The 10 Best Waxing Kits
Editor's Notes
February 14, 2021:
Waxing may seem intimidating at first, but once you give it a try, you'll probably never go back to shaving again. That's because it not only leaves your skin considerably smoother but also leaves you hair free for considerably longer, so you won't have to spend quite as much time on personal grooming every day.
While we have kept many of our previous recommendations, we did make a few changes as well. A notable one is the inclusion of Parissa Natural Cane. Though it isn't quite as effective as some others and periodically requires a second application, it is a vegan-friendly option, and we thought it important to include one of those. Rather than being made with beeswax like most others, it is a sugar-based product. It is also organic and Leaping Bunny certified.
Another new addition is the Bella Verde LED Display, which we like for its digital display that makes it simply to adjust the wax to the exact temperature you want. The Tress Wellness Professional also has a digital display, though its included beads aren't the best quality. That being said, it isn't very expensive either, so you'll have some money left over to buy whichever wax you prefer.
The final new addition is the Bliss Poetic 2550, which is the exact same formula that the company uses in its popular spas. Perhaps the best thing about this option is that it doesn't require the use of strips, which makes it very convenient. Its deep blue color also makes it easy to see if you have missed any spots during the application process.
June 15, 2019:
Waxing may seem intimidating to someone who has never done it before. After one time though, not only will you realize that it is easier than you think, you'll also be so impressed with the results that you'll probably never go back to shaving again. If you are one of those people who are a little worried about getting started, we recommend you consider the Gigi Brazilian or Satin Smooth Professional, both of which come with helpful instructional DVDs. They also include better quality wax than most kits and are a good choice for those with sensitive skin. The Clean & Easy Deluxe can also be a smart choice for beginners, as it features a scraper bar to get excess wax of the applicator before trying to apply it to your skin, which should help cut back on the potential for making a mess.
When melting wax, temperature is very important. Too hot and it could potentially burn you. It will also be much more liquid, making it messier and hard to apply as thick as needed. Too cold, and it won't spread well. If you want precision control over the temperature of your wax, you should take a look at one of the digital models on our list : iTeknic IK-PCA009, Suncom Digital, and Tress Wellness Professional.
For the people that don't have room to store a heater and would rather go the old method of melting their wax in the microwave, we have included BodyHonee Extra Strength, VidaSleek Face, Underarms, & Bikini, and Surgi Brazilian.
The Unique Culture Of Hair Removal
Some religions take the opposite stance on hair removal, and forbid removing hair from particular areas of the body.
Many people think of removing body hair, especially in the genital region as a modern ideal, but this practice actually dates back thousands of years. Copper razors from 3,000 BCE have been found in Egypt and Mesopotamia. There are also paintings from the 1500s that illustrate women with little, and sometimes no pubic hair. Having pubic hair in ancient Greece was considered uncivilized for both women and men, and they were known to either pluck out their hairs one by one, or singe them off with a candle.
Some archeologists believe that Samoans used to use sharp seashells to scrape of their underarm hair. While it is not known exactly when and where the practice of removing body hair originated, it is clear that many different cultures have performed it throughout the ages.
In addition to style and sanitary reasons, hair removal is sometimes done for religious reasons. Buddhism and Hinduism require that monks shave their heads during monkhood indoctrination. In the Amish religion, it is forbidden for men to have a mustache.
Some religions take the opposite stance on hair removal, and forbid removing hair from particular areas of the body. In Judaism, men are not allowed to shave their sideburns or beard with a razor, and in very strict circles men and women cannot shave for 30 days after the death of a close family member. In Sikhism, any form of hair removal is seen as an affront against god.
The ancient Egyptians can probably be credited with starting what could be considered the first form of waxing. They used a technique called sugaring in which a gel is made from a combination of sugar, hot water and lemon juice. When this mixture dries it becomes thick and can be used to pull hairs in a very similar manner to waxing.
Benefits Of Waxing Over Shaving
While a large percentage of women prefer shaving over waxing as they believe there is less pain involved, waxing actually offers a number of benefits. One of the first things most women notice when switching from shaving to waxing is how much less time they have to spend on hair removal. While a single waxing session may take longer than a single shaving session, the results last a lot longer. It takes anywhere from three to six weeks before hair starts to grow back after waxing, as opposed to three to four days after shaving.
One of the first things most women notice when switching from shaving to waxing is how much less time they have to spend on hair removal.
Since waxing completely pulls out the hair and its root, many women say their hair grows back finer than before. The complete removal of the root also results in smoother skin, without the annoying stubble shaving often leaves behind. Waxed legs will never feel rough or abrasive.
For those with sensitive skin, waxing can be a boon as it rarely ever results in a rash, making razor burn a thing of the past. There is also no chance of accidentally nicking oneself while waxing, which is a constant worry when shaving. In addition, waxing will never cause ingrown hairs.
How To Choose A Home Waxing Kit
When choosing a waxing kit, you'll have to ask yourself a couple of questions to determine which is best for you. How large of an area do you want to wax? Will you just be waxing your bikini line or do you plan on waxing your legs, arms, face, and armpits as well? It's also a good idea to consider how often you plan on waxing. Will it just be done periodically when you don't have time to go to a salon, or will you be waxing yourself regularly? Once you have answered these questions it will be much easier to pick the right kit.
It only takes about 30 seconds or so for the wax to cool, but some find this inconvenient.
Waxing kits are available for hot and cold waxing. As a general rule of thumb, cold waxing is best for small areas and sensitive areas, like the face or bikini line. Since cold waxing kits come with the wax already on the strip and don't require any heating or self application with a spatula, many find them less messy. On the other hand, you get less bang for your buck with a cold waxing kit. When comparing two equally priced waxing kits, one hot and one cold, you will be able to cover a larger area with the hot waxing kit. Some women also feel that cold wax doesn't work as well.
For these reasons you would be better off going with a hot waxing kit if you plan on waxing frequently and need to cover large areas, like the legs or arms. Hot wax is a little more labor intensive as you'll have to wait while the wax heats up. Then you must spread the wax yourself, apply a backing paper and wait for the wax to cool before you can pull the strips off. It only takes about 30 seconds or so for the wax to cool, but some find this inconvenient.
It's a good idea to read the manufacturers specifications for where their particular wax should be used. Not all wax is suitable for every area of your body. Some are harsher than others and should only be used on the legs, arms, and back, while others are designed to be used on sensitive areas like the face, arm pits and bikini line.