Buying guide for best hair removal waxing kits
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Written by devangana
Updated July 2024
Let’s face it: Daily shaving is time-consuming, and it’s all too easy to miss spots. When you want to get rid of unwanted hair, waxing is a highly effective, albeit more painful, way of achieving smooth skin that can last for weeks.
However, going to a salon every time you want to wax adds up. Fortunately, in-home hair-removal waxing kits give you all the tools you need to rapidly remove body hair in the comfort of your own home. There are several types of wax to choose from, including soft wax and sugar wax, and each kit includes its own set of equipment. Some come with wax warmers, others come with post-wax treatments, such as cooling gels and products to slow future hair growth.
Key considerations
Wax types
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Hard waxes are the most popular because they don’t leave a sticky residue, they can grab shorter hairs, and they’re less painful on delicate areas like the face. However, hard wax is more brittle than soft wax, so it’s not ideal for covering large areas at once. It’s also more expensive than soft wax.
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Soft wax is a smart choice if you want to cover a large area, like your legs, or if you’re trying to remove fine hairs. However, you won’t be able to go back over the same area multiple times, because soft wax tends to adhere to the skin as well, and this can make it more painful. It also tends to be messier than hard wax, so you’ll need to have materials on hand to clean it up afterward.
- Sugar waxes are becoming increasingly popular, because they’re made from all-natural ingredients, and they’re said to be gentler. This may be the way to go if you have sensitive skin or if you experience adverse reactions to the other types of wax.
Wax warmer
Some hair removal waxing kits include a wax warmer. This is a compact and portable unit that helps to melt hard waxes, so you can apply them. They’re not absolutely necessary because there are some waxing kits that include wax beads you can heat in the microwave. But a wax warmer may be a smart choice if you want something that’s more portable. Kits that include wax warmers tend to be more expensive than those that don’t, but it could still be worth it if you intend to use it often.
When choosing a wax warmer, pay attention to how long it takes the warmer to heat up and whether or not it has any built-in safety features to prevent it from overheating. These features can offer you peace of mind, but they could also be annoying if they cause the warmer to shut off on its own while you’re still using it. You can determine approximately how long it takes to heat up the wax by checking with the manufacturer.
Features
Wax application sticks
The majority of hot waxing kits include wooden sticks you can use to apply the wax so you don’t need to get your hands dirty. These sticks are usually intended for single-use, and you can purchase them separately if they’re not included with your kit. However, if you want to start waxing right away, it’s best to choose a kit that has all of the necessary supplies.
Wax strips
Once you apply the wax, place a waxing strip over it and pull to remove the hair. Your waxing kit may include strips of different sizes. Larger ones are best for covering bigger areas, like the legs, while smaller ones work better on areas that require a little more precision, like the face. Again, the supply of strips that your kit includes will run out eventually, and you’ll need to purchase replacements. But if your kit has some already included, it could save you a few dollars compared to purchasing them separately.
Post-wax treatment
If you choose a wax that’s sticky, you should go with a kit that includes a wax removal oil to help remove any residual wax attached to your skin. Your kit may also include extras like cooling gel to help soothe irritated skin, post-wax concealers, and even special formulas to help slow the regrowth of your hair. It’s up to you to decide which of these you’re interested in. None of them are absolutely necessary, but they can make the waxing a more pleasant (or at least less painful) experience.
Instructions
If you’re new to at-home waxing, consider choosing a hair removal waxing kit that includes instructions. Some kits may include an instruction booklet or even a DVD to walk you through the process so you can avoid beginner’s mistakes and feel confident that you’re using your waxing kit correctly.
Hair removal waxing kit prices
Hair removal waxing kits may cost anywhere from $15 to $60.
Kits that don’t include wax warmers are typically more affordable, with most ranging from $20 to $30. You may find the odd kit with a wax warmer in this price range, but in most cases, you’ll pay at least $40 for a wax warmer.
If your kit includes extras, like after-wax lotions, you could spend $50 or more on a waxing kit. Keep in mind that if your kit doesn’t include wax applicator sticks or strips, you may need to purchase these separately.
Tips
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Read through the waxing kit’s instructions before you use it to avoid any unexpected issues.
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Be careful not to heat your hot wax too much or it could burn your skin.
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Consider how often you intend to use the waxing kit before you buy one. It doesn’t make sense to invest in a fancy wax warmer if you’re only going to use it once.
- Your face is delicate and many manufacturers make special waxing kits or strips designed just for your face. One of these may be a better choice than a traditional waxing kit if you’re primarily concerned about facial hair removal.
FAQ
Q. Are hair removal waxing kits safe?
A. Yes, they should be safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t leave the hot wax unattended where a pet or small child could get into it.
Q. How much wax do I need to apply in order for it to be effective?
A. Spread the wax out in as thin a layer as possible over the skin while still ensuring that all areas are covered thoroughly.
Q. How do I remove the wax once it’s dry?
A. Pull it off in the direction opposite your hair’s natural growth. Do not pull directly up or you could risk bruising or otherwise injuring your skin.
