How to Wax at Home

A little baby powder helps wax hold onto hairs better.

Controlling hair growth is a modern inconvenience that most people deal with. Waxing is an option that makes your skin look and feel incredibly smooth and keeps hair from growing back for several weeks. Salon waxes work well, but come with a high price tag. If you need to save money, buy a home waxing kit from a drug store or online and try it out in the comfort of your home. Use your legs for your first home waxing trial. As you get the hang of it, move on to other body areas that you want waxed.

Things You'll Need

• Home waxing kit
• Baby powder

Instructions

1. Wait for hair to grow to at least 1/4 inch long.

2. Exfoliate the area well the day before you wax.

3. Clean the area with the cleanser in the waxing kit. Dry and use baby powder to cover the area lightly.

4. Heat the wax according to the product directions if you are using a hot wax. Test the temperature before waxing to make sure it's warm but not hot enough to burn your skin.

5. Apply wax evenly using the applicator. Smooth it on the skin in the direction of hair growth.

6. Cover the wax with a hair-removal strip, placing it down in the direction of hair growth. Rub your hand over the strip, smoothing it to ensure wax sticks to hair.

7. Grip an end of the strip with one hand while holding your skin taut with the other hand. Pull the strip off against the direction of hair growth with one swift movement.

8. Repeat these steps until all hair is removed.

9. Exfoliate skin and cleanse well to remove all wax residue.

10. Apply the soothing lotion that comes with the waxing kit or an aloe vera-based lotion to reduce redness and irritation.

References

• Marie Claire; "8 Do's and Don'ts of At-Home Waxing"; Diana Vilibert; July 2008
• NineMSN: How to Wax Your Legs Like a Pro
• Bowie State University; "Brown-Sugah: Silky Smooth Skin for Spring"; Sheena Shaw