How to Use a Home Waxing Kit

Using a waxing kit at home to remove hair from arms, legs, bikini area, chest and face can save you time and money. Waxing takes more preparation time than shaving, but the results usually last two weeks. To perfect waxing at home takes practice and patience. The pain lessens as you wax more and the hair follicles decrease in size.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Exfoliate the skin about one or two days before you intend to wax at home. This will bring small hairs to the surface and ensure a slower regrowth.

2. Grow or trim the hair to a quarter inch before opening the wax kit. Use a small pair of scissors to trim, making sure not to injure yourself. On the other hand, wait to wax if the hair isn't at least a quarter inch long.

3. Make sure the area is clean and dry. Use baby powder on the area to ensure dryness.

4. Heat the wax, if necessary, either on the stove in a pot full of water or in the microwave. Follow the kit manufacturer's recommendations carefully. Under or overheating can slow down or ruin the whole procedure.

5. Apply the wax to the desired area as directed. Common methods include a roll-on container or using a wooden or plastic spatula to spread the wax evenly over the skin. Put on a single muslin strip, following the direction of hair growth. Smooth a hand over the strip a few times, pushing in the direction of the growth.

6. Pull the strip (or the wax, if stripless) off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Check the strip to make sure you're getting the roots of the hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Read all instructions that came with the kit. Each manufacturer has tailored advice for its product, which may vary from other kits. These variations may include warming temperature and method, warming time and application procedure. Some kits include products that help remove wax residue as well.
• Be careful with the hair trimming process. You should never place hot wax over an open wound.