Are At Home Wax Kits Worth It?

The Growing Popularity of At-Home Waxing

Waxing has become an increasingly popular hair removal method, with the global waxing industry growing at an annual rate of approximately 7.6% (https://gitnux.org/waxing-industry-statistics/). Much of this growth is driven by the rise in at-home waxing, which allows people to wax in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.

According to statistics, 6.39 million Americans used at-home waxing 4 or more times in 2020 (https://www.statista.com/statistics/287039/usage-frequency-of-waxing-in-the-us-trend/). The convenience, privacy, and cost savings compared to professional waxing services make at-home waxing an attractive option for many consumers.

With the popularity of at-home wax continuing to increase, many wonder – are at-home wax kits really worth it? This article will explore the pros and cons, provide tips, and help you decide if DIY waxing is right for you.

Pros of At-Home Waxing Kits

At-home waxing kits offer several advantages over going to a professional waxing salon:

Convenience – You can wax on your own schedule in the comfort of your home. No need to book appointments or drive to the salon. You can wax whenever it’s convenient for you.

Cost savings – At-home waxing kits are generally much more affordable than professional waxing services. A basic kit can cost between $10-$50 and provide several waxing sessions, whereas a professional Brazilian or leg wax can cost $50-$100 each time. DIY waxing saves a significant amount of money in the long run (source).

With at-home waxing you don’t have to worry about salon prices and tipping. Once you purchase a kit, you can reuse it again and again.

Cons of At-Home Waxing Kits

While at-home waxing kits provide a convenient and cost-effective option for hair removal, they do come with some downsides to consider. One of the main cons is the risk of skin irritation or burns if the wax is not applied properly. Wax that is too hot or left on the skin for too long can cause redness, inflammation, and discomfort (source). It takes practice and skill to evenly apply and remove wax, which can lead to uneven results.

Another downside is the messy clean-up required after waxing. The wax can drip and stain surfaces. Hard wax in particular can be difficult to fully remove. Cleaning wax off the skin also requires oils and effort. Compared to professional waxing, an at-home treatment typically takes more time for the entire process and aftermath.

Finally, at-home waxing kits produce less precise results than professional waxing. It is challenging to wax hard-to-reach or detailed areas on your own. The finished look may not be as smooth and uniform when waxing on your own. For bikini or Brazilian waxes, professional estheticians have more experience and techniques for optimal results (source).

Types of At-Home Wax Kits

There are a few main types of at-home wax kits to consider:

Hard Wax vs. Soft Wax

Hard wax and soft wax have different properties and uses:

• Hard wax – This wax hardens as it dries, allowing you to pull off strips in one motion without needing muslin or fabric. It’s good for sensitive areas like the bikini line. My Jelly Wax is a type of hard wax.
• Soft wax – This wax stays sticky and flexible as it dries. You need to apply muslin or fabric strips, let it dry, then pull it off. It works on larger areas like legs.

Wax Warmers vs. Microwavable

Wax kits come as either wax warmers or microwavable versions:

• Wax warmers – These gradually melt wax beads in a warmer pot. Warmers allow precise temperature control.
• Microwavable – These require microwaving a jar of wax to melt it. Temperature can fluctuate and pots may be messier.

Warmers may provide a higher quality waxing experience, while microwavable kits are more convenient and portable.

What Body Parts Can You Wax at Home?

There are several body parts that can easily and safely be waxed at home using an at-home waxing kit (1). The most common areas people wax themselves include:

• Legs – From the toes to the bikini line, leg hair can effectively be removed through at-home waxing. This is one of the easiest body parts to wax on your own.
• Arms – Full arm waxing as well as just the underarms are feasible to do at home.
• Bikini area – With care and precision, waxing the pubic region and bikini line can successfully be done at home.
• Face – Facial waxing, including eyebrows, upper lip, and cheeks can be managed on your own with an at-home kit.

However, waxing broad or hard to reach areas like the back and chest are very difficult to accomplish on your own (2). These areas often require help from another person, so are better left to professional waxing services.

Tips for At-Home Waxing

When waxing at home, there are some tips to follow to help make the process easier and avoid irritation. Here are some key tips for at-home waxing success:

Exfoliate first – Experts recommend exfoliating the area you plan to wax 24-48 hours beforehand. This removes dead skin cells and allows the wax to adhere better to the hair. Use an exfoliating scrub or loofah to gently scrub the area before waxing.

Apply baby powder – Dust some baby powder onto the skin before applying wax. This helps absorb moisture to allow the wax to set properly. The powder also makes the wax easier to remove. Focus baby powder on moist areas like the underarms.

Pull in the right direction – When removing wax strips, always pull in the direction of hair growth. Pulling against the grain can lead to painful ingrown hairs. Pull the strip off in one quick, continuous motion.

Avoid irritation with proper aftercare – After waxing, avoid irritants like harsh soaps, perfumes, or tight clothing on the area for 24 hours. Apply aloe vera gel and avoid direct sun exposure. Exfoliating every 2-3 days can also help prevent ingrown hairs.

At-Home Waxing vs Other Hair Removal

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, waxing is just one of several options available. Here’s how at-home waxing kits compare to some other popular hair removal methods:

Compared to shaving, waxing pulls the hair out from the root so it lasts longer before regrowth. Shaving only removes hair above the skin’s surface, so stubble reappears faster. However, shaving is less painful and cheaper than waxing.

Epilators are electrical devices that tweeze out each hair. They work similarly to waxing since hairs are pulled out. But epilators can irritate sensitive skin more. At-home waxing kits may provide more precise control for targeted areas.

Hair removal creams use chemicals to dissolve hair below the skin’s surface. They are generally less painful than waxing, though skin may be irritated by chemicals. Hair removal creams must be left on for 10-15 minutes, while waxing is faster.

Overall, at-home waxing provides longer lasting results than shaving or hair removal creams. It gives precision like epilators, but with less skin irritation. However, all hair removal has some pain involved. The convenience of at-home wax kits makes waxing a top choice for many.

Reviews of Top At-Home Wax Kits

When looking for the best at-home waxing kit, brands like GiGi, Veet, Nads, and more consistently rise to the top for their effectiveness and ease of use. Here’s an overview of some of the top kits on the market:

GiGi Brazilian Waxing Kit

The GiGi Brazilian Waxing Kit is a top seller on Amazon with over 5,000 reviews and a 4.2/5 star rating. It includes everything you need for Brazilian and bikini waxes, including pre-waxing oil, hard wax, applicators, muslin strips, and post-waxing oil. Customers say it’s easy to use even for beginners and effectively removes hair as short as 1/8 inch. Some note the wax can be a bit messy and hard to remove.

Veet Gel Hair Remover Kit

The Veet Gel Hair Remover Kit is a budget-friendly option that uses a gel formula and comes with applicator, remover spatulas, and finishing wipes. It’s designed for legs, arms, and body waxing. Many reviewers say it’s inexpensive but gets the job done on coarse hair without irritation. Some say the gel dries too quickly or is tricky to remove.

Nads For Men Hair Removal Kit

For men’s at-home waxing, the Nads For Men Hair Removal Kit is a top choice. It includes wax strips for chest, back, arms, and legs along with pre- and post-waxing wipes. Men report solid results removing hair from all areas with minimal pain. Some say the wax doesn’t adhere strongly to very short or fine hair.

FAQs About At-Home Waxing

At-home waxing can seem daunting if you’ve never tried it before. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about waxing at home:

How long should my hair be for at-home waxing?

You only need about 1/8 inch of hair growth for at-home waxing to be effective, even when using kits designed for home use, according to experts. However, longer hair can also work just fine. The key is making sure the wax can grip the hair properly for removal.

What’s the best wax to use at home?

Hard waxes that come in beads or strips specifically designed for at-home use tend to provide the best results. Soft waxes are trickier to use properly at home. Look for kits that contain all the materials you need, including pre-portioned wax.

Does at-home waxing really remove hair from the roots?

Yes, at-home waxing can remove hair from the follicle when done properly, just like professional waxing. Make sure to follow kit directions closely and tweeze any hairs that may get left behind.

How long will my skin stay smooth after at-home waxing?

Just like professional waxes, results last about 3-6 weeks on average. Your individual hair regrowth timeline will depend on your genetics. Over time, consistent waxing may slow regrowth.

Is it better to wax or shave sensitive areas?

Waxing can work well for sensitive areas as long as you take care to avoid irritation. Make sure the skin is held taut during application and removal. Shaving can also work but may cause bumps or ingrown hairs more easily.

For more FAQs, see: The Definitive Guide to At-Home Body Waxing

The Bottom Line

When reviewing the pros and cons of at-home waxing kits, there are compelling arguments on both sides. On the plus side, at-home waxing kits are more affordable, convenient, and customizable than going to a professional waxing salon. You can wax on your own schedule in the comfort of your home without waiting for appointments or worrying about embarrassment. At-home kits also give you control over the type of wax you use and allow you to become skilled at waxing over time.

However, the cons cannot be ignored. At-home waxing has a steeper learning curve and higher risk of skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and missed hairs compared to professional waxing. The results may not be as smooth and precise. You also have to deal with the mess and cleanup yourself. And sensitive areas like the bikini line may be too challenging for beginners to wax at home.

Overall, for hair removal on most body parts like legs, arms, back, and chest, high-quality at-home waxing kits can be worth it if you are willing to practice the techniques and accept the risks. But for the bikini area, eyebrows, or other sensitive zones, it may be best to leave it to the professionals. At-home waxing makes the most sense for those looking to save money and don’t mind an imperfect result. But for those with the budget for professional waxing, it’s hard to beat the experience and expertise of a salon.