10 best home waxing kits for salon-smooth skin

Party season is upon us and if you’ve got that killer cocktail dress ready to go, you might be lusting after silky-smooth skin to complete your look.

Whether you’ve left it too late to book a waxing appointment, or you fancy giving it a go yourself, the latest home waxing kits make it easier for you to get great results at home.

If you’ve never home-waxed before, it’s only natural to feel a little apprehensive - after all, it does involve inflicting pain on yourself. But, with the right kit and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be a dab hand at removing unwanted hair. And when you consider that it costs around £30 for a professional leg wax, you could be saving yourself some serious cash against repeat visits to the salon.

So from moustaches to bikini lines, which products will best take care of them? We looked at the Mumsnet users’ recommendations to find out. Then we checked out other expert and consumer reviews to come up with our top 10.

Here are the best home waxing kits available in the UK.

1. Best overall home waxing kit: Nad’s Natural Sugar Wax Kit

Price £7.32 | Buy now from Amazon

“It’s no heat, very quick and long lasting.” - 70isaLimitNotaTarget

This sugar wax kit from Australian hair removal experts Nad’s contains everything you need to blitz your body hair, including reusable cotton strips, wooden applicators and a pre-wax argan oil infused cleansing soap to prep your skin.

You can use it on your face, body and bikini line. Reviewers loved its non-sticky feel and that any residue is easily washed off with warm water.

You don’t have to warm the wax - it works with body heat - so there’s no risk of burning yourself. However, if it’s particularly cold in your room, you might find it becomes more workable after a quick blast in the microwave.

It’s made from all-natural ingredients and you can reuse the cotton strips by hand washing them in soapy water and letting them air dry, making this an eco-friendly choice to boot. If you have strips and sticks left over, you can buy the sugar wax separately from Superdrug.

Pros

• All-rounder suitable for use on the face, body and bikini line

• Great for beginners

• No mess

Cons

• Not as fluid as hot wax

2. Best budget home waxing kit: Veet Wax Strips for Body and Legs

Price: £8.79 | Buy now from Amazon

“Used to pay for a monthly wax but just buy Veet Wax Strips now. Find them really good, much cheaper and... takes no time at all!” - Notashandyta

For sheer ease, you can’t beat wax strips. Simply pull the strips apart, apply onto your skin, press down and pull away. These Veet strips also come with wipes to clean up any residue once you’re finished.

They claim to work on hairs as short as 1.5mm and reviewers were all surprised at how effective they were. Each pack of 40 strips will provide you with enough to do two full leg waxes, making them great value for money.

One quibble was that some reviewers didn’t think the pack came with enough aftercare wipes, but you can remove excess wax with any natural oil.

Pros

• No prep required

• Quick and easy

• Works on very short hairs

Cons

• The pack only comes with four aftercare wipes

• Not as effective on coarse hair

3. Best home waxing kit for bikini line: GiGi Brazilian Bikini Wax Microwave Kit

Price: £18.99 | Buy from Amazon

“I use the Brazilian wax kit which comes with little oils and things to make it fairly pain-free. “It comes with pre-epilation oil, some after-waxing Slow Grow stuff, and a few wooden spatulas for application too. It really is fab.” - BearGryllsHasaBigRope

This kit has everything you need to ensure a salon-perfect finish, from a pre-waxing cleanser and oil to an argan oil infused hair minimiser to apply afterwards.

Hard wax is widely considered to be the best method of hair removal for coarse hair as it attaches to the hair instead of the skin. This wax is also suitable for the face and underarms.

You heat it in the microwave, so no need to buy a wax warmer. And there are no strips either, as the wax itself becomes the strip as it hardens.

Reviewers suggest working in small sections as the wax can quickly become brittle, so it might take a bit of trial and error to get the best results.

Pros

• No strips needed

• Relatively pain-free

• Quality prep and aftercare products

Cons

• As it heats in the microwave, it’s hard to control the temperature

4. Best facial waxing kit: Smooth Appeal Microwave Formula Facial Hair Remover

Price: £5.89 | Buy now from Amazon

“I use Smooth Appeal. It’s one that comes in a small tub you heat in the microwave. No strips, just wait a minute to dry a bit and remove. Way better than any strips I’ve used in the past.” - limmylee

This wax is loved by many Mumsnet users for its simplicity and effectiveness. And other reviewers love how it’s relatively painless and pulls out even the most tenacious hairs. Reviewers were split between whether it could handle fine hairs or not, so that might be down to your own hair type or technique.

As you’d expect for a facial wax, this is suitable for sensitive skin and is infused with tea tree, aloe vera and vitamin E for extra soothing properties.

The soft wax helps you work with the curves of your brows or lips. Simply warm the pot in the microwave, smooth the wax onto the area you want to treat, wait for it to cool and then pull off.

The box claims there’s enough for up to 10 treatments, although this would obviously depend on how big an area you’re waxing.

Pros

• Value for money

• Good for sensitive skin

Cons

• Some users have said it has a chemical smell

• It cools quickly so you have to work fast

5. Best wax for legs: Veet Essential Oils and Floral Vanilla Hot Wax Microwavable Jar

Price £9 | Buy now from Amazon

“I just done my underarm, bikini and legs with Veet Oriental Wax and it was GREAT! Very little pain and happy with the results - I did need to use tweezers for the odd hair but that's it.” - FunkeMonkey

Although Veet say you can use this hot wax everywhere including the face and body, professionals agree that soft wax is particularly well-suited to leg waxing. That’s because leg hairs are generally less coarse and easier to remove from the follicle than pubic hair.

It’s enriched with skin-nourishing essential oils and scented with floral vanilla, which some reviewers loved, but others found off-putting.

It comes with reusable fabric strips and another nifty inclusion is the spatula that tells you when the wax is too hot to apply, although some reviewers found the shape of the spatula a little tricky. There’s enough product in the jar to do three half leg waxes.

Pros

• Temperature indicator to prevent burns

• Easy to wash away

Cons

• Not for those who don’t like scented beauty products

• 12 reusable strips might not be enough if you’re doing a full wax

6. Best waxing kit for underarms: Nad’s Brazilian and Bikini Wax

Price £6.46 | Buy now from Amazon

“I use the Nad’s hot wax (it's labelled Brazilian and Bikini Wax, but I find it ideal for underarms). The hair has become softer and less painful to remove with time!” - WhereDoAllThePokemonGo

Although, as our Mumsnet user has pointed out, this kit is labelled as a bikini wax kit, it can also be used on underarms as its hard wax formula is ideal for coarser hair. You simply heat it up in the microwave and leave to stand while stirring. Apply the wax in a thick layer and wait around 30 seconds before pulling it up. The pack also comes with spatulas and finishing wipes.

Some reviewers said that the instructions weren’t accurate when it came to heating the wax, so it may take some experimenting to get it to the right temperature. However, once you’ve got it to the right consistency, it will make light work of your unwanted hair, with one reviewer saying they removed all the hair from their underarm in one go.

It can be a messy job, and the wax is hard to remove, so make sure to cover your working area carefully before you start.

Pros

• Ideal for contoured areas such as underarms

• Great results when used correctly

Cons

• You may have to reheat the wax as you’re working

• Can be messy

7. Best waxing kit for eyebrows: Parissa Brow Shaper Mini Wax Strips

Price: £6.73 | Buy now from Amazon

“I am amazed at how good these are.” - HelloDulling

These nifty little wax strips are a godsend for unruly or straggly brows.

Fast and easy to use, you simply warm the pre-waxed strips between your hands, press them onto the area you want to wax and whisk off.

The wax is made from all-natural ingredients, making them ideal for the sensitive facial area and we love that the strips are biodegradable, too. The pack contains 32 strips and also comes with an azulene oil to remove any stickiness.

They work best on hair at around 5mm long and reviewers loved the clean finish it left them with. They’re small enough so you can work with the shape of your brows and they come with photo instructions so you can achieve a professional result.

Pros

• Eco-friendly, with all-natural ingredients and no animal testing

• Easy to use

Cons

• Not shaped, so takes a bit of practice to do arches, but the photo instructions help

8. Best home waxing kit for sensitive skin: Boots Smooth Care Warm Wax Kit

Price: £8.50 | Buy now from Boots

“I have the Boots own warm waxing kit and I have to say it’s great.” - ivfbeenbusy

This sugar wax from Boots is dermatologically tested and includes aloe vera, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin and you can use it on legs, underarms, your bikini line and arms.

A little goes a long way here as you need to spread the wax thinly for it to work at its best. But once you’ve perfected the amount, reviewers have said that it’s a relatively pain-free experience and produces almost universally great results on both fine and coarse hair.

You can heat the wax in boiling water or the microwave and there’s a temperature indicator on the stick. Reviewers have said that it has a tendency to thicken up quickly as it cools, so you may need to reheat it mid-session.

Pros

• Good value for money

• Cleans off with water

• Excellent results

Cons

• Makes sure you follow the instructions to the letter to get the right result

• May need reheating

9. Best wax strips for quick touch-ups: Nair Apricot Face CWS 20

Price: £5.99 | Buy now from Boots

Ever been somewhere with bright lights and clocked some stray hairs that your inferior lighting at home didn’t pick up? These strips were made for such occasions. Carry them with you and you can whip out any rogue hairs quickly and easily.

Simply separate the wax strips, press them onto your skin in the direction of hair growth, before pulling it away in the opposite direction.

Enriched with apricot milk, this sensitive skin formula can be used on the face or bikini line and won’t dry the skin out. Perfect if you want to attack a few stragglers before you go swimming.

Pros

• Quick and effective

Cons

• Doesn’t come with any wax removal wipes, so you’ll need to buy these separately

10. Best home waxing kit with heater: Mylee Professional Waxing Kit

Price £54.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“I was shocked at how easy and mess free it all was.” - Anotheruser02

If you want to get serious about your waxing game and say goodbye to the salon forever, it might be worth investing in an electric heater. These gadgets heat your wax to the required temperature and keep it constant throughout, so you don’t need to worry about burning your skin or stopping your session to reheat the wax.

Included in this kit from Mylee is a packet of their Stripless Wax Beads. They have a low temperature melting point, so you won’t burn your skin. And their natural formula is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and gentle enough to be used on any part of the body, including the face. Unlike a lot of waxes and some sugar waxes, they’re vegan too.

Reviewers liked the consistency of the wax - almost like rubber - and you only heat what you need. However, some people found it left a lot of residue.

The kit also comes with pre and post aftercare, which reviewers loved, and a cleaning solution to take care of any wax spillages.

Pros

• Suitable for vegans

• Everything you need in one package

• High quality aftercare cream

Cons

• Hard wax isn’t as suitable for waxing legs

• Some reviewers claimed it left a lot of residue

What to look for in a home waxing kit

If you want to try out home hair removal, here are some things to consider to help you decide which kit to buy.

• Type of wax: There are three main types of wax: hard, soft and sugar wax. Soft and sugar wax stick to the skin and require strips to remove them. Hard wax, on the other hand, does not. The best wax for you will depend on your hair type and where you want to wax.

• Method of removal: Soft wax needs strips to remove, whereas hard wax becomes the strip itself as it hardens.

• Skin type: Do you have hardy skin that can take anything you throw at it or a more delicate epidermis, prone to lumps, bumps and redness? As soft wax sticks to the skin, it can cause a reaction so sensitive types should opt for hard wax instead. Sugar wax can be a good option for sensitive skin too. If you have dry skin, look for a wax enriched with nourishing ingredients or hard wax with a moisturising oil applied before waxing.

• Hair type: Hard wax is a good all-rounder for all types of hair, but particularly thick and coarse hair. Those with fine to medium hair may find that a sugar wax is a good option. Soft wax is great for picking up fine hairs.

• Body part: Hard wax is a better option for smaller, more sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line. It also gives you more flexibility when it comes to shaping and will form to your contours. However, it isn’t so great when used on larger areas like the legs, as it hardens quickly and can break before you’ve pulled it all up. Soft wax and strips are more effective here, as leg hairs are generally easier to remove from the follicle.

• Ease of use: If time is of the essence, then pre-waxed strips are very much your friend. Simply slap them on, whisk off and tidy up any residue with a wipe or natural oil. If you’ve got more time, you might want to invest in a hot wax. It should give you a better result, but it’s a lengthier process and admittedly, messier.

Why wax over other methods of hair removal?

Although shaving is quick and easy, the results don’t last for very long, and can bring with it razor burn, itching and bumps. Epilators and IPL machines can be effective, but expensive. And IPL machines in particular aren’t suitable for all skin tones and hair types.

Waxing works on all hair types and delivers smooth results on any part of the body. If you wax more frequently at the beginning (every four weeks at first), you’ll catch more hairs at their growth stage, meaning that after a few waxes, you can expect the results to last for up to eight weeks. And with continued removal, hair should grow back thinner and more sparse over time.

Are at-home waxing kits safe?

From chunks of flesh coming off with the strip to second-degree burns, most of us have probably got a home-waxing horror story. The best at home waxing kits now boast gentle ingredients, but there’s still the possibility of mishaps, particularly if you’re using hot wax.

Ultimately, it comes down to following the instructions carefully, doing a skin test 24 hours before waxing, and testing the temperature of the wax on the inside of your wrist before putting it on the rest of your body.

How can I make waxing easier?

If you’re struggling to perfect your waxing technique, there are a few things you can do to make it easier.

• Make sure your hair is the correct length by trimming it or growing it out as necessary. The ideal length is around 5mm - long enough for the wax to grab but short enough so it doesn’t stick to your skin when you put the wax on.

• Preparation is the key to a flawless wax. Gently exfoliate your skin with a body scrub or loofah the day before waxing. And immediately before, thoroughly wash your skin with soap and water. This helps to prevent infection and also makes it easier for the wax to grip the hair.

• If you’re using soft wax, then sprinkle on some talcum powder or cornflour to help the wax stick to the hairs and not your skin. Alternatively if you’re using hot wax, apply a pre-wax oil to protect the skin.

• The general waxing technique is to smooth the wax on in the direction of the hair growth and, holding the skin taut, pull it off going against it. However, some products may vary, so make sure to read the instructions carefully before you begin.

• Wax in small sections, especially on your bikini line.

• Apply a soothing balm like aloe vera after waxing and avoid hot showers and vigorous exercise for 24 hours.

• Exfoliate your skin between waxes to prevent ingrown hairs.

Which wax is best for beginners?

If it’s your first experience of waxing, it’s best to start with an easy and less sensitive area such as the legs to hone your technique. Wax strips are no-fuss and an easy way to start. The wax is pre-applied, so you can be sure you’re using the correct amount every time, and you can reapply them to the same area of skin a few times without causing a reaction.

Which is the best at home waxing kit?

For its effectiveness in removing all types of hair and a mess-free experience, we loved Nad’s Natural Sugar Wax Kit. Its no-heat-up formula means there’s no chance of burning yourself and the natural ingredients are great for sensitive areas and sensitive skin on the whole. It’s safe to use on any part of your body, including the face, so it’s a great all-rounder to have in your bathroom cabinet. And it’s cruelty-free too.

How we chose our recommendations

Hair removal is a hot topic among Mumsnet users, so we headed straight to the Talk forums to find out what home waxing kits they loved. We also looked at other online consumer reviews to compare, as well as expert reviews.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.