7 Best At-Home Waxing Kits, Tested by Beauty Experts
Of the 25 wax kits we tested, Flamingo was our favorite.
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I can finally move my spring jackets to the back of my closet, because warm, sunny weather is here to stay. Since Memorial Day is about five weeks away, I’m embracing sleeveless tops and shorter hemlines. If you’re like me and prefer a hair-free look, then take a page from my beauty editor routine and try at-home waxing kits for dolphin-like skin. Dermatologists told me that at-home waxing kits are an essential hair removal method. Unlike shaving, waxing removes hair at the root, whereas a woman's razor blade simply cuts the hair down, says dermatologist Reshmi Kapoor, MD. It’s a bit painful, but quickly disappears and the results are so worth the temporary discomfort. Waxing leads to finer, sparser regrowth over time, so the skin stays hair-free longer than with shaving, says Dr. Kapoor. My underarms are dramatically smoother, lighter, and I get less ingrown hairs to boot.
Best At-Home Waxing Kits
- Best Overall: Flamingo Women’s Body Wax Kit
- Best Hard Wax: Sliick At Home Waxing Kit
- Best for Beginners: Billie The Wax Kit
- Best for the Face: GiGi Wax Sticks for Facial Hair Removal
- Best Seller: Lifestance Wax Warmer Hair Removal Kit
At-home waxing kits prevent unsightly razor bumps, and are more cost-effective than replacing dull razors and restocking shaving creams. They're also cheaper than professional waxing sessions and save you time from commuting to the waxing studio.
And sure, applying a glob of wax to your body sounds intimidating, but it's surprisingly easy and not as painful as you'd imagine. In our guide to pain-free waxing, experts revealed some helpful advice, like staying hydrated with water and avoiding alcohol before waxing. Another pro tip: skip waxing a few days before your period because you’re dealing with increased sensitivity. Plus, some at-home waxing kits even contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera that are safe for sensitive skin.
With a low upkeep routine of every four to six weeks, using at-home waxing kits is a no-brainer beauty move. Ahead, Dr. Kapoor and her fellow dermatologists get real about shopping for at-home waxing kits and share their must-have picks. After ordering our editor-tested, dermatologist-approved recommendations, keep reading for more tips on post-waxing care.
What to Consider
With only three key factors to keep in mind, shopping for at-home waxing kits is refreshingly simple.
Wax Type
Before waxing, you should know there are two types of waxes: hard and soft.
Hard Wax
If you want to use something stripless, go for hard wax. It adheres to the hair follicle (versus the skin), hardens, and can be removed on its own, eliminating the need for paper strips. For some, it may even feel less painful than soft wax, so it's great for sensitive skin, says dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD. The only caveat is that you may have to apply it several times in the same area to make sure all the hairs you target are removed.
Soft Wax
Soft wax, on the other hand, is soft and applied in a thin layer. A paper strip is then used to adhere and remove the wax. Often, the top layer of skin is also removed, so it can be irritating for people with sensitive skin.
What's Included
Ideally, beginners should look for kits that contain everything they need to get the job done—wax, strips, and finishing oil, at minimum. Novices may also appreciate waxing kits that come with pre-loaded strips, since they're less messy and require less precision. The tradeoff? You're limited to the size of the included strips, so look for kits with multiple sizes if you're targeting different areas of the body. Larger strips are fantastic for your legs, while small strips are practical for your face.
Skin Sensitivity
It's important to use the safest and gentlest wax kits available to avoid irritating, burning, and potentially scarring your skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for waxing kits that include skin-soothing ingredients, like castor and almond oils or aloe. And whatever you use, first test the wax in an area on your body that isn't too visible. This will allow you to see if it is gentle enough for your skin. If you experience a bad reaction, you'll know it's time to pivot to a different product.
How We Selected
For the past year, myself and Women’s Health contributors, including Sabrina Talbert, Jasmine Gomez, Danielle Jackson, and Cristina Montemayor, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated at-home waxing kits. Our team consulted dermatologists Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, Nazanin Saedi, MD, and Uchenna Okereke, MD, for pre-waxing advice and aftercare instructions to prevent irritation and promote healthy skin.for pre-waxing advice and aftercare instructions to prevent irritation and promote healthy skin. Then, we got our hands on the kits and tested them in the comfort of our own homes, evaluating attributes like ease of use, comfort, results, and overall value. Of the 25 at-home waxing kits tested, the seven on this list delivered the best results in our in-depth evaluations.
At-home waxing removes body hair conveniently and cost-effectively, and the best kits do it quickly while minimizing pain and irritation. So, if you’re ready to ditch the razors, check out this list of the best waxing kits, tested by dermatologists and WH editors.
Flamingo Body Wax Kit
Flamingo Body Wax Kit
Pros
- Fast and easy to use
- Includes step-by-step instructions with pictures
- Comes with two different size wax strips for body and face
Cons
- The smallest size still felt too big for areas like the upper lip
Out of all the different at-home waxing kits we tried, these wax strips were the easiest to use and the most effective at picking up every single little hair. Flamingo's wax strips won our top spot because they were super simple to apply with very little prep work besides getting the area clean and dry. The soft wax strips are infused with soothing ingredients, like castor seed oil and beeswax, making them ideal for removing fine hair on larger areas, like your arms. Best of all, they’re ready to go whenever you are—no microwave is required. To use them, simply peel apart the strip and apply it, rubbing firmly against your skin to make sure it coats every hair.
We did find the strips a little too big for areas like the face, but you can always cut them down to the correct size with a pair of scissors. Pulling up the wax strip stung quite a bit for Montemayor, but it was over within seconds and that the wax effortlessly removed most of her hair on the first go. The strips are very sticky, so she reapplied it to the same area to ensure every last hair was yanked. She especially likes that the post-wax cloth feels very soothing on the skin, and that it helps remove any excess product and stickiness. Montemayor says her redness went away after about an hour, and she was hair-free for a good two weeks after that.
| Wax type | Soft |
| Number of treatments | 14 |
| What's included | 28 wax strips (20 large and 8 medium); 6 finishing wipes per box |
| Sensitive-skin approved? | Yes |
Sliick At Home Waxing Kit
Sliick At Home Waxing Kit
Pros
- Wax spreads easily
- Includes reusable cup and spatula
Cons
- Only contains enough wax beads to use 1-2 times
Hard wax kits tend to be messy when they’re applied or removed incorrectly. Remember to always apply a thin, even layer and pull the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth for a seamless waxing experience. However, the results are similar to those you would get at a waxing salon. This Sliick kit comes with a silicone cup and spatula, which makes the heating and application process a breeze. It takes a few rounds of heating and stirring the hard wax to get the right consistency. Once it starts looking like caramel, you’re ready to wax—and the waiting window is totally worth it because the hard wax is easy to maneuver and contains antioxidant-rich acai berry.
“Use a new stick each time you dip into the wax pot to avoid introducing bacteria, which could potentially cause infections,” says Gail Strong, an esthetician and CEO at Invigorate Spa in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The wax itself was easy to spread, but we found that it works best when laid in a thick layer, as thick as a banana peel. Montemayor likes letting the wax cool completely before pulling the strip gives her a better result. The wax strip came up in one piece, lifting and removing all the hairs in its path. Unlike some of the hard wax kits we tried, this one didn’t leave any wax crumbs behind. Once you’re done waxing, all you have to do is let the wax in the cup and on the applicator dry, and it easily peels off. Montemayor found that after waxing her legs with this kit, it took about 10 days before she noticed the hair growing back.
Pro tip: Remember to dip a fresh stick into the wax pot to avoid introducing bacteria that can cause infections, says Strong.
| Wax type | Hard |
| Number of treatments | 1-2 |
| What's included | 1 silicone cup, 1 applicator/mixing tool, 4 oz hard wax beads |
| Sensitive-skin approved? | No |
Billie The Wax Kit
Billie The Wax Kit
Pros
- Very sticky strips can be reused multiple times
- No mess or cleanup
Cons
- Wipes have a very strong herbal fragrance that may irritate skin
Waxing tends to irritate the skin, but these strips from Billie were the most gentle of all the wax strips we tried. The sticky formula contains added castor oil, avocado oil, and aloe vera to soothe the skin, while the no-rub soft-gel wax attaches to every hair, whether it’s very fine or extra coarse.
I used the Billie strips on my legs and underarms, and it was the least painful at-home waxing kit I tried. It’s a little tricky getting all of the hairs of my underarms, but the strips are very sticky, so I can go over the area two or three times and I’m left with smooth, hair-free pits. These strips didn’t leave behind wax on my skin, so clean-up is easy. I’ll just follow up with the included post-wax serum and my redness and minimal irritation are gone.
The medium-sized wax strips are great for larger areas like the underarms and legs, but the small strips are too big to use on the upper lip or around the eyebrows. An easy hack is to trim them to fit your face—and with 32 wax strips in total, the $9 kit remains a great value.
| Wax type | Soft |
| Number of treatments | 32 |
| What's included | 20 medium and 12 small strips; 6 post-wax serum wipes |
| Sensitive-skin approved? | Yes |
Nair Roll-On Milk and Honey Wax
Nair Roll-On Milk and Honey Wax
Pros
- Design makes application easy
- Made with argan oil to moisturize skin
Cons
- Customers say it may take a few tries to remove coarser hair
Women with sensitive skin or a low pain tolerance will love this sugaring wax because it’s gentle on the skin without compromising on hair removal. Its screw-on, roll-on applicator makes applying this wax cinch, allowing you to reach tricky spots, like your chin or underarm, more precisely. You can easily wash the applicator after each use with soap and water. And to nourish the skin, the formula contains 100 percent organic virgin argan oil from Morocco.
Considering the above, it's no surprise that WH contributors love this buy, too. Its compact size is excellent for touch ups on the go. And it’s a fantastic mess-free alternative that’s easy to apply and smells delicious, says Jackson. Plus, the wax works on shorter hairs as small as two millimeters, so it removes prickly stubble. While she fully recommends this at-home waxing kit, it’s worth noting that it’s not a hard wax, and it comes with cloth strips that may not cling to thicker hair types.
| Wax type | Sugar |
| Number of treatments | 10 |
| What's included | 10 reusable cloth strips; 3.4 ounces of wax |
| Sensitive-skin approved? | Yes |
Sally Hansen Hair Removal Snip & Use Wax Strips
Sally Hansen Hair Removal Snip & Use Wax Strips
Pros
- Infused with coconut and marula oils
- Very affordable
Cons
- You’ll have to cut the wax strips if you also want to use them on your face
These Sally Hansen wax strips are infused with vitamin E and avocado oil for a more nourishing and less irritating waxing experience. The full-size strips are still large enough to cover a good amount of ground—like armpits and legs—and can leave you hair-free for up to eight weeks. You can also snip these strips to fit different areas of your face and body, including your underarms and bikini line.
Before Jackson switched over to laser hair removal, she always kept these strips on hand all the time. She used them for years and suggests putting a dish towel in the microwave for 20 seconds and placing the strip in the towel to warm it up before using it for better results. You can also follow up with a separate oil or serum, since it occasionally leaves a sticky residue on the skin that can be uncomfortable.
| Wax type | Soft |
| Number of treatments | 10 |
| What's included | 10 two-sided wax strips; .5 ounces of finishing oil |
| Sensitive-skin approved? | Yes |
GiGi Wax Sticks for Facial Hair Removal
GiGi Wax Sticks for Facial Hair Removal
Pros
- Great for travel
- No warmer or microwave needed
Cons
- Wax dries quickly, so you have to work in small sections
These waxing sticks are different from anything else we tried. Despite looking like something you would find in a kid's craft box, these don't play around when it comes to their ability to remove facial hair. The kit comes with two crayon-looking wax sticks, one small and one large. The small one is great for getting the errant hairs around your brows, while the larger stick is the perfect size for removing upper lip hair and peach fuzz on the rest of the face. Montemayor found that the stick made her feel like she had more control over where the wax went, which is especially important in sensitive areas like the face.
To heat up the wax, all you need is a hair dryer. We recommend using the wax sticks in a bathroom because you’ll need to reheat the sticks often. The sticks are a little stringy, and the application can get messy because you’re trying to catch the wax and apply it before it continues dripping down the stick.
The hard wax has a pliable texture that snuggly fit the curves of your face and can be applied in a nice, thick layer, which make it easier to remove. We could do two to three swipes with the stick before we needed to blast it with the blow dryer again. The wax formula itself was very gentle and didn’t leave any sticky residue behind or tug at the top layer of skin. Overall, it was mostly painless because you’re working in such small sections. Once the stick dries, you can tuck it away for safekeeping and reuse it again the next time you need to remove your facial hair. We particularly like these sticks because they're travel-friendly, too. You can definitely throw them in a toiletry bag on your next weekend getaway.
| Wax type | Hard |
| Number of treatments | 2-4 |
| What's included | 1 brow stick; 1 face stick |
| Sensitive-skin approved? | Yes |
Meet the Experts
- Reshmi Kapoor, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center.
- Dr. Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia and a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University.
- Dr. Uchenna Okereke, MD, MSc, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Brooklyn, New York.
- Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at OSVI Dermatology in California.
- Gail Strong is an esthetician and the founder of Invigorate Spa in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What is the best aftercare for waxing?
After waxing, you can prevent ingrown hairs from forming and minimize irritation immediately afterwards by applying cool aloe to soothe skin, and sticking to loose clothes that won't create friction. "Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sunburned skin, while glycerin specifically can help to boost hydration levels to restore the skin's moisture barrier," dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD, previously told WH in our guide to the best aloe vera gel. Some kits also come with nourishing oils and wipes to help minimize any post-wax irritation.
Waxing Tips
Before you head off to wax unwanted hair, these are a few other tips you should keep in mind.
Waxing can cause major skin damage—if you're not careful.
Waxing removes hair by lifting it out at the root. With traditional waxing, hot wax is applied to skin and the hair is pulled off in the opposite direction of the way it's growing. The key word here and what can make at-home waxing dangerous is that it's hot.
“Hot wax can burn the skin—and it is a particularly dangerous type of burn because the hot product adheres to the skin,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Always make sure you're following the heating directions closely and that you hold your hand over the wax after it's been heated to gauge the temperature before applying it to your skin.
Then, first test the wax in an area on your body that isn't too visible. "That way you can check the temperature, but also see how your skin reacts," says Dr. Saedi. Testing a product will also allow you to see if it is gentle enough for your skin. “It's important to use the safest and gentlest wax kits available to avoid irritating, burning, and potentially scarring your skin," says Dr. Murphy- Rose. You should also avoid any ingredients you have a known allergy or sensitivity to. If you experience a bad reaction, you'll know it's time to pivot to a different product.
If you have dark skin, hyperpigmentation could be an issue.
"Hot wax tends to adhere the strongest, so while it may remove hairs more efficiently, it can also stick to skin more and pull off those top layers of the skin as it's also pulling out your hair,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Waxing exfoliates the top layer of skin and is more likely to cause hyperpigmentation aka dark spots, says Dr. Okereke. She says to think of the skin after waxing like a fresh, pink wound.
"Ultraviolet rays are attracted to wounds, making the freshly waxed skin more susceptible to darkening as melanin (the dark pigment in skin) floods the area to try and protect it." Luckily, there is a simple fix: Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen! Better yet, keep that new skin out of the sun completely for at least a few days.
Can you wax if you’re using retinol?
You'll also want to avoid any extra exfoliation, like retinol, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, a few days prior and a few days following your at-home wax. A few other good things to know before getting started: Always wax on clean skin to avoid bacterial contamination in pores and make sure your hairs are long enough (at least 1/4 of an inch) to be grabbed by the wax.
Which direction should you wax in?
The key to preventing ingrown hairs (an all too common downside of waxing for many) is to get the full hair follicle. The best way to do this is by keeping your skin taut and pulling the wax strip in the opposite direction of the way that your hair grows.
Is sugaring better than waxing?
Sugaring, aka sugared wax or sugar gel, is generally safer because it’s applied to skin at room temperature, (read: no risk of burning skin) and warms up with body heat. “Sugared ‘wax’ is not truly wax,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. Rather, it’s a combination of sugar, lemon juice, and water. Some brands will infuse glycerin, fragrance, honey, or essential oils. Regardless of which brand you opt for, sugaring is water soluble and easily rinses off the skin compared to hot wax, she says.
Sugaring and threading remove the hair follicle from the root but with less exfoliating, offering a gentler process, Dr. Okereke says. Though she warns that she's also had patients with coily textured hair that still develop ingrown hairs and scarring from sugaring as well. The bottom line: "If you know you're prone to hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs, or scarring, see a dermatologist to discuss the best hair removal practices for you," says Dr. Okereke.
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Additional reporting by Lily Wohlner and Cristina Montemayor.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
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