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Our top pick is the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face id police stamps
To remove unwanted hair at home, we typically reach for a razor. However, this type of hair removal is time-consuming and doesn’t prolong the hair growth period. For those looking to quickly and effectively remove hair and allow more time between removals, waxing might be a better option.
“Waxing can be a safe, effective, and quick option for hair removal that can be done conveniently at home,” Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, tells PEOPLE. She recommends at-home waxes because they “typically include everything you need to complete at-home waxing safely, including applicator sticks, a heating device if it’s hot wax, the wax itself, strips, post-wax cleaning product, and clear instructions.”
To find the best at-home waxes, our PEOPLE Tested team tried 24 top formulas, including wax strips, wax beads, sugar wax, hot wax, hard wax, and roll-on wax. After six weeks of testing the at-home waxes for overall efficacy, ease of use, and more, we narrowed it down to our top picks.
Can reuse the strips a few times (in the same wax session)
Just one strip can wax your entire upper lip
Non-irritating, so they're good for those with sensitive skin
Wax leaves behind a sticky residue if it isn't peeled quickly
The Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face is our top pick for the best at-home wax. This kit features 20 double-sided wax strips that are easy to use, gentle on the skin (they don’t cause irritation), and beginner-friendly, so you don’t need a lot of experience to try these. We love that the strips are double-sided so you can usually get a couple of uses out of each strip.
Formulated with a blend of glycerol rosinate wax, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, the wax strips are designed with vegan ingredients that gently yet effectively lift hair away from the skin, leaving behind a smooth and soft surface. In addition to the strips, the kit also includes six post-wax wipes, plus a skin-calming serum that helps reduce any post-wax redness.
We found that these wax strips were not only effective at removing unwanted hair from our complexions but also prolonging the overall hair growth period, allowing us around three weeks.
Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 20 double-sided wax strips | Key Ingredients: Glycerol rosinate wax, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil
Strips come in varying sizes for different areas
Features a soft gel wax that's similar to in-salon waxing
Removing the hair causes a tinge of pain initially
If you’re looking for the easiest application, wax strips are always a good idea for at-home waxes. In addition to our top pick for the best at-home waxes (the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face), we were also impressed by the overall application process of the Flamingo Body Wax Kit.
This kit features 28 wax strips in varying sizes, allowing you to lift away hair from small and larger areas on the body. The strips feature a soft gel wax, which is similar to the more traditional melted wax found in salons (but slathered onto a strip), making them highly effective, easy to use, and mess-free. The removal process is slightly painful at first, but it’s not nearly as painful or irritating as traditional waxing (plus, you don’t have to worry about the temperature being too hot).
Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 28 wax strips | Key Ingredients: Not listed
Wax remains warm throughout waxing process
We wish the kit also featured wax strips
For a salon-worthy at-home waxing kit, consider the GiGi Mini Pro Hair Removal Waxing Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to give yourself an at-home Brazilian, armpit wax, eyebrow wax, leg wax, and more, including a mini wax warmer, the wax itself, muslin strips, a variety of spatulas, prep lotion, and cooling gel. The kit also features a slow-grow lotion to apply daily after showering that is designed to slow down the re-growth process.
When testing out this kit, we were at first intimidated by all of the components and the concept of a more salon-style waxing experience. However, once we went for it, we found that the waxing process was quite simple and easy to follow.
Overall, we were impressed by this wax kit not only for all of the items included but also for its efficacy. We found that the wax warmer made it so that the wax was never too hot for our skin and the spatulas helped provide an even application. While the removal process was a little uncomfortable, it wasn’t as painful as we had expected (especially with the cooling gel applied after removal).
Type: Cream wax | Size/Amount: 14 ounces of wax | Key Ingredients: Not listed
Designed for face and body application
Kit includes all necessary supplies
Don’t need muslin strips to remove the wax
Takes around 20 minutes for the wax to melt
After testing several at-home waxes, we found that the Happy Waxing At-Home Kit is the best option for those looking for hard wax bead kits. This waxing kit includes a wax bead warmer, two 7.05-ounce bags of hard wax beads, and all of the necessary prep formulas and supplies.
While there is a bit of a learning curve, we love that the hard wax can be removed from the skin without any cloth strips, which makes for an overall mess- and pain-free experience. The wax warmer takes around 20 minutes to heat up and melt the wax, so some patience is required, but it does an excellent job of reaching the ideal temperature for application without feeling too hot on the skin.
Type: Wax beads | Size/Amount: Two 7.05-ounce bags | Key Ingredients: Not listed
Strips are small in size
Included post-wax oil wipe removes excess wax
Small strips are a little tricky for larger areas
The Nads Facial Wax Strips are our top pick for this category. While they are a little small for large areas such as the cheeks, they’re an ideal solution for the upper lip and those more tough-to-reach places. This kit comes with 20 wax strips infused with skin-nourishing shea butter, post-wax oil wipes to remove any residue, and a skin shield powder to help protect the skin during the application process.
Our testers found these wax strips super convenient and easy to use while on the go or in a hurry. The strips are effective at removing hair without irritation, and better yet, they help slow down the regrowth period for a more low-maintenance form of hair removal.
Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 20 wax strips | Key Ingredients: Shea butter
Skin was softer and smoother immediately after use
Hair grew back slower and was much finer
Features a gentle roll-on applicator
Application process is a little tricky at first
For at-home sugaring, consider the Parissa 2-in-2 Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax. This sugaring kit features a roll-on applicator with two head sizes for small and large areas, 4.73 ounces of sugar wax, and 20 epilation strips. While it takes a little getting used to at first, it’s actually one of the easiest — and most effective — options on our list. All you need to do is heat the wax in a microwavable dish, attach the applicator head, and roll it onto the body toward hair growth. From there, you press the epilation strip in place and then lift away to remove hair.
When using this at-home wax kit, we experienced zero irritation and redness and found that our skin was instantly smoother and softer after removal. On top of that, our hair grew back much slower and had a finer texture, making future waxing experiences even easier.
Type: Sugar wax | Size/Amount: 4.73 ounces of wax | Key Ingredients: Organic sugar
Microwavable kit (no wax warmer needed)
Wax is infused with coconut and marula oils
Works well at removing stubborn strands
Skin is red and tingly post-wax (but it goes away)
Drugstores have some of the best collections of budget-friendly at-home wax kits — but not all are equal in terms of efficacy. After testing several formulas, we found that the Sally Hansen Extra-Strength All-Over Body Wax Hair Removal Kit is the best drugstore at-home wax. This kit features a tub of creamy microwavable wax plus 30 removal strips, allowing you to lift away unwanted hair from virtually anywhere on the body.
Since it’s a microwavable wax, the kit doesn’t require any fancy warmers and is relatively easy to use, even if it’s your first time (though it can get a little messy). The wax is also infused with coconut and marula oils for added skin nourishment and features a Brazillian formula that is specifically designed to remove stubborn hair. While it is very effective, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the most pain-free option on our list as the wax can leave skin looking red and feeling tingly post-wax.
Type: Microwavable wax and strips | Size/Amount: 30 strips | Key Ingredients: Coconut and marula oils
Comes with everything you need
Highly versatile for both fine and thick hair removal
Left no residue on skin
Sugaring process takes some time to get used to
The Sugardoh Full Body Sugaring Kit is a splurge-worthy at-home wax kit that is well worth the investment. This at-home sugaring kit comes with everything you need to try this hair removal technique at home, including two different types of sugar wax — one made for fine and one made for thick hair — plus reusable strips, pre-sugaring body powder, and two reusable applicators.
When testing the kit at home, we found that the removal process was a little uncomfortable at first, but that quickly subsided. The process is super effective and efficient at removing unwanted hair on the body and face. The application and hair removal process was also super easy, and cleaning was an absolute breeze with no residue left behind.
Type: Sugar wax | Size/Amount: 14 ounces of the Doh Firm, 14 ounces of the Doh Medium | Key Ingredients: Not listed
Strips feature an arrow shape
Not suitable for thick, stubborn hair
The Veet Full Body Waxing Kit for Sensitive Skin is our top pick for the best wax strips. This under-$10 at-home wax kit comes with 20 wax strips infused with vitamin E and almond oil designed to lift away unwanted hair while remaining gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. Although there is some discomfort with waxing, these wax strips are relatively pain-free and leave the skin soft and smooth after hair removal.
Our favorite feature is the arrow design on the strips, which makes it easier to tell which direction to pull the strips off the skin, allowing for a quick and easy hair-removal process. We also love how simple the entire process was and how it’s a relatively mess-free experience (especially compared to microwavable wax).
Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 20 wax strips | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, almond oil
Takes a little longer to melt
Waxing larger areas at home can get tricky if you don’t have the right wax. The Wakse Cosmic Candy Hard Wax Beans is an excellent option for those looking for a solution that allows you to customize the application. Since this is hard wax, you don’t need a strip to remove the wax from the skin. Instead, it hardens and you then pull it away from the skin, removing the hair along with it.
When testing this at-home wax, we were impressed by how easy and relatively mess-free it was to use, considering it’s a free-standing wax. We also like how quickly the wax cooled on the body and how quick and easy it was to remove the strip of wax from the skin and, ultimately, the hair along with it.
Type: Hard wax | Size/Amount: 12.8 ounces of wax beans | Key Ingredients: Aloe
Wax maintains a consistent temperature
Takes over an hour for the wax to melt properly
The Waxfans Roll-On Wax Kit features a roll-on applicator that is actually a wax warmer, so the wax stays warm and has the right consistency for application. Since it is a roll-on, it’s super easy to use and apply to the skin, making it an accessible option for beginners. In addition to the warming roller, the kit also includes two wax roller refills, a post-treatment square, and 50 waxing strips, all for under $20 on Amazon.
When testing this system, we found that the wax takes over an hour to melt, which is a lot longer compared to other wax warmers and microwavable wax. However, if you can plan for it, the melting time is well worth it for the overall ease of use and efficacy. Plus, for a waxing kit, the entire removal process is nearly pain-free, even on more sensitive areas.
Type: Roll-on wax | Size/Amount: 2 wax roller refills | Key Ingredients: Not listed
At-home waxes come in a variety of types, including wax strips, hard wax, hot wax, sugar wax, and even some roll-on options. Wax strips are some of the easiest and most accessible options for beginners and work particularly well on small areas as well as spots with fine hair. Sugaring and hard wax can take a little more time to get used to but can be highly effective at removing hair at home, especially if you’re looking to remove hair from larger surface areas or have thicker hair that is a little too stubborn for strips.
When using wax strips, you usually don’t need to worry about the wax temperature too much as you simply warm the wax up between your palms. However, if you wish to try microwavable wax or a wax warmer system, Dr. Graf says temperature matters. “If using hot wax, I recommend looking for a wax heater that has temperature controls so that you can ensure the wax doesn’t get too hot for skin contact,” she explains. “Mild burns are not uncommon for at-home waxing, so it’s important to be careful and test the temperature of the wax before application.”
In addition to wax temperature, Dr. Graf also recommends looking for options with skin-benefiting ingredients, such as aloe vera or jojoba oil. “These ingredients can help nourish the skin to avoid the skin irritation that can be common from waxing,” she explains. If your wax doesn’t feature skin-nourishing ingredients, using post-wax care (such as cooling gel or oil included in an at-home wax kit) with these ingredients can deliver similar results.
Our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options to find the best at-home waxes before narrowing it down to 24 formulas for real-world testing. From there, the team conducted thorough testing over six weeks, carefully considering the wax type, application and removal process, efficacy, and any potential side effects like redness, bumps, or irritation.
After weeks of testing, the team narrowed down their top picks for the best at-home waxes.
Our top pick for the best at-home wax, overall, is the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face. These wax strips are super easy to use and beginner-friendly, making them one of the most accessible options on our list. Additionally, you can use the strips more than once per wax session, so you get more use out of them. And, since the wax is infused with jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil, the skin feels soft to the touch post-wax. In addition to our top pick, we also recommend the Happy Waxing At-Home Kit, which comes with a wax warmer and is designed for both face and body application. This kit provides a salon-worthy waxing experience at home and, since it features hard wax, you don’t need cloth strips to remove the wax and lift away hair.
According to Dr. Graf, there isn’t one that is better than the other. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference. “Some people prefer sugaring because it is gentler on the skin, so it can be a better option for those with sensitive skin,” she explains. “But sugaring can also take more practice to perfect, whereas waxing can be easier to do effectively.”
If you want to give sugaring a try, we recommend the Parissa 2-in-1 Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax, which features a roll-on applicator that is much easier to use than traditional sugaring methods. For a more splurge-worthy option, consider the Sugardoh Full Body Sugaring Kit, which comes with two different types of sugar wax for fine and thick hair types and all of the tools necessary to create a salon-worthy sugaring experience at home.
When it comes to beginner-friendly at-home waxes, it’s all about the application process. Our top pick for the easiest application is the Flamingo Body Wax Kit, which features wax strips in varying sizes so you can use them on small and large areas. The strips are also made from a soft gel wax — which is similar to the melted wax used at salons — but since it comes pre-applied to a wax strip, they’re much less messy and easier to navigate for first-time waxers.
Jessie Quinn is a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best at-home waxes, Jessie began by thoroughly reviewing the PEOPLE Tested team’s testing notes to gain a better understanding of their individual experiences with all 24 at-home waxes. She then reached out to top dermatology expert Dr. Jeannette Graf to learn more about at-home waxing, including what to look for and the differences between sugaring and waxing. From there, Jessie compiled this list of the best at-home waxes, tested by PEOPLE.
Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
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