DIY Waxing: Get it Right the First Time

The first time you decide to wax at home can be tricky. It doesn’t seem like it would be complicated, but it is harder than you think. DIY waxing is a cost-effective alternative to going to the salon, perfect for those of us living on a tighter budget. Here is what you should know about DIY waxing at-home.

Contents

diy waxing 101
DIY Waxing Methods
Pro Tips
- Making the Process Easier
- Tips for Waxing
Conclusion

diy waxing 101

Even if your first DIY waxing experience was a bust, don’t give up! You can make it work. Let’s get started by taking a look at some tips that will make your experience easier.

Decide on the Method You Want to Try

There are several different methods for at-home waxing. Your goal should be to select the one that best meets your needs.

Strips are for larger areas of your body, such as your legs.
Hard wax is best for small areas, such as the eyebrows or stomach; it can also can be used for curved areas, such as your bikini line.

It is recommended that you start with an at-home hot wax kit rather than strips. It may be harder to apply and remove, but you will get much better results. Ultimately, better results are our goal.

diy waxing is not professional waxing

You shouldn’t expect the same results that you might get if you head to a salon. The quality of the products is much different, especially if you decide to use a homemade waxing product.

Chances are the results won’t last as long as a professional, but that’s ok! You can afford to wax more often at home.

Also, remember there are some risks to waxing at home as well. You might accidentally bruise yourself or tear your skin!

Make Sure the Hair is the Right Length

The length of your hair also helps to determine the effectiveness of your DIY waxing. The hair should be around 4mm long. You want the wax to have enough hair to grasp; however, if it is much longer than 4mm, you should trim it first.

Do a Skin Check before waxing

I know that a skin check can seem as a waste of time, but it isn’t. Make sure the area you are waxing doesn’t have any cuts or irritations.

You should use a patch test on the area to ensure there is no irritation from the ingredients.

Wait 24 hours after the patch test to see how your skin responds. You don’t want to bypass this step and have a large reaction on your legs or face!

DIY Waxing Methods

Let’s get started and learn how to wax at home!

#1 Waxing with sugar

Many people swear by using a soft sugar wax recipe. If you like natural remedies and want to give this classic a shot, we'll teach you how to do DIY waxing with honey. The process is simple.

All you need is:

1 cup granulated sugar,
1 cup honey,
½ cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon water.

1
First, melt the sugar on the stove. It will start to caramelize.
2
Then, add the honey and lemon juice. Make sure you are careful because it is hot. Make sure it is all melted together and has a thick, pancake batter-like consistency. If it seems too hot, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
3
Next, take strips of cotton that you cut to length.
4
Dust the area with baby powder because it helps to absorb the oils from your body.
5
Using a small spatula or popsicle stick, apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth.
6
Press your fabric to the area. Let it cool completely. Here comes the fun part!
7
Pull the strip against the direction of your hair growth quickly.

#2 Sugar waxing without lemon

Believe it or not, sugar wax hair removal is a popular choice, but lemon juice isn’t for everyone. People with sensitive skin can have bad reactions to lemon juice.

In fact, lemon juice can irritate anyone. This DIY hair removal wax without strips is great for anyone who wants to try DIY sugar waxing without using lemon juice.

Mix the following ingredients in a heat-resistant recipient:

1 cup of sugar,
1/5 cup of water,
½ tablespoon salt,
2 teaspoon vinegar,
5 drops lavender or your favorite essential oil. (Optional)

1
Melt the sugar, water, and vinegar in a pot. Stir until it forms a thick mixture.
2
Spray water onto your granite or marble kitchen countertop or a baking pan.
3
Once the sugar mixture bubbles and turns gold, pour it on top of the water on your counter.
4
With a spoon, move the syrup around on the counter, towards the center, until it forms a ball.
5
Pick it up with wet hands and stretch the sugar ball until it's pliable. This step can take up to 15 minutes.
6
Then, take a small piece to use. The rest can be stored in the refrigerator!
7
Stretch the wax on a small area of your skin.
8
Let it sit for a few seconds then pull it off in the direction of your hair growth, not away!

#3 Brazilian-Style DIY WAXING

Brazilian waxing is very popular among women to remove pubic hair, and you can do it at home! Just follow these simple tips.

1
Purchasing a waxing kit is more popular than a DIY waxing recipe for Brazilian waxing. Whatever your choice, make sure you have the wax and strips ready ahead of time.
2
Heat up your wax, whether it is homemade or store bought. You can try either of the sugar recipes above!
3
Trim your pubic hair to ¼ inch.
4
Clean the area first with mild soap and water.
5
Sit in front of a mirror and apply the wax. Then, lay on the strips. Let cool.
6
Remove the strips quickly. Continue the process through the whole area.

Pro Tips

Making the Process Easier

You want the process to be enjoyable. Make sure that you never pick a large area for your first experience.

Try your small areas of your face, such as your sideburns, upper lip, or chin. You could even try with your armpits first!

You should always exfoliate your skin beforehand to remove all of the dead skin cells and grime. If you shower before you wax, make sure that you fully dry your skin. Wax will cling to any moisture, making the process less successful.

Make sure you drink copious amounts of water before waxing at home! It helps to reduce the pain by plumping your skin. It also makes the skin more supple and reduces ingrown hairs.

Tips for Waxing

The first time you wax can seem scary! Thinking ahead can make the process easier. For example, never wax your pubic hairs during your menstrual cycle. The hormones cause the skin in the area to be more sensitive. You can also take pain relievers before or after the process!

Practice pulling your skin taut. You don’t want to yank on the hair. The skin should be taut, and then you pull against the hair's growth direction. Cream waxes are popular for DIY eyebrow waxing because it is so gentle. It will give you smoother results, ideal for your eyebrows.

Conclusion

DIY waxing may seem complicated at first, but it will save you time and money once you understand the process. We hope you enjoyed the tutorial, and that your next experience with at-home waxing isn’t so scary! Make sure to share any tips you love in the comments!