Waxing isn’t as simple as wax on, hair off. Make sure to follow these steps for the best and safest results at home:

Then, they’ll apply the wax substance. If you choose a soft wax, they’ll remove the wax with strips of paper of cloth. If you choose a hard wax, they’ll wait for the wax to firm up before removing it. The area is small, so they may only wax two to three times on each side, moving from the left, to the middle, to the right of the pit. The ILansley Waxing Kit comes with every bell and whistle for soft waxing, including a warmer, applicators, and pre- and post-wax skin care.Choose the shape you want for this oh-so-sensitive area. Using a favorite bikini or underwear bottom as a template can be a great place to start. If you’re wanting to speed up your brow routine, Superdrug’s genius Eyebrow Wax Shapers are here to save the day. The product contains 56 pre-cut strips in different sizes to ensure your eyebrows are immaculately groomed. If you do get a burn, make sure to apply ice for at least a few minutes and steer clear of deodorant.

With that in mind, using wax strips comes with a few risks that you should know about before you get started. “Tearing the skin is the most common problem,” says Dr. Howe. “People with sensitive skin are more prone to this issue, but it can happen with a disturbing randomness—as in, after you've used it several times without problems, you suddenly get unsightly skin stripping just before a vacation.”

The best waxing strips you can buy in 2023

Try to avoid or minimize caffeine and alcohol intake on the day of your appointment. Both are diuretics and can cause your pores to tighten, making waxing more painful.

Veet knows its stuff when it comes to hair removal and the brand’s cold body wax strips are designed for both seasoned pros and novices. Formulated with almond oil and vitamin E to suit sensitive skin types, they’ll leave pins velvety soft. If you’re looking to upgrade from the usual wax strips, then why not turn your bedroom into a makeshift salon with this innovative waxing kit? Arriving with everything you need and more for silky-smooth results – including hard wax beads, a wax heater, a spatula, a pre-care cleanser, an aftercare lotion and equipment cleaner – you can rid unwanted hair in the comfort of your own home. Before every use, TEST YOUR SKIN REACTION by applying and removing the product to a small part of the area you wish to treat, following the directions for use. If after 24 HOURS there is no adverse reaction, continue to use. Some waxing kits, like Athena Club On The Spot Wax Strip Kit for Face, come with products that can be applied to the skin after you’re done to soothe redness or irritation. However, there are other steps that you can take if your kits don’t have a dedicated calming wipe or serum. Desmarais recommends avoiding washing the area with soap and water to remove any wax that gets left behind because scrubbing or touching the area can “cause irritation.” Also, she notes that any redness that pops up after you finish is “absolutely normal and may last for a few hours.”We suggest wearing minimal or loose clothing after waxing to ensure the skin can breathe, and to avoid any chaffing or friction in newly waxed areas. Avoid any exfoliation tools or scrubbing products for at least a few days after waxing, since skin will be quite sensitive. Some, such as Veet’s Body and Legs Wax Strips are also suitable for most areas including the bikini line, but there are strips made specifically for that more delicate area. The Mini No Mo-Bush Bikini Wax Kit, for example, are smaller strips and are designed to be ultra sensitive and skin-friendly. The larger the area being waxed, the more potential for irritation. Keep a cold compress handy to minimize discomfort. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment to help lessen pain. Cost: Wax strips can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a product. Cheer options may sometimes be better quality, so it may be worth investing in a higher-priced option if it works better for you.