Waxing can feel like an expensive, painful chore; or it can be quick, efficient, and done from the comfort of your own bathroom with one of the best at-home wax kits. Whether you’re using a soft gel wax that requires a wooden spatula and some grit or opting for pre-waxed strips that don’t even need to be heated, at-home waxing has come a long way. Many kits are now beginner-friendly, mess-free, and gentle enough for sensitive areas like the face or bikini line, making them a cost-effective alternative to salon visits for small touch-ups.

Now, to be clear—these kits still hurt (you’re ripping hair from the root, after all). But with the right consistency and formula, the experience can be way less brutal. Below, we tapped two board-certified dermatologists to break down everything you need to know: how to prep your skin, what the 24-hour rule is, what to look for in an at-home wax kit, and how to prevent pesky ingrown hairs. We also rounded up seven of our favorite at-home wax kits for smooth, hair-free skin.

Vogue’s Favorite At-Home Wax Kits:

In This Story:

Best Overall: Flamingo Women’s Body Wax Kit

• Why We Love It: If you’re new to waxing, pre-waxed strips can be a total lifesaver, as they’re much cleaner and easier to use. This kit from Flamingo includes 24 wax strips in both large and small sizes, along with post-wax cloths to help remove sticky residue and calm any irritation. The strips are fragrance-free and dye-free, making them less likely to irritate skin compared to traditional hot waxes. And since there’s no heating required, there’s no risk of burns—just warm the strips between your hands before applying. The more you use them, the easier it gets, but the process is pretty intuitive. Just be sure to pull in the opposite direction of hair growth. Each strip can typically be used for two pulls. Cosmetic dermatologic surgeon Dr. Howard Sobel approves. “I like that this kit is dermatologist-tested and formulated without any fragrances,” he says. “The strips make it easier to use, especially for someone newer to at-home waxing.”
• Wax Type: Soft gel
• Number of Treatments: N/A
• Includes: 20 large body wax strips, 8 medium body wax strips, 6 post-wax cloths
• Who It’s For: All skin types
• Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y

Best Hot Wax: Nair Lux Wax

• Why We Love It: For those who find hot wax more effective or prefer to skip strips altogether, this option from Nair is a solid choice. “Nair is a trusted brand in the hair removal space, and this formula is dermatologist-tested,” says Dr. Sobel. While many hot waxes are packed with potential irritants, this one is free of parabens, alcohol, fragrance, and dyes. It’s also been voted the number one hot wax formula in France, which might appeal to any Francophiles out there. To use, simply apply the wax in thin layers, wait for it to dry, then pull in the opposite direction of hair growth. It cools quickly, so you’ll need to work fast or reheat as needed. Best for small areas, the kit contains enough wax for about two large areas and three to four small ones. Dr. Sobel advises beginners to proceed with caution, especially with microwaveable hot wax, as improper use can risk burns.
• Wax Type: Hot wax
• Number of Treatments: N/A
• Includes: 7.05 oz. hot wax pot, spatula, 2 post-waxing wipes
• Who It’s For: All skin types
• Safe for Sensitive Skin: Y