The 11 Best At-Home Waxes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

By 

Jessie Quin–People.com

When removing unwanted hair at home, we typically reach for a razor (psst: these are some of our favorites). However, this hair remover can take time and doesn’t do much to prolong the hair growth period. This is why waxing might be a better option for those looking to quickly and effectively remove hair while allowing for more time between the removal process. 

“Waxing can be a safe, effective, and quick option for hair removal that can be done conveniently at home,” Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine, tells PEOPLE. She recommends at-home waxes because they “typically include everything you need to complete at-home waxing safely, including applicator sticks, a heating device if it’s hot wax, the wax itself, strips, post-wax cleaning product, and clear instructions.” At-home wax kits are also efficient ways to remove hair and can even prolong the hair growth period. 

To find the best at-home waxes, our PEOPLE Tested team tried two dozen top formulas, including wax strips, wax beads, sugar wax, hot wax, hard wax, and roll-on wax. After six weeks of testing the at-home waxes for overall efficacy, ease of use, and more, we narrowed it down to these 11 picks.

Our Top Picks

BEST OVERALL:

Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face at Target $10

Jump to Review

EASIEST APPLICATION:

Flamingo Body Wax Kit at Target $10

Jump to Review

BEST WAXING KIT:

Gigi Mini Pro Hair Removal Waxing Kit at Amazon $60

Jump to Review

BEST WAX BEADS:

Happy Waxing Waxing At-Home Kit at Amazon $67

Jump to Review

BEST FOR FACE:

Nad’s Facial Wax Strips at Target $6

Jump to Review

BEST SUGARING:

SALE

 Parissa Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax at Amazon $20 $16

Jump to Review

BEST DRUGSTORE:

Sally Hansen Body Wax Hair Removal Kit at Target $10

Jump to Review

BEST SPLURGE:

Sugardoh The Full Body Sugaring Kit at Ulta $50

Jump to Review

BEST WAX STRIPS:

Veet Full Body Waxing Kit at Amazon $10

Jump to Review

BEST FOR LARGE AREAS:

Wakse Ultimate Face & Body Waxing Kit at Ulta $60

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

PHOTO: ATHENA CLUB

$10 at TargetView on Athenaclub.com

Our Ratings

• Application4.8/5
• Effectiveness5/5
• Comfort5/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.6/5

Pros

• The wax comes in strips, so they’re super easy to use and beginner-friendly.
• You can reuse the strips a few times (in the same wax session) to get more use out of them.
• You can wax your entire upper lip with just one strip.
• The wax strips don’t irritate the skin as much as some other options we tried, making this a good option for those with sensitive skin.

Cons

• If you don’t peel quickly enough, the wax leaves behind a sticky residue.

The Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face is our top pick for the best at-home waxes. This kit features 20 double-sided wax strips that are easy to use, gentle on the skin (they don’t cause irritation), and very beginner-friendly, so you don’t need a lot of experience with at-home waxing to try these out. We love that the strips are double-sided and that you can usually get a couple of uses out of each strip so you only need one or two strips per wax sesh (depending on where you are removing hair). 

Formulated with a blend of glycerol rosinate wax, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, the wax strips are designed with vegan ingredients that gently yet effectively lift hair away from the skin, leaving behind a smooth and soft surface. In addition to the strips, the kid also includes six post-wax wipes, plus a skin-calming serum that helps reduce any post-wax redness. 

Though it may vary depending on the person, we found that these wax strips were not only effective at removing unwanted hair from our complexions but also prolonging the overall hair growth period, allowing us around three weeks between the removal and growth periods.  

Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 20 double-sided wax strips | Key Ingredients: Glycerol rosinate wax, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil

• PEOPLE / SAMANTHA ARONSON
• PEOPLE / JOANNA FAITH WILLIAMS
• PEOPLE / SAMANTHA ARONSON

Easiest Application

Flamingo Body Wax Kit

PHOTO: FLAMINGO

$10 at TargetView on Shopflamingo.com$10 at Riteaid.com

Our Ratings

• Application5/5
• Effectiveness4/5
• Comfort4/5
• Skin Look & Feel4/5

Pros

• The wax strips come in varying sizes, so you can use them on small and larger areas.
• The strips feature a soft gel wax that is similar to more traditional in-salon waxing experiences but with much less mess and experience required.
• Removing the hair causes a tinge of pain initially, but it’s not nearly as painful or irritating as more traditional waxing experiences.

Cons

• The wax leaves behind a slightly sticky residue that takes some effort to remove.

If you’re looking for the easiest application, wax strips are always a good idea for at-home waxes. In addition to our top pick for the best at-home waxes (the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face), we were also impressed by the overall application process of the Flamingo Body Wax Kit. 

This kit features 28 wax strips in varying sizes, allowing you to lift away hair from small and larger areas on the body. The strips feature a soft gel wax, which is similar to the more traditional melted wax found in salons, slathered onto a strip, making them highly effective, easy to use, and mess-free. Since they are made of wax, the removal process is slightly painful at first, but it’s not nearly as painful or irritating as some more traditional waxing experience (plus, you don’t have to worry about the temperature being too hot). 

Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 28 wax strips | Key Ingredients: Not listed

Best Waxing Kit

Gigi Mini Pro Hair Removal Waxing Kit

PHOTO: SALLY BEAUTY

$60 at Amazon$60 at Sallybeauty.comView on Gigispa.com

Our Ratings

• Application4.4/5
• Effectiveness4.7/5
• Comfort5/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.7/5

Pros

• The at-home waxing kit features everything you need to create your own DIY waxing experience, including a mini wax warmer, wax, spatulas, muslin strips, prep lotion, cooling gel, and a slow-grow lotion.
• It’s inspired by a professional waxing setup, only much more beginner-friendly.
• Once the wax is warmed, you don’t need to heat it throughout the entire process.

Cons

• We wish the kit also featured some wax strips for quick, on-the-go removal. 
• The kit is a little overwhelming at first (especially if you’ve never waxed at home before) but once you start using it, it’s actually quite simple.

For a salon-worthy at-home waxing kit, consider the GiGi Mini Pro Hair Removal Waxing Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to give yourself an at-home Brazilian, armpit wax, eyebrow wax, leg wax, and more, including a mini wax warmer, the wax itself, muslin strips, a variety of spatulas, prep lotion, and cooling gel. The kit also features a slow-grow lotion, which you apply daily after showering and is designed to slow down the re-growth process. 

When testing out this kit, we were at first intimidated by all of the components and the concept of a more salon-style waxing experience. However, once we went for it, we found that the waxing process is actually quite simple and easy to follow. Overall, we were impressed by this wax kit not only for all of the items included but also for its efficacy. We found that the wax warmer made it so that the wax was never too hot for our skin and the spatulas helped provide an even application. And, although the removal process was a little uncomfortable, it wasn’t as painful as we had expected (especially with the cooling gel applied after removal). 

Type: Cream wax | Size/Amount: 14 ounces of wax | Key Ingredients: Not listed

• PEOPLE / MICHELE EHRICH
• PEOPLE / MICHELE EHRICH
• PEOPLE / MICHELE EHRICH

Best Wax Beads

Happy Waxing Waxing At-Home Kit

PHOTO: HAPPY WAXING

$67 at AmazonView on Happywaxing.us

Our Ratings

• Application4.6/5
• Effectiveness4.5/5
• Comfort5/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.3/5

Pros

• The wax beads are designed for face and body application, making this a more versatile waxing kit.
• The kit includes everything you need for a salon-worthy wax, including a wax heater, two bags of wax beads, prep formulas and supplies, and measuring cups.
• Since the beads transform into hard wax, you don’t need muslin strips to remove the wax — you just lift away the hard wax once dried.

Cons

• The hard wax is a learning curve, but you get the hang of it with some practice. 
• It takes around 20 minutes for the wax to melt.

After testing several at-home waxes, we found that the Happy Waxing At Home Kit is the best option for those looking for hard wax bead kits. This waxing kit includes a wax bead warmer, two 7.05-ounce bags of hard wax beads, and all of the necessary prep formulas and supplies. 

While there is a bit of a learning curve, we love that the hard wax can be removed from the skin on its own and without any cloth strips, which makes for an overall mess- and pain-free experience. The wax warmer takes around 20 minutes to heat up and melt the wax, so some patience is required, but it does an excellent job of reaching the ideal temperature for application without feeling too hot on the skin. 

Type: Wax beads | Size/Amount: Two 7.05-ounce bags | Key Ingredients: Not listed

• PEOPLE / MAGGIE SPERDUTI-MATESEVAC
• PEOPLE / MAGGIE SPERDUTI-MATESEVAC

Best for Face

Nad’s Facial Wax Strips

PHOTO: TARGET

$6 at Target$8 at Walmart$6 at Ulta

Our Ratings

• Application4.6/5
• Effectiveness4.5/5
• Comfort4.7/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.5/5

Pros

• These strips work particularly well for waxing your upper lip, thanks to their smaller size.
• No heat is required — you just need to rub it a few times to ensure it adheres to the skin.
• Some wax residue gets left behind after removing, but the included post-wax oil wipe removes it.

Cons

• The strips are small, so it’s a little tricky for larger areas such as the cheeks.

The Nads Facial Wax Strips are our top pick for this category. While they are a little small for large areas such as the cheeks, they’re an ideal solution for the upper lip and those more tough-to-reach places. This kit comes with 20 wax strips infused with skin-nourishing shea butter plus post-wax oil wipes to remove any residue and a skin shield powder to help protect the skin during the application process. 

When using these wax strips, our testers found they were super convenient and easy to use while on the go or in a hurry. The strips are effective at removing hair without irritation, and better yet, they help slow down the regrowth period for a more low-maintenance form of hair removal. 

Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 20 wax strips | Key Ingredients: Shea butter

• PEOPLE / KATE REMALY
• PEOPLE / KATE REMALY
• PEOPLE / KATE REMALY
• PEOPLE / KATE REMALY

The 8 Best Facial Hair Removers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Sugaring

Parissa Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax

PHOTO: PARISSA

$16 at AmazonView on Parissa.com

Our Ratings

• Application4.7/5
• Effectiveness4.5/5
• Comfort5/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.6/5

Pros

• Immediately after using this sugaring formula, our skin was softer and smoother, with no redness or irritation.
• After several uses, we noticed our hair grew back slower and was much finer than before sugaring.
• It features a gentle roll-on applicator that is easy to use and pain-free.

Cons

• The application process is a little tricky to get used to at first, but once you get the hang of things, it’s one of the easiest applications on our list.

For at-home sugaring, consider the Parissa 2-in-2 Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax. This sugaring kit features a roll-on applicator with two head sizes for small and large areas, 4.73 ounces of sugar wax, and 20 epilation strips. While it takes a little getting used to at first, it’s actually one of the easiest — and most effective — options on our list. All you need to do is heat the wax in a microwavable dish, attach the applicator head, and roll it onto the body toward hair growth. From there, you press the epilation strip in place and then lift away to remove hair. 

When using this at-home wax kit, we experienced zero irritation and redness and found that our skin was instantly smoother and softer after removal. On top of that, our hair grew back much slower and had a finer texture, making future waxing experiences even easier. 

Type: Sugar wax | Size/Amount: 4.73 ounces of wax | Key Ingredients: Organic sugar 

• PEOPLE / KELSEY GRANNEMAN
• PEOPLE / KELSEY GRANNEMAN

Best Drugstore

Sally Hansen Body Wax Hair Removal Kit

PHOTO: SALLY HANSEN

$10 at Target$10 at WalmartView on Sallyhansen.com

Our Ratings

• Application4.5/5
• Effectiveness4.5/5
• Comfort4.6/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.6/5

Pros

• It’s a microwavable wax kit, so you don’t need a wax warmer to get the job done.
• The wax is infused with coconut and marula oils for added skin nourishment.
• It has a Brazillian formula, so it works well at removing stubborn strands.

Cons

• The microwavable wax can get a little messy.
• Skin is red and tingly post-wax (but it goes away).

Drugstores have some of the best collections of budget-friendly at-home wax kits — but not all are equal in terms of efficacy. After testing several formulas, we found that the Sally Hansen Extra-Strength All-Over Body Wax Hair Removal Kit is the best drugstore at-home wax. This kit features a tub of creamy microwavable wax plus 30 removal strips, allowing you to lift away unwanted hair from virtually anywhere on the body. 

Since it’s a microwavable wax, the kit doesn’t require any fancy warmers and is relatively easy to use, even if it’s your first time (though it can get a little messy). The wax is also infused with coconut and marula oils for added skin nourishment and features a Brazillian formula that is specifically designed to remove stubborn hair. While it is very effective, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the most painful option on our list as the wax can leave skin looking red and feeling tingly post-wax. 

Type: Microwavable wax and strips | Size/Amount: 30 strips | Key Ingredients: Coconut and marula oils

Best Splurge

Sugardoh The Full Body Sugaring Kit

PHOTO: SUGARDOH

$50 at UltaView on Sugardoh.co

Our Ratings

• Application5/5
• Effectiveness4.7/5
• Comfort4.7/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.5/5

Pros

• The sugaring kit is a bit of a splurge, but it comes with everything you need to start your at-home sugaring journey, including two 14-ounce containers of sugar wax.
• The two types of sugaring wax make this kit highly versatile for both fine and thick hair removal.
• The removal process is a little uncomfortable at first, but after the initial removal, the tingling goes away.

Cons

• The sugaring process takes some time to get used to. 

The Sugardoh Full Body Sugaring Kitt is a splurge-worthy at-home wax kit that is well worth the investment (and, honestly, great value considering everything it comes with). This at-home sugaring kit comes with everything you need to try this hair removal technique at home, including two different types of sugar wax — one made for fine and one made for thick hair — plus reusable strips, pre-sugaring body powder, and two reusable applicators. 

When testing the kit out at home, we found that the removal process was at first a little uncomfortable, but that quickly subsided and the process is super effective and efficient at removing unwanted hair on the body and face. The application and hair removal process was also super easy, and cleaning was an absolute breeze with no residue left behind. 

Type: Sugar wax | Size/Amount: 14 ounces of the Classic Sugaring DOH FIRM and 14 ounces of the Classic Sugaring DOH MEDIUM | Key Ingredients: Not listed

• PEOPLE / CHRISSY LEE
• PEOPLE / CHRISSY LEE
• PEOPLE / CHRISSY LEE

Best Wax Strips

Veet Full Body Waxing Kit

PHOTO: AMAZON

$10 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Application4.8/5
• Effectiveness4.7/5
• Comfort5/5
• Skin Look & Feel4/5

Pros

• The box comes with clear and simple instructions that are easy to understand and make the entire process accessible for all, including beginners.
• The strips feature an arrow shape, which makes it easier to tell which direction to apply and pull away.
• While waxing naturally causes some discomfort, these wax strips provide a relatively pain-free hair removal. 

Cons

• The wax is not durable enough for thick, stubborn hair.

The Veet Full Body Waxing Kit for Sensitive Skin is our top pick for the best wax strips. This under-$10 at-home wax kit comes with 20 wax strips infused with vitamin E and almond oil designed to lift away unwanted hair while remaining gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. Although there is some discomfort with waxing, these wax strips are relatively pain-free and leave the skin soft and smooth after hair removal. 

Our favorite feature is the arrow design on the strips, which makes it easier to tell which direction to pull the strips off the skin, allowing for a quick and easy hair-removal process. We also love how simple the entire process was and how it’s a relatively mess-free experience (especially compared to microwavable wax). 

Type: Wax strips | Size/Amount: 20 wax strips | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E and almond oil 

• PEOPLE / MARY HONEYMAN-SPEICHIGNER
• PEOPLE / MARY HONEYMAN-SPEICHIGNER

Best for Large Areas

Wakse Ultimate Face & Body Waxing Kit

PHOTO: ULTA

$60 at Ulta

Our Ratings

• Application4.8/5
• Effectiveness5/5
• Comfort4.5/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.5/5

Pros

• Since it’s hard wax, you don’t need cloth strips to remove the hair.
• Despite being a hard wax, it’s not super messy and is easy to use as a beginner.
• Because you don’t need strips to remove, you can customize the application and use this wax on larger areas such as the back or chest.

Cons

• The wax takes a little longer to melt compared to what the directions say.

Waxing larger areas at home can get tricky if you don’t have the right wax. The Wakse Cosmic Candy Hard Wax Beans is an excellent option for those looking for a solution that allows you to customize the application. Since this is hard wax, you don’t need a strip to remove the wax from the skin. Instead, it hardens and you then pull it away from the skin, removing the hair along with it. 

When testing this at-home wax out, we were impressed by how easy it was to use and how relatively mess-free, considering it’s a free-standing wax. We also like how quickly the wax cooled on the body and how quick and easy it was to remove the strip of wax from the skin and, ultimately, the hair along with it. 

Type: Hard wax | Size/Amount: 12.8 ounces of wax beans | Key Ingredients: Aloe 

• PEOPLE / DREW YERSIN
• PEOPLE / DREW YERSIN
• PEOPLE / DREW YERSIN

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Best Roll-On

Waxfans Roll On Wax Kit

PHOTO: AMAZON

$10 at AmazonView on Waxfans.com

Our Ratings

• Application4.6/5
• Effectiveness5/5
• Comfort5/5
• Skin Look & Feel4.5/5

Pros

• The roll-on applicator is actually a wax warmer, so it keeps the wax a warm and easy-to-apply consistency.
• It’s an easy-to-use process that is accessible enough for beginners.
• The removal process is relatively pain-free for waxing.

Cons

• It takes over an hour for the wax to melt properly.

The Waxfans Roll-On Wax Kit features a roll-on applicator that is actually a wax warmer, so the wax stays warm and has the right consistency for application. Since it is a roll-on, it’s super easy to use and apply to the skin, making it an accessible option for beginners. In addition to the warming roller, the kit also includes two wax roller refills, a post-treatment square, and 50 waxing strips, all for under $20 on Amazon. 

When testing this system, we found that the wax takes over an hour to melt, which is a lot longer compared to other wax warmers and microwavable wax. However, if you can plan for it, the melting time is well worth it for the overall ease of use and efficacy. Plus, for a waxing kit, the entire removal process is nearly pain-free, even on more sensitive areas. 

Type: Roll-on wax | Size/Amount: 2 wax roller refills | Key Ingredients: Not listed 

Things to Consider Before Buying At-Home Waxes

Wax Type 

At-home waxes come in a variety of types, including wax strips, hard wax, hot wax, sugar wax, and even some roll-on options. Wax strips are some of the easiest and most accessible options for beginners and work particularly well on small areas as well as spots with fine hair. Sugaring and hard wax can take a little more time to get used to but can be highly effective at removing hair at home, especially if you’re looking to remove hair from larger surface areas or have thicker hair that is a little too stubborn for strips. 

Wax Temperature

When using wax strips, you usually don’t need to worry about the wax temperature too much as you simply warm the wax up between your palms. However, if you wish to try microwavable wax or a wax warmer system, Dr. Graf says temperature matters. “If using hot wax, I recommend looking for a wax heater that has temperature controls so that you can ensure the wax doesn’t get too hot for skin contact,” she explains. “Mild burns are not uncommon for at-home waxing, so it’s important to be careful and test the temperature of the wax before application.” 

Ingredients 

In addition to wax temperature, Dr. Graf also recommends looking for options with skin-benefiting ingredients, such as aloe vera or jojoba oil. “These ingredients can help nourish the skin to avoid the skin irritation that can be common from waxing,” she explains. If your wax doesn’t feature skin-nourishing ingredients, using post-wax care (such as cooling gel or oil included in an at-home wax kit) with these ingredients can deliver similar results.

How We Tested 

To find the best at-home waxes, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options before narrowing it down to 24 formulas for real-world testing. From there, the team conducted thorough testing over the course of six weeks, carefully considering the wax type, application and removal process, efficacy, and any potential side effects like redness, bumps, or irritation. 

Throughout the six-week testing period, the PEOPLE Tested team took into account the areas tested, how much product was needed to get the job done, whether or not the application process was messy, how well the waxes melted and stayed melted (if applicable), and how well each formula picked up and removed strands. Additionally, they considered the overall comfortability and whether or not the skin felt irritated or any paid post-waxing. They also noted how the skin looked post-wax and how long it took for hair to grow back, too. After weeks of testing, the team narrowed down their top picks to the 11 best at-home waxes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best at-home wax to use?Our top pick for the best at-home wax, overall, is the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face. These wax strips are super easy to use and beginner-friendly, making them one of the most accessible options on our list. Additionally, you can use the strips more than once per wax session, so you get more use out of them. And, since the wax is infused with jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil, the skin feels soft to the touch post-wax. In addition to our top pick, we also recommend the Happy Waxing At-Home Kit, which comes with a wax warmer and is designed for both face and body application. This kit provides a salon-worthy waxing experience at home and, since it features hard wax, you don’t need cloth strips to remove the wax and lift away hair.
• Is waxing or sugaring better?According to Dr. Graf, there isn’t one that is better than the other. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference. “Some people prefer sugaring because it is gentler on the skin, so it can be a better option for those with sensitive skin,” she explains. “But sugaring can also take more practice to perfect, whereas waxing can be easier to do effectively.”  
  If you want to give sugaring a try, we recommend the Parissa 2-in-1 Roll-On Organic Sugar Wax, which features a roll-on applicator that is much easier to use than traditional sugaring methods. For a more splurge-worthy option, consider the Sugardoh Full Body Sugaring Kit, which comes with two different types of sugar wax for fine and thick hair types and all of the tools necessary to create a salon-worthy sugaring experience at home.
• What is the easiest wax for beginners?When it comes to beginner-friendly at-home waxes, it’s all about the application process. Our top pick for the easiest application is the Flamingo Body Wax Kit, which features wax strips in varying sizes so you can use them on small and large areas. The strips are also made from a soft gel wax — which is similar to the melted wax used at salons — but since it comes pre-applied to a wax strip, they’re much less messy and easier to navigate for first-time waxers.

Take Our Word For It 

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best at-home waxes, Jessie began by thoroughly reviewing the PEOPLE Tested team’s testing notes to gain a better understanding of their individual experiences with all 24 at-home waxes. She then reached out to top dermatology expert Dr. Jeannette Graf to learn more about at-home waxing, including what to look for and the differences between sugaring and waxing. From there, Jessie compiled this list of the best at-home waxes, tested by PEOPLE. 

Meet Our Expert

Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine. 

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.