’re much cleaner and easier to use. This kit from Flamingo includes 24 wax strips in both large and small sizes, along with post-wax cloths to help remove sticky residue and calm any irritation. The strips are fragrance-free and dye-free, making them less likely to irritate skin compared to traditional hot waxes. And since there’s no heating required, there’s no risk of burns—just warm the strips between your hands before applying. The more you use them, the easier it gets, but the process is pretty intuitive. Just be sure to pull in the opposite direction of hair growth. Each strip can typically be used for two pulls. Cosmetic dermatologic surgeon Dr. Howard Sobel approves. “I like that this kit is dermatologist-tested and formulated without any fragrances,” he says. “The strips make it easier to use, especially for someone newer to at-home waxing.”
- Wax Type: Soft gel
- Number of Treatments: N/A
- Includes: 20 large body wax strips, 8 medium body wax strips, 6 post-wax cloths
- Who It’s For: All skin types
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Each strip lasts for two pulls, leaves no sticky residue, and there’s a separate kit designed for pubic hair. | You may need the entire box to cover larger areas like the legs |
Best Hot Wax: Nair Lux Wax
- Why We Love It: For those who find hot wax more effective or prefer to skip strips altogether, this option from Nair is a solid choice. “Nair is a trusted brand in the hair-removal space, and this formula is dermatologist-tested,” says Dr. Sobel. While many hot waxes are packed with potential irritants, this one is free of parabens, alcohol, fragrance, and dyes. It’s also been voted the number one hot wax formula in France, which might appeal to any Francophiles out there. To use, simply apply the wax in thin layers, wait for it to dry, then pull in the opposite direction of hair growth. It cools quickly, so you’ll need to work fast or reheat as needed. Best for small areas, the kit contains enough wax for about two large areas and three to four small ones. Dr. Sobel advises beginners to proceed with caution, especially with microwaveable hot wax, as improper use can risk burns.
- Wax Type: Hot wax
- Number of Treatments: N/A
- Includes: 7.05 oz. hot wax pot, spatula, 2 post-waxing wipes
- Who It’s For: All skin types
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Warms up fast, safe for the microwave, has a subtly pleasant scent | One jar likely won’t be enough—especially if you’re waxing your entire body |
Best Natural: GiGi All Purpose Honee Hair Removal
- Why We Love It: Made from an all-natural soft honey wax formula, this wax not only removes hair but also helps soften the skin thanks to the nourishing properties of beeswax, meaning no dry, flaky skin after use. One tub contains enough product for full-body hair removal, so you won’t need to buy multiple jars, and it’s gentle enough to use on delicate areas like the bikini line or upper lip. The wax melts at a low temperature and has a smooth honey-like consistency that spreads easily in a thin layer, without the goopy mess some waxes leave behind. It also comes with natural muslin cloth strips that effectively remove hair from the root without leaving behind too many stragglers. Honey isn’t your only option either: The brand also offers other formulas, including versions infused with tea tree oil and zinc oxide, so you can experiment to see what works best for your skin type. While the wax can be heated in the microwave, the brand recommends using its wax warmer for the most consistent results, so there’s a bit more of an up-front investment.
- Wax Type: Soft wax
- Number of Treatments: N/A
- Includes: 14 oz. wax
- Who It’s For: All skin types
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Thinner wax allows you to cover more surface area, moisturizes the skin, offers great value | Can get messy if you’re not careful |
Best Gentle: Billie Wax Kit
- Why We Love It: With 32 wax strips in both small and medium sizes, this kit from Billie uses a soft-gel wax formula infused with avocado oil and aloe vera. The smaller strips are ideal for more delicate areas like the face or bikini line, and each strip can be used up to three times. Unlike some wax strips that feel clunky or hard to grip, these feature extra-long pull tabs for easier handling. Waxing will never be completely painless, and these are no exception, but they’re noticeably gentler than many other options we’ve tried. Dr. Sobel notes that the inclusion of aloe vera helps soothe the skin after use, making this a good choice for those with irritation-prone skin. Just be sure to patch test beforehand and follow up with the included vitamin E–infused wipes to calm any redness or sensitivity.
- Wax Type: Soft gel
- Number of Treatments: N/A
- Includes: 32 wax strips, 6 post-wax serum wipes
- Who It’s For: Sensitive skin
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Safe for use on both the face and bikini area, delivers up to four weeks of smoothness, requires no heating | May not be the most effective option for coarse hair |
Best for Body: Sally Hansen Extra Strength All-Over Body Wax Hair Removal Kit
- Why We Love It: As someone who’s been waxing since the wee age of 11, the Sally Hansen kit was the first I ever tried, and I still keep a jar in my bathroom. It requires a bit more effort, since the wax is applied with a wooden spatula, but it offers great value and covers more surface area than many strip-based kits. That said, it may not be ideal for beginners. “I would use this kit with caution since the jar needs to be microwaved,” says Dr. Sobel. The good news is it has a low burn point, so you don’t need to heat it for long, but always test the temperature before applying to avoid irritation or burns.
- Wax Type: Hot wax
- Number of Treatments: N/A
- Includes: 5.9 oz. of wax, 20 cloth strips, 4 wooden spatulas, 4 finishing wipes
- Who It’s For: Most skin types
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Infused with vitamin E, heats up easily, includes finishing wipes that are great for removing excess wax or stickiness | Can be a bit messy during application |
Best Heatless: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Body
- Why We Love It: At just $11, this kit includes 24 double-sided wax strips that are gentle, non-irritating, and mess-free. Made with a plant-based wax, the process is simple: Apply each strip in the direction of hair growth and press firmly into the skin, then pull in the opposite direction to remove hair with ease. This kit works well for larger areas, but the brand also offers a version specifically designed for the face. “I like that these wax strips don’t require any heat,” says Dr. Sobel. “They contain gentle and nourishing ingredients that help leave the skin feeling soft after use.”
- Wax Type: Plant-based wax blend
- Number of Treatments: N/A
- Includes: 24 wax strips, 6 post-wax wipes
- Who It s For: All skin types
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| No sticky residue, easy to use, quick and efficient | Might need multiple kits for full-body use |
Best Paste: Sugared + Bronzed Sugar Paste
- Why We Love It: If you prefer something a bit more natural or are used to getting sugared in a studio, Sugared + Bronzed now offers its professional-grade sugar paste for at-home use. Available in soft (for beginners), medium (for intermediate users), and firm (for advanced skill levels), the formula is made from just three ingredients: sugar, lemon, and water. It’s simple, clean, and effective, gripping hair without the need for strips or heat. The paste is sticky and takes a bit of practice to get the hang of, but it washes off easily with soap and water. Because it doesn’t require heating, there’s also less risk of burns, irritation, or ingrown hairs. Still, Dr. Sobel cautions that “the consistency of this one may feel sticky on the skin and can be difficult to use if you’re not experienced.”
- Wax Type: Sugar paste
- Number of Treatments: N/A
- Includes: 35 fl. oz. of sugar paste
- Who It’s For: Anyone who finds traditional wax too harsh
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Comes in three versions for different experience levels, doesn’t need to be heated, rinses off easily with water | Takes some practice to master, the tub can be frustrating to open |
Is at-home waxing safe?
Generally, at-home waxing is safe as long as you follow the instructions carefully for whichever kit or product you’re using. However, caution is especially important with kits that require heating. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark, “If the kit requires you to microwave or heat up the wax, be very careful to avoid burning the skin.” He also advises minimal and gentle exfoliation beforehand to help remove dead skin, which can improve results, but warns against over-exfoliating. “If you exfoliate too much before waxing, it can lead to irritation, and it’s equally important not to exfoliate immediately after, as your skin needs time to recover,” he says.
Dr. Sobel adds that while at-home waxing can be effective, certain areas require more care. “These kits are generally safe for most areas, but I would be cautious around sensitive zones like the bikini line, where burns, infections, and ingrown hairs are more likely,” he explains. Always follow the product’s heating and application instructions, test the wax on a small area first, and opt for hard wax, especially on coarse hair, as it’s less likely to cause burns.
What is the 24-hour rule for waxing?
The 24-hour rule refers to the period after waxing when you should avoid certain activities and products to help minimize irritation and promote proper healing. According to Dr. Sobel, this includes staying out of the sun, skipping hot tubs, saunas, and hot showers, and avoiding tight clothing or anything that creates friction on the freshly waxed area. “I also recommend avoiding thick, greasy moisturizers, exfoliating the area, sexual activity, and even touching the skin too much,” he says. Giving your skin this recovery window helps reduce the risk of irritation, infection, and ingrown hairs.
How should you prepare your skin for waxing?
Properly prepping your skin before at-home waxing can make a big difference in both results and comfort. Dr. Mark recommends starting with a clean slate. “First, I’d recommend showering or cleaning the skin prior to removing any oils,” he says. After cleansing, be sure to moisturize, as hydrated skin is more supple, which allows for a smoother waxing experience. If you’re planning to exfoliate beforehand, “make sure to do it at least one to two days prior and very gently to remove dead skin cells and also lift trapped hairs,” Dr. Mark advises. He also stresses the importance of patch testing before applying wax to larger areas: “I’d also recommend trying the wax on a small area of the skin first to ensure you’re not sensitive to the wax and that it doesn’t irritate the skin before using it all over or on larger areas of the body.”
What to look for in an at-home wax kit
For beginners, Dr. Mark recommends starting with a complete kit that includes all the essentials—wax, applicators, cloth strips (if needed), and post-wax care. He also suggests taking a close look at the ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin, to make sure there’s nothing that might cause irritation. Many at-home kits use hard wax, which Dr. Sobel says is one of the most effective and safest options, particularly for coarse hair and larger areas like the legs. Soft wax, on the other hand, is better for finer hair and smaller, delicate areas. Dr. Sobel also advises choosing formulas with natural ingredients like beeswax, sugar, or resin, and looking for products that are hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved for the gentlest experience possible.
How to wax at home without getting ingrown hairs
Preventing ingrown hairs starts with proper skin prep and ends with thoughtful post-wax care. Before waxing, make sure the area is clean and exfoliated, and afterward, keep it moisturized with lightweight, noncomedogenic products. “I recommend exfoliating 24 hours before waxing and using a hard wax,” says Dr. Sobel. “Always apply in the direction of hair growth, use a wax gel and non-greasy moisturizer to avoid clogging pores. Also, use products that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid to help prevent ingrowns. Make sure the hair is about 1/4 inch before waxing and wear loose clothing.”
Meet the experts
- Dr. Howard Sobel is a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
- Dr. Kenneth Mark is a board-certified dermatologist with practices in Southampton, East Hampton, New York City, and Aspen.