15 Best Hair Removal Waxes in 2023 for Smooth Skin at Home
Read this before slathering one on, tho.
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As a self-proclaimed hairy girl, I know a thing or two about hair removal methods. I’ll leave my follicles alone during most of the year in between shaving with razors, but when I do want to go completely bare, I rely on waxing to get the job done. It’s not exactly pain-free but it works quickly. By applying a hair removal wax onto the area that I want hairless, the product removes hair at the root. Waxing lasts for a while too—giving me up to four weeks of stubble-free skin. In-salon treatments can quickly become costly, so I’ve decided to round up my favorite hair removal waxes for you to browse through and get the 101 on waxing from two experts—dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, and dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD—so you know what you’re putting on your body.
Our top picks for hair removal wax in 2022
Now keep scrolling for the full list, along with the info you really need to know about hair removal wax, like what the whether or not wax reduces hair growth, if there are any downsides to waxing, and more.
GiGi Strip Free Microwave Formula Hair Removal Wax, 8 oz
Pros
- Strip-free formula
Cons
- Doesn’t come with applicator
IYKYK—Gigi’s hair removal wax is simple to use, thanks to a strip-free formula. Microwave the container with a heat safe plate in 15 second increments, until you get a caramel-like consistency. Paste on the wax with an applicator and wait another 10 to 15 seconds until you remove the hard wax in one, smooth motion while holding the skin.
Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Mutli-step process
The OG of hair removal, this iconic kit from Bliss has been around for close to two decades. The wax included with this kit is made with chamomile oil, allowing for the most gentle approach for sensitive skin. Use this formula anywhere on the body, including the bikini line or your face.
Flamingo Body Wax Kit
Pros
- Comes with post-wax cloths that remove excess wax
Cons
- Can only use on the body
PSA: if your skin has undergone any sort of in-office treatment like radio-frequency, avoid waxing the area at all costs. You should not wax the area, because “it can cause additional damage and pain to the skin,” according to Dr. Engelman. Flamingo makes the process of hair removal easy AF, including 28 soft-gel wax strips that you simply open, apply, and quickly peel back. I love the post-wax cloths that soothe skin and remove any post-wax debris.
Vidasleek Hair Removal Wax Kit
Pros
- All-natural formula
Cons
- Cannot use on the face
I like this hair removal wax for two reasons: (1) it’s great for thick to coarse hair, and (2) that any hair regrowth tends to come in thinner and slower than before. I have this coarser hair texture and I don’t do at-home laser removal devices, so having a gap of four weeks in-between waxes is a huuuge benefit for me.
Tress Wellness Waxing Kit
Pros
- Can use on all parts of the body
Cons
- Scented, can be aggressive on sensitive skin
What’s great about using wax beans is that you can control how much wax you need to heat up—use a dozen or so for facial hair and fill the wax warmer if you’re planning on removing hair from a larger body part. This salon-quality set also includes face and body waxing spatulas, paper rings, and a pre and post-wax spray for clean-up.
Nad's Facial Wax Strips
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not big enough for use on the body
This one’s for all my babes with sensitive skin—these hair removal wax strips are made for the face and those who have a reaction to fragrance. All you have to do to use is gently rub on the area with hair, quickly remove in the opposite direction of hair, and et voila.
Sugaring NYC Sugaring Paste
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin, heatless application
Cons
- Need different products depending on the thickness of the hair
As someone with dark and thick hair, I love sugaring wax as an alternative to regular wax because you don’t have to wait for your hair to grow super long to be able to grip the follicle. As long as it’s grown to around ⅛ of an inch—with waxing it’s ¼ of an inch—you can apply the heatless solution, waiting for it to harden, and remove.
Wax Bear Activated Charcoal Sugar Wax
Pros
- Great for skin that’s prone to irritation
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
The activated charcoal in this sugar wax removes impurities from your pores while delicately removing the hair follicle—a true one-two punch. This formula absorbs excess oil and brightens skin as well.
Satin Smooth Deluxe Cream Hair Removal Wax
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin, minimal irritation
Cons
- Only enough for a few treatments
Even though I regularly wax, the irritation and inflammation that comes right after sometimes gives me scars. Switching to a cream wax can minimize that risk, as it’s less harsh on the skin than a harder wax. This hair removal wax from Satin Smooth is also infused with Vitamin E, Eucalyptus Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Aloe Vera to nourish and calm the skin post-wax.
Sally Hansen Insta Wax Strips
Pros
- Great for quick, on-the-go uses
Cons
- Only enough for a few treatments
Get invited to a beach day and you’re in a rush to remove hair from your bikini line? This hair removal wax strip kit is perfect for a super quick treatment, no microwave needed. These strips are also double-sided so you can target your underarms or facial hair in one go.
Nair Hair Remover Wax Ready Strips
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested and approved
Cons
- Not great for longer hair
Nair is a brand well-known and loved for their hair removal cream that is applied and then washed off. But did you know that it makes wax strips too? For all hair removal (and skincare in general), I recommend that you do a patch test on an area to see how the product reacts to skin—you never know if you’re sensitive to a certain ingredient that may cause irritation.
Zip Wax Hot Wax Hair Remover
Pros
- Great for all areas of the body
Cons
- Not great for first-time users
I’m a sucker for an easy-to-use hair removal wax—I love that this one comes in separate blocks so I don’t have to mess with a large, sticky container. Zip’s Hot Wax Hair Remover is made with beeswax, which allows it to pick up every single hair on the area that’s being treated. It also works for all parts of the body, including the face.
Parissa Organic Sugar Wax
Pros
- Easy to wash off
Cons
- Higher price tag
Talk about easy to use—this sugar wax comes with a roll-on applicator, meaning zero chance of a sticky mess. Just move the applicator along the area you want to wax, wait for the thin layer to harden, and yank off. If you want to make your own at home, check out Cosmo's very own DIY sugar wax recipe.
KoluaWax Hard Wax Beads for Hair Removal
Pros
- Formulated for all-over use
Cons
- Doesn't come with neccessary tools for heating
If you're ready to take your waxing journey to the next level, beads are your best bet. One quick waxing session with this multi-use formula can tackle your entire body: face, arms, legs, chest, back, and bikini.
Moom Organic Hair Remover Kit
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Sticky clean-up
This organic hair removal wax promises a pain-free process, due to their glazing formula that allows for gentler hair removal. I love that it's infused with chamomile and tea tree oil, leaving even the most delicate areas smooth and irritation-free—you can even use it on your face.
Should I trim my hair before waxing?
Yes, you should trim your hair before waxing if your hair is longer than a half-inch. Generally, hair should be around a half-inch long for a good, clean wax, and longer than that should be first trimmed with hair-cutting scissors.
What should I do after waxing?
If you're looking for a tried-and-true, post-wax skincare routine, Dr. Idriss recommends avoiding all sun exposure for at least 48 hours due to the sensitivity of your skin and to not over-exfoliate afterward, because you have "technically already exfoliated with the wax."If you're dealing with irritation post-wax, Dr. Engelman's favorite soothing trick is to "soak and grease." She suggests spending around 20 minutes in the shower to soften skin, massage the area with an in-shower body oil, then immediately following up with lotion before you dry your skin. Applying oil and lotion locks in the moisture and promotes water retention on the skin to help your skin barrier heal.
Does waxing reduce hair growth?
Yes, waxing can reduce some hair growth when it's done consistently, every four to six weeks. Waxing pulls hair out at the root, so over time, it begins to grow back finer, thinner, finer, and less coarse. However, if you're looking to have permanent hair removal, both Dr. Idriss and Dr. Engelman prefer laser hair removal, as they are "less irritating to the skin when performed properly and help preserve skin cells."
What are the downsides of waxing?
"Some types of waxes can damage the skin or cause an allergic reaction for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions," says Dr. Engelman. She suggests consulting a dermatologist or licensed waxing professional before trying it if you are prone to breakouts or skin inflammation. She also recommends that those who currently have a breakout or inflamed, red skin in a spot that they want waxed should wait until the skin is completely healed or they could irritate the skin even further.
Dr. Idriss warns that hyperpigmentation can also become a side effect if your skin has more melanin, but "you just have to be careful and treat your skin gently," because the trauma from pulling your hair can rip some of the skin off.
Is waxing better than hair removal creams?
The best hair removal method typically depends on your skin type and sensitivity. While creams work well, they don't last as long as waxing and can't be used in sensitive areas or on sensitive skin. Waxing, on the other hand, is more painful, yes, but also more effective, and comes in a variety of formulations, including "soft warm wax, warm hard wax, cold soft wax, pre-made wax strips, sugar wax, fruit wax, and even chocolate wax," says Dr. Idriss.
For beginners, Dr. Idriss recommends pre-made wax strips, citing them as the most user-friendly, mess-free option. They come with the right amount of cold soft wax already attached and are ready to use—meaning they don't require heating, which can be harsh for skin prone to irritation.
Another great options for newbies? Sugar wax, which Dr. Idriss says is "one of the oldest known waxing methods originating in the Middle East and generally consists of some combination of sugar, lemon, and hot water."
Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna.
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