How to Wax at Home

If you choose to ditch the fuzz, there are plenty of options for at home hair removal. In this article, we’ll look at how to use home waxing kits for silky smooth skin with no stubble.

For more information on your other home hair removal options, check our Ultimate Home Hair Removal Guide.

Find the right kit

There are 3 main types of waxing kits: wax strips, wax kits, and roll-on wax.

Wax Strips are ready to use strips with the wax already applied. All you need to do is warm them up in your hands and they’re ready to go. They come in different sizes and some are even specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Wax Pots are separate wax and strips. The wax may need to be heated, but some can be used cold. This wax is then applied directly to the skin with a spatula and then removed with a strip, like at a salon. It is a messier option but allows you to have more control over where the wax is going and how thick it’s being applied. As well as this, wax kits are more effective when waxing short or coarse hair.

Roll-on Wax is halfway between wax strips and wax pots. The wax needs to be heated and it can then be spread over the hair you want to remove. Roll on wax can be tricky to apply in smaller areas.

Prepare to wax

After choosing the right wax for you, it’s important to prepare yourself to wax. Your hair needs to be at least ¼ of an inch long (about the length of a grain of rice).

1-2 days before you plan to wax you should exfoliate your skin. This makes sure your skin is clear from any dead skin cells, helping the wax to stick and preventing ingrown hairs.

Gather everything you’ll need in one place. You don’t want to find you’re missing something important after the wax in on!

Before you being to wax, you should clean and dry the area you will be waxing. This ensure there are no oils, dirt, or moisturisers on the skin.

How to use wax strips

Before using wax strips be sure to read the package instructions carefully.

• Warm the wax strips by rubbing them between both hands.
• Firmly press the strip down in the direction of hair growth.
• Check the wax strip has hardened slightly and then pull off in one swift movement against the hair growth.

Top Tip: Slowly peeling off a wax strip will be uncomfortable and will not effectively remove the hair. You may also leave a lot of wax on the skin, which will be difficult to remove.

• Repeat until you have removed all unwanted hair

Top Tip: Try not to wax over the same place twice, as this can cause a rash. If you have missed some hairs, use a tweezer after waxing.

• Clean off all excess wax with a wipe or warm soapy water.

How to use a wax pot

Before using a wax pot be sure to read the package instructions carefully.

• Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth.
• Immediately place a strip over the wax.
• Smooth the strip down over the wax with your hand 3-4 times, following the direction of hair growth.
• Hold the skin taught with one hand and quickly pull the strip in the opposite direction to hair growth.

Top Tip: Try to keep the strip close to the skin, pulling against the direction of hair growth rather than upwards from the skin.

How to use roll-on wax

Before using a roll-on wax be sure to read the package instructions carefully.

• Follow the package instructions to heat the wax.
• Apply the wax with the roll-on in small sections, following the direction of hair growth.
• Immediately place a strip over the wax.
• Smooth the strip down over the wax with your hand 3-4 times, following the direction of hair growth.
• Hold the skin taught with one hand and quickly pull the strip in the opposite direction to hair growth.

How to wax your face

If you want to wax your face, it’s a good idea to choose a wax that is specifically designed for use on the face. If you choose strips, these will be smaller and more suitable for the smaller areas of hair you will be removing. Simply follow the instructions and you’ll be done in no time.

Aftercare

After waxing, your skin may be a bit red and sore. You can soothe your skin with a moisturiser or aloe vera gel. Avoid swimming and sunbathing for at least 24 hours to avoid irritating your skin. It may also help to avoid wearing tight clothing.

After 24 hours, you can exfoliate your skin to further help to prevent ingrown hairs.

If your skin is extremely painful, very hot, or inflamed for a prolonged period, you should consider trying a different method of hair removal.