Waxing at home for beginners - everything you need to know
Proof that you can get salon results in the comfort of your own home
Proof that you can get salon results in the comfort of your own home
Whether you're a fair-weather-hair-removal type of gal or a once a month regular, waxing at home has never been easier.
Yes you could opt for an in-salon bikini wax, but there really isn't the need when you can do it so easily and for much less money from the comfort of your own sofa, in front of Love Island.
Waxing may be a little on the painful side, but it is quick and yields longer-lasting results than your razor will.
Read on to master the art of at home waxing, from lower leg to full-on Brazilian.
Waxing at home with wax strips
'Making sure you have time, tools and the correct preparation are essential,' says beauty and skin expert Nichola Joss.
The number one thing you should remember while waxing yourself is not to rush it, 'take the time, make sure you have all the tools you need and prep the skin. Cleansing and exfoliating can help to ensure the skin is prepared for waxing, giving you better results. If you need to exfoliate the skin do this 24 hours before.'
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
'On the day, cleanse the skin with a fragrance free non-oily product and ensure your skin is dry,' Nichola advises. 'Take your time and do one strip at a time, ensuring you gently apply to the skin. Remember to remove as instructed.'
Waxing strips need to be pulled from the skin in a single, quick move. Be bold and go for it. Slowly peeling them off will be uncomfortable and won't remove the hair effectively.
'After you have waxed the desired area, gently apply an oil and lightly massage into skin,' Nichola adds. 'Wait 24 hours before applying any self-tan.'
Veet Ready to Use Wax Strips with Easy Grip, Superdrug
Buy Now
Acorelle Ready to Use Aloe Vera and Beeswax Underarms and Bikini Strips, Look Fantastic
Buy Now
Leg waxing and eyebrow waxing are both pretty self explanatory, but some hair removal procedures using wax have slightly more ambiguous names.
Hollywood waxing
This kind of waxing involves removing ALL the hair; bikini line, vulva, butt crack, the works.
It's not an easy one to do DIY so, we're calling it: you'd have to be mad to do your own Hollywood wax at home. The logistics of removing all hair from your nether regions without causing yourself injury just isn't worth it.
Brazilian waxing
Brazilian waxes are very similar to Hollywood, except usually a small, visible strip of hair is left on the vulva (the external part of your lady garden). Again, unless you're a pro, we don't really recommend you try this one at home.
Bikini waxing
Removing hair from your bikini line, on the other hand, is pretty straightforward.
For a successful DIY bikini wax, pull the skin taut, apply the wax strip, press firmly and use the warmth of your hands to soften the wax if necessary.
After that, it's a case of just gritting your teeth and pulling away quickly.
Lucy is a freelance beauty editor and contributor at Marie Claire, and has written for titles including Glamour, Refinery29, Popsugar, woman&home and more. She was previously Marie Claire’s junior beauty editor. During her career, she’s covered everything from backstage beauty at fashion week to interviews with famous faces like Drag Race royalty and Little Mix. As for her beauty ethos, she’s a big advocate for not having to spend a fortune on beauty products to get good results, and when she’s not got beauty on the brain you’ll find her reading or hanging out with dogs.
-
Paul Mescal almost became a professional athlete before he found acting - here's what we know about the Gladiator II star
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
When I want to channel a cool-girl boho vibe, these are the 9 effortlessly chic perfumes I turn to
Want to be a Chloé girl for less? It's this simple...
By Jazzria Harris
-
This iconic, down-right fancy, face cream is still the only product I go to for dry, sensitive periods and I just picked it up for £40 less
One of beauty's most beloved icons
By Rebecca Fearn
-
Exclusive: Everyone's favourite exfoliator just got a body upgrade and we are already obsessed
A no-brainer really
By Katie Thomas
-
Salicylic acid: what it is and the skincare products to stock up on
Inflammation? Clogged pores? Breakouts? Meet the wonder ingredient that helps to get rid of them all
By Lucy Abbersteen