If your fitness, social, or grooming routine has fallen by the wayside amid the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. Self-care products that replace your standing salon appointments—like the best home waxing kits—can help you build a new personal care regimen and regain some sense of normalcy.
Unless you’re quarantined with an esthetician or a hairstylist, you’re probably wondering when your next bang trim or bikini wax will be—and while you may not be quite so adventurous as to pick up the shears yourself, you can keep unwanted body hair at bay with a quality at-home waxing kit. Plus, DIY-ing a wax can save you a lot of money over time, so whether you’re trying to nix hairs from your upper lip or are looking to take it all the way off, there’s pre-cut strips, wax pots, and wax warmers out there for your next self-care session.
Finding reliable personal grooming products can get a bit, um, hairy, so we scoured the web for the best home waxing kits reviewers are obsessed with. Because if there’s one thing you may not want to be the first to test out, it’s hot body wax. Here are 9 top-rated wax kits to shop now.
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I got my first Brazilian ever at age 40. Who waits until 40 to find out what is a Brazilian wax like? Me—because until then, I thought getting a regular wax on any other part of my body was painful enough. No one had ever commented on my pubic hair, so I didn’t see a need to take my regular shaving routine any further.
Then, right before a beach vacation I booked with a friend, I did it on a whim. My plan was to request a regular bikini wax—you know, just an extra vigorous one to clean up the sides? But when my waxer asked, “Brazilian?” I weirdly heard myself replying, “Yeah, sure.” And before I knew it, everything just started happening (and there was definitely no going back).
As you may have guessed, I didn’t exactly read up on Brazilian wax tips before showing up that day. Now that I’ve ripped the bandage off, I feel like none of my friends that have been doing this for decades warned me properly about what to expect. If you’ve never dabbed in Brazilian waxes before, you can decide for yourself if you want to go for it or not. After all, pubic hair removal is a personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong method. For those that do decide to remove it all, here’s everything you need to know before going in—so you won’t walk out saying, “Why did no one tell me that?”
What is a Brazilian wax?
Think of a Brazilian wax as the next step after a bikini wax. “It removes all the hair from your bikini area: top, sides, front, and back,” says European Wax Center’s education manager Gina Petak. While some clients opt to remove every single strand, Petak says that Brazilians still cover everything from a “completely nude look” or one that leaves “a neat triangle, strip, or square on the front.” (I happened to go all out and choose the former.) Talk with your waxer about the exact style you want—and make sure to be vocal and communicative here.
Does a Brazilian wax hurt?
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: During my first Brazilian, there were moments of ripping and burning. There was also one panic-inducing moment when there was so much wax in my butt crack that I thought it was going to get sealed shut. But overall, the initial panic was worse than the actual experience.
“Waxing such a sensitive area can be uncomfortable, especially for first-timers,” concedes Petak. “However, since waxing removes the hair from the root, it makes it grow in softer and finer, resulting in each wax becoming less painful.” She recommends that you go to a reputable salon that uses high-quality wax to make the experience more comfortable. There’s also debate over what kind of wax is more comfortable; some people prefer soft wax and strips, while others recommend hard wax (without strips). Petak likes the latter, which EWC uses. “It removes hair effectively with minimal pain, while also being gentle on your skin,” she says.
How should you prepare for your appointment?
There’s honestly not much you have to do to prepare, but waxers generally give the same few tips to reduce pain: avoid the time around your period, don’t drink beforehand, and maybe take a painkiller half an hour before if you’re especially sensitive.
By far the most important step is to leave enough hair for the wax to grip and remove. “We recommend hair be at least 1/4″ long—about the size of a sprinkle,” says Petak. Stop shaving at least five days prior to your appointment to ensure your waxer has enough to work with.
What should you expect during the appointment?
On one hand, the process is pretty straightforward. Your waxer will first cleanse your bikini area with a wipe, apply wax section by section, then press your skin down and remove the hair. You might also get a soothing gel patted on afterward to soothe inflammation.
“Omg what is that? That is so funny,” Kardashian can be heard saying in one clip. “Omg this is so crazy and real.”
The wax figure sits cross-legged on a chair in the corner of Jenner’s home bar wearing a black sequin Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket, complete with a pair of pointy-toed heels and a diamond ring.
“It’s so you can visit with me and not have to listen to me talk to you,” the 64-year-old quipped.
In her own Instagram Story, Kardashian gave her followers a closer look at the lifelike figure.
“I literally knew I was coming up here, and I still got startled seeing this,” the reality star said. “You guys have no idea how real this looks. It’s insane.”
“It’s exact—down to the little mark she has,” Kardashian continued, pointing to a beauty mark on the wax figure’s chin. “Like, everything about it, you guys, this is her exact hairline. I can’t even tell you how creepy and amazing this is.”
She proceeded to stroke the her mom’s doppelgänger’s face just to show fans how realistic it looks.
It turns out, Kardashian wasn’t the only one that was taken back by Jenner’s wax twin; Teigen also couldn’t believe her eyes. As seen in another video, the Cravings cookbook author was completely fascinated by the figure.
“Okay, Chrissy is obsessed with me, truly,” Jenner joked. “She’s staring at it like it’s me, but it’s not even me.”
“Does it have nipples?” Teigen asked as her husband can be heard chuckling in the background.
The famous momager later revealed she got statue directly from the Hollywood Wax Museum—and according to People, there’s one just like it at Madame Tussaud’s in New York City.
A few years ago, I decided I’d had enough with shaving my legs. It’s one of the more tedious body-grooming tasks if you choose to do so, and there’s so much to be annoyed about it, from the occasional skin irritation to the fact that—surprise—you’ve got to repeat the process the very next day if you want to be silky smooth (having thick hair is a blessing in most cases, but not so much when you’re talking legs). I blocked off new time with the woman I see for my bikini waxes, and off I went, never looking back…until I realized how much money I was spending.
In my suburban salon, a half-leg wax runs me about $40. Go every three weeks and you’re looking at an annual line item around $680—not cheap. While I was pleased with the way regular waxing made my hair grow in thinner and less spiky-feeling, I decided I couldn’t keep handing over my credit card. Armed with a few Googled testimonials and a DIY waxing kit purchased on Amazon, I took matters into my own hands and starting waxing at home. Two months after I bit the bullet, things have been both messy and good. It definitely requires a time commitment, and I’ve never had a result as perfect as what I got from the pros, but I am happy to be saving the cash.
All that said, there are few lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way. If I could start all over again, here’s what I wish I had known about how to wax your legs at home.
Look for a solution that will be easy to wash off.
One perk of doing waxing at home is I have more control over the formula. I’d frequently return home from the waxer with sticky spots left over that needed to be removed with baby oil. The Nair wax I’ve been using is way easier to clean—warm water and soap does the trick. I hop in the shower after I’m done for easy clean up, and any spots that land on my bathroom sink or on the applicator are gone with a soapy swipe.
This is not the time for a rush job.
I was the most careful during my inaugural run and slowly got lazier. When I’m hurrying or not paying attention, things get messy: I’ve stepped on a used strip (so gross), pieces have landed on the carpet sticky-side down, and I’ve destroyed my sink top. Lesson learned: Take your time.
Keep the strip close to your skin when pulling.
Some of my attempts have been more successful than others, and I’ve learned hair removal is about the direction in which I’m pulling the strips. It’s your first instinct to pull the strip straight up and off, but that can actually leave more hair behind. While you still want to move quickly, try pulling the strip in toward your body and keep it close to your leg. That’ll help give you more control.
Buy extra strips.
When using a roll-on wax, you’re going to need more strips than you think. The kit I use comes with 10 strips which doesn’t cover the entire job. I’ve rinsed the strips with sudsy water and reused them in a pinch (thanks, helpful Amazon commenters!), but I recommend stocking up ahead of time.
Don’t jump straight to DIY’ing.
In terms of the ouch-factor, I can’t speak to everyone individually. I typically grimaced a bit at the salon, but have actually found my DIY method to be less painful. Although, to be fair, I’ve been waxing for longer, so the hair isn’t as thick as my first trip in. I’m happy with my decision to take waxing into my own bathroom, but I’d suggest anyone start with a professional. You’ll get to see how things are done, and you’ll be dealing with slightly less stubborn hair when you step into the driver’s seat. But if you want to jump right into it, try taking a pain reliever an hour before waxing so it doesn’t hurt as badly.
If you choose to get a bikini wax, by now you probably have an idea of what to expect during the process. Thank god we live in a time where we can swap waxing horror stories with our friends, so we all know what we’re getting ourselves into. But what about what happens after? While most of us know how to prep, no one really talks about how to ease any lingering pain or extend the life of your freshly-waxed bikini line. We went out to experts for the the best after wax care tips, and what not to do the first two days following your appointment.
1. Stay Out of the Sun
The first 48 hours after waxing, your already delicate skin down there is even more vulnerable. So while you may be dying to throw on your bikini the second you leave your wax, keep in mind that sensitive skin is more susceptible to UV rays. “This can lead to permanent sun damage and/or hyperpigmentation,” says esthetician Marta Grochowska of Haven Spa in NYC.
2. Avoid Swimming
This kind of goes hand in hand with the above, but it goes for indoor pools too—an especially large bodies of water (like an ocean, lake, or river) that could contain bacteria. “Avoid public water like swimming pools for a few days,” says dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, M.D., in New York City. If you don’t, you could have an increased risk of getting an infection, and no one wants that.
3. Be Careful Not to Over-Exfoliate
“Waxing removes the topmost layer of dead skin (along with the hair) so any kind of additional scrubbing can lead to skin damage,” says Grochowska. However, after the first few days, it’s important to remove dead skin cells with a light scrub or exfoliating serum to prevent ingrown hairs. (We love the Fur Silk Scrub).
4. Avoid the Sauna and Hot Yoga
“Steam opens your pores, which helps to push hair out,” warns Noemi Grupenmager, founder and CEO of Uni K Wax Center. Because it could cause premature stubble, “it might make you think the wax service wasn’t done correctly,” she says. Plus, bacteria likes warm, wet places, and you want to keep your fresh wax as clean as possible. For these reasons it’s worth it to take a break from hot yoga as well.
5. Wait a Little Before Getting a Spray Tan
“The chemicals may irritate your skin,” says Grochowska. Another reason to reschedule? “The color will look uneven between waxed and unwaxed areas.”
6. Be Selective With Your Skin Care
Stick with gentle, fragrance-free body products following for the first few days after your bikini wax. “Avoid any lotion, soap, or other toiletry items with artificial fragrance or color,” says Grochowska. “These ingredients are very irritating to freshly waxed skin.” Instead, wash up with something like Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash, which is formulated specifically for irritated skin.
7. Take Showers Instead of Baths
“It’s better to take showers for the week after,” says Dr. Papantoniou. “Running water from the shower will be cleaner than sitting in bath water.” Why? See reason #2 again. It makes you more prone to infection.
8. Sorry, No Sexy Time
This one is a pretty standard rule most waxers will warn you about, but it’s easy to forget. Any kind of action down there—sex in particular—can lead to discomfort. “It can cause excessive chaffing from friction on extra-delicate skin,” says Grochowska. Consider turning the first two days into official cuddle time.
9. Opt for Loose Clothing
One thing to keep in mind both before you head into your appointment and after: Anything tight-fitting can rub raw spots and irritate, says Dr. Papantoniou. You’ll want to give your leggings a break for a few days and stick with maxi dresses, flowy pants, and breathable cotton fabrics.
Let’s get this straight: there’s no wrong way to choose how to remove your pubes or not. From Barbie-doll hairless to full bush (as celebrities have candidly begun talking about), how you groom down there is a purely personal decision. But if totally bare is what you’re after, there’s no denying that a brazilian wax is the fastest, least bump-inducing way to smooth things out below the waist.
That said, it doesn’t matter how advanced you are in the Brazilian arts, we get that it can be a nerve-racking experience. Here, our favorite bikini-waxing specialists share what they wish they could tell you before you lie down on the table. (Hint: You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Unless you show up drunk. Don’t do that.)
1. No one is judging your vagina.
First thing’s first, “don’t be nervous about the way your vagina looks,” says Spruce & Bond specialist Krystal Cordova. “We see all sizes and colors on a daily basis. Our job is to make you look and feel better about it.” It’s a bikini wax, not an audition to be a pubic hair model.
2. It’s not really as bad as you’re expecting it to be.
If you’re a newbie and anticipating pain levels that revel that of Steve Carell’s character in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, know that a bikini wax certainly isn’t a paid vacation, but it’s likely going go better than you think. “For first-time waxers especially, the buildup of anticipation before you get in the room is the worst part,” says Shobha Tummala, Founder and CEO of Shobha. “If you’re seeing a pro, the ‘act’ itself will be much faster and less painful.”
3. Don’t come straight from spin class.
“Come in tidy, like brushing your teeth before a dental exam, but more along the lines of prepping for your annual exam at the gynecologist,” says Tummala. “At Shobha, we have rosewater freshening clothes in the room just in case.” She notes that the drier the area is, the better the wax will adhere and the better the results will be. “If you know you’re a sweater when it comes to physical activity, most likely you’ll sweat in your bikini area as well,” she explains. Wiping the area of other natural—and completely normal—bodily fluids like discharge is appreciated as well.
4. Go easy on the booze.
A glass of wine to temper your nerves before is one thing. But showing up plastered is a different story. “Don’t come into your appointment drunk, it will only make your blood thinner and more sensitive to pain,” says Cordova. There’s also the fact that it’s just kind of rude. For example, Los Angeles-based owner of Pink Cheeks Salon, Cindy Thorin, once had a client arrive so drunk, she didn’t know what to do. “I told her we had to take off her pants, not her underwear if she didn’t want to,” Thorin recalls. When the woman couldn’t get them down on her own, Thorin had to help her. (Don’t worry she came in to apologize for it—along with some other embarrassing things that happened—a few days later.)
5. Pee before your appointment.
If you’re nervous, pre-wax jitters can lead to a nervous bladder. “Make a pit stop in the powder room first because undressing and then re-dressing once you realize you have to ‘go’ slows things down and adds more hassle for you,” notes Tummala. She says this is a common occurrence: “Oftentimes, after disrobing from the waist down for a bikini treatment, you might feel a little colder, which can intensify the need to pee. Also, during certain parts of the treatment your skin is pulled taut, so even a light press on a full bladder can be uncomfortable.”
6. Don’t shave.
“Hair needs to be ¼-inch long to be pulled by wax from the hair root,” says Exhale Spa aesthetician Angela Marinescu. She says that after shaving, it takes three or four weeks for hair to be the best length to be waxed. “On those with blond hair, it takes about two to three weeks, dark hair takes longer because the roots are stronger,” she says.
7. Seriously. There’s no such thing as being too hairy.
“A lot of clients get embarrassed about their growth if it’s been awhile,” Cordova says. “I’d rather wax overgrown hair than a two-week-old shave. It’s easier for the specialist and less painful for you.”
8. Timing matters.
Don’t schedule a wax five days before your menstrual cycle, during, or immediately after. “Your body is especially sensitive during this time period,” says Marinescu. If you’re sensitive or it’s your first time getting waxed, she adds that taking Advil half an hour prior to your appointment will help. Or you could try these other reader-approved painkillers.
9. Don’t workout after your wax either.
“The friction in tight yoga pants can cause irritation,” says Marinescu. Additionally, “you should avoid any physical activity 12 to 24 hours after your wax,” Cordova says. “The less heat you bring to the area, the better.” Steering clear of another—more private—athletic endeavor can be beneficial as well. Aesthetician Elana De Damian of Elana De Damian Skin Care suggests holding off on getting busy post-wax for at least 24 hours. And while we’re at it, cross these other things off your to-do list too.
10. Wear comfortable clothes into your appointment.
It’s not just yoga pants you might want to avoid. Anything tight-fitting can rub raw spots and make matters worse, says dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, M.D., in New York City. So think maxi dresses and harem pants and breathable cotton fabrics.
11. Be vocal.
“If you have a specific idea of how you want your bikini line to look like, speak up,” Cordova says. “Transparency is welcome.” Cordova says she and her team can create clean edges “like a tapestry” or just clean up what’s visible outside of your bikini.
12. Resist the urge to do recon work postwax job.
“If ingrown hairs appear after your wax, don’t pluck them,” advises Cordova. “Let us handle it.” If you pick at your ingrowns with your nails, you risk scarring and infection. “We have tons of bacteria underneath our nail beds,” she says. If you can’t make it back into your waxer, an ingrown hair treatment (like Anthony or Fur) can help safely address the issue, as well as gentle exfoliation of the area three days after your wax.
