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These trusty sets offer smoother, longer-lasting hair removal for face, legs and intimate areas
Hair removal, in any form, isn’t the most pleasant experience. Whether you choose to epilate, laser, shave or use hair removal cream, each method has its pros and certainly its cons. So with all these choices, why opt for waxing?
From longer-lasting results to high-precision removal – and no risk of nicking your knees – many people swear by the stuff, using it monthly, every six weeks or longer if you’re lucky.
Even so, for anyone new to waxing, it can seem like quite a daunting task, especially when doing it at home. So, we’re here to help show you there’s nothing to fear when doing it safely, effectively and with the right products.
Wax strips, wax pens, melting wax pearls and even sugar paste are all among the most popular options. But depending on your confidence level, hair type or desired result, it’s important to know the difference between them.
So, keep reading below for helpful hints and tips on how to get started, the best products to use and how to minimise any risks. And remember, when it comes to body hair, whether you choose to remove it or not, the choice truly is one of personal preference.
Over the course of six weeks, we waxed every different body part, from legs and bikini lines to upper lip and toe hair. In fact, very few body parts were left unturned! Each waxing kit was rated on ease of use, price point, pain factor and, most importantly, how well they got rid of unwanted hair. Here are the results.
The main benefit to waxing over shaving or hair-removal cream is the length of time the hair stays away. After waxing, you could be hair-free for anywhere from a couple of weeks to two months or sometimes even longer. You may also find that hair becomes thinner and weaker over time, too.
Compared to epilating, it is usually faster and can be more precise in removal, especially on the face. And compared to lasering, it’s usually less painful and more budget friendly.
In order to wax, you must grow your hair out to around 4cm on the legs, bikini line and underarms (hairs on the face can be shorter), which can be a nuisance in summer months. However, the main downside to waxing is the pain that can come with it – you are ripping out large amounts of hair after all – and the risk of ingrown hairs if not properly cared for.
For total newbies, pre-made wax strips are a great place to start getting used to the motions and feelings of home waxing. They make little to no mess, are incredibly easy to use and are often budget friendly, too.
For facial waxing, always opt for tailored face wax, strips or a pen. The wax is usually modified for finer or softer hair, comes in smaller strips and can include nourishing ingredients to soothe sensitive skin.
For anyone well versed in waxing, a hot wax kit can be a great investment for long-term use, providing salon-like results at home. Depending on personal preference for soft wax and removal strips or hard wax that can be pulled on its own, you can change your routine based on your favourite products and play around with what works best for you.
Sugaring is another hair removal option similar to waxing in terms of concept but uses just sugar and water for an all-natural hair removal method. This is best left to those who know what they’re doing, as it can get hot, sticky and rather messy.
There’s quite a range of waxing kits out there, but hopefully, we’ve helped to answer any questions, clear up confusion and steer you in the right direction of what home waxing kit to buy. For beginners, starting with pre-made heatless waxing strips, such as the Veet or Flamingo options, is a good way to build confidence and get used to the feeling.
For those looking to wax their face, the Flamingo face wax kit or FFS facial wax strips are hard to beat. And for those well versed in home waxing, the Rio and Mylee hot wax kits offer salon-level results within the comfort of your own home.
Looking for more at-home beauty inspiration? Read our guide to perfecting a DIY manicure