We’ve got you covered when it comes to the best hair removal products. If you’re used to having monthly Brazilians lined up, this has not been the best time for you. Whether you’re an avid waxer or love a good sugaring session, there are TONS of benefits to these products to shaving. “Shaving is known to cause ingrown hairs which can be both uncomfortable and unattractive. It can also involve cuts or razor burns, and has to be done daily to keep up with hair growth,” says Courtney Claghorn, Founder of the chic bi-coastal salon, Sugared + Bronzed.
DIY waxing or sugaring might sound intimidating (and painful) but nothing sounded scarier than when my boyfriend offered to give me a Brazilian. Yes, that is a true story and yes, I am still recovering from the statement. With that, I figured it couldn’t be too hard to conquer myself.
To ease you into the idea, we’ve wrangled up the absolute best at-home waxing methods, kits, and preventative products (in case you’d rather wait it out) to make your wax last by keeping that growth at bay and hair root thin. But first, let’s review a few important tips to safely get you to silky smooth skin.
The difference between waxing and sugaring
You might already know your preference, but for those who are unsure, waxing and sugaring are quite different although they have the same end goal. “Sugaring is an ancient Egyptian technique that uses a water-soluble sugar paste to remove unwanted hair,” says Claghorn. “Unlike waxing, sugar paste is applied or “molded” in the opposite direction of hair growth and extracts hair by using a “flicking” motion in the natural direction of hair growth. Wax is heated to a higher temperature than sugar paste, which is only lukewarm, and uses sticks and/or strips in its application process.”
Know the risks of DIY
It’s not easy learning a new trade so it’s important to be patient with yourself. Practice always makes perfect. “Spending extra time on the basics, like maintaining and playing with a sugar ball for an extended period of time (like while watching a movie), can be extremely helpful,” says Claghorn. “From there, begin to learn the molding and flicking motion on larger areas. If you get stuck, don’t stress- sugar paste is water-soluble and can be removed with water!”
It’s also important to prioritize the natural, protective barrier of your skin and avoid damaging it. “You may apply too much wax or too little causing larger areas of hair to be removed, or if too little hair is removed this can be painful and also time-consuming,” says Gina Petak, European Wax Center’s Education Manager. “Pulling in the wrong direction of hair growth can also cause hair to break and become ingrown.”
Lastly, be wary of wax that’s too hot. It’s always a good idea to test the heat on an area of skin – like your inner wrist – to ensure the temperature won’t potentially damage or burn your skin.
Prep your skin accordingly
You don’t just want to dive in especially if this is your first go-around. First of all, make sure you have enough hair to remove. “We recommend hair be at least ¼” long (about the size of a sprinkle) so it’s a good idea to stop shaving at least 5 days prior,” says Petak. “Don’t worry, your hair can never be too long.”
Exfoliation is also important. You should be moisturizing and exfoliating regularly but Petak recommends taking a break from your exfoliating regimen 1-2 days before waxing or sugaring. It’s also important that your skin is clean and dry without any lotions or oils that could interfere with the efficacy of the treatment.
Now, if you’re ready to toss your razor, give one of these best hair removal products a try.
Here’s Our List Of The Best Hair Removal Products
1. Best for sensitive skin: S+B Soft Sugar Paste ($35)
Available in soft, medium, and hard-paste options, this at-home treatment is best for sensitive skin as the paste only needs to be heated to a lukewarm temperature. This product pick also provides tutorials on how to hold, mold, and use sugar paste. Claghorn reminds us, “the consistency of the paste is important – the softer the paste the more difficult it can be to work with and manage, especially for beginners!”
2. Best for touch-ups: Nair Wax Ready-Strips for Face & Bikini ($5)
Not ready to take the plunge into full hair removal? These easy to use, place, and peel, strips will be your new go-to. Perfect for a bikini line touch-up.
3. Best natural buy: Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Gel Kit ($13)
If you’re looking for something a little more eco, this kit is made with natural ingredients including honey, lemon, and sugar. It also comes with washable AND reusable 100% cotton strips. Hello beauty sustainability.
4. Best scent: Wakse Mini Cosmic Candy Hard Wax Beans ($15)
If you’re looking for a bit of indulgence, stop here. These cotton candy scented wax beans just need to be melted down (via microwave works) into an iridescent swirl of pink and blue. Yummy! Just apply and peel, once ready, in the opposite direction of hair growth. No strips or sticks needed.
5. Best OG: Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit ($7)
As the #1 selling wax brand in the U.S., Sally Hansen is the OG of DIY. Tried and true. The strips are infused with coconut and marula oils to leave your skin feeling nourished and not stripped. With two sizes, you’ll be able to cover a fair amount of ground in a short amount of time.
6. Best for the pro: GiGi Mini Pro Waxing Kit ($60)
If you consider yourself a proficient at-home waxer and want a setup a bit more on par with your talents, this kit brings you everything you’d need including a mini wax heater, creme wax, spatulas, strips, cooling gel, calming lotion and more. Your very own waxing salon.
7. Best for slowing hair growth: European Wax Center Slow It Body Lotion ($20)
If you want to delay DIY waxing, it’s important to slow your hair growth. This body lotion contains EWC’s Hair Growth Minimizer – a technology that helps visibly slow the regrowth of hair between waxes. It includes Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, an ingredient that aids in attacking the regrowth of hair directly at the root.
8. Best for ingrown prevention: bliss Bump Attendant ($22)
These ingrown eliminating pads gently exfoliate the skin – with salicylic and glycolic acid – to help prevent ingrown hairs for smoother bump-free skin, while antioxidant green tea soothes and smoothes. Use daily for best results. Bye-bye bumps.
9. Best body scrub: Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish ($36)
As we learned earlier, it’s important to exfoliate your body daily, especially right before waxing to ensure a clean, smooth canvas for the application. This all-over body polish is highly moisturizing and gently exfoliating with a blend of Virgin Coconut Oil and delicately floral Moroccan Rose. Bonus: it’s also natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. We love to see it.
