Visit any beauty supply store and you’re bound to find at least one at-home waxing kit geared toward beginners. Unfortunately, though, these products have led many hopeful DIY waxers astray. After all, there’s good reason that estheticians and pro waxers complete extensive training before entering the field. Learn why at-home waxing isn't always the best option in this guide.
Can you wax at home?
You could wax at home, but you’ll want to do your research first. Let’s cover the basics so you can make an informed decision on your chosen hair removal method.
Benefits of at home waxing
Cost and convenience are the most common reasons people choose to wax at home. You don’t have to schedule an appointment, fight traffic, or pay someone else to do a job you’re confident you could handle, hypothetically. Some people also enjoy calling the shots on their own self-care and expanding their skill set.
Risks of at home waxing
Despite the perks of at-home waxing, there are a lot of potential risks to consider, including:
- Injuries
- Burns
- Ingrown hairs
- Infections
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven results
- Which areas are suitable for at home waxing?
What to consider with at-home waxing
If you insist on DIY waxing, you’ll want to stick to large, flat treatment areas you can easily reach and see, such as legs, arms, and underarms. Avoid waxing the following areas on your own:
- Face: Facial skin is particularly sensitive, so skip your eyebrows, chin, and upper lip.
- Brazilian and bikini area: Lots of nerve endings, limited visibility, and hot wax make at-home Brazilian waxing an absolute disaster.
- Chest and stomach: Skin in this area is highly prone to lifting.
Related: Types of Bikini Wax Services to Add to Your Spa Menu
Why you should avoid at home waxing
We’ve only scratched the surface of the risks posed by at-home waxing. Here’s a closer examination of the risks you take by skipping the salon:
Skin damage and burns
Even if you purchase high-quality hard wax beads, an all-natural sugar paste, or a roll-on promising painless hair removal, at-home waxing and sugaring rarely go as planned. Waxing at the wrong temperature can cause major burns, and using improper technique can lead to skin lifting.
Pain management
Professional waxers have mastered the art of pain-free hair removal and understand how to balance the perfect wax temperature, skin tension, and speed for a safe and effective treatment every time. They also know exactly how to minimize potential skin trauma and adjust their technique for more sensitive areas.
Unless you’re a trained pro, accidents can happen when you’re contorted into a weird shape in order to reach that one fuzzy patch that’s just out of reach.
Poor results
When waxing yourself, it’s almost impossible to see every inch of your target area, even when treating arms and legs. Between reduced visibility and the inevitable learning curve, achieving smooth, supple skin with at-home waxing is a stretch.
Product quality
The mass-produced body waxes sold at your local big-box store were not designed with skin health in mind. Instead, they’re often crafted with synthetic additives, plasticizers, and preservatives. If you’re searching for a hypoallergenic wax with a low melting point that’s designed for sensitive skin, you might be out of luck.
Related: What's the Best Soft Wax for Estheticians?
Benefits of trusting the pros vs at home waxing
Let’s look at the other side of the coin to discover how professional hair removal can give you a leg up vs at-home waxing.
Higher quality products
Estheticians often have access to professional-grade waxes that aren’t available to the average consumer. These products may offer better elasticity, a stronger grip, and more consistent melting temperatures than cheap alternatives.
Most pros keep a variety of soft waxes and stripless hard waxes on hand to tailor each treatment to the client’s unique skin and hair. Some may even offer a topical numbing cream to maximize your comfort.
Safety and sanitary practices
In addition to those world-class hard and soft waxes your esthetician uses, they also have the right tools and supplies to ensure sanitary, painless hair removal, including:
- Dedicated wax warmer
- Single-use application sticks
- Gloves
- Freshly sanitized tools
- Powerful, skin-safe sanitizers
They’re also trained in professional hygiene standards, so you can trust that the environment is suitable for waxing. How does that stack up against your tub or shower?
Professional care for your skin
Here’s the thing about estheticians: these professionals aren’t just trained to remove unwanted hair. They learn to take a holistic approach to skin wellness and can identify when waxing should be postponed due to sun exposure, irritation, or active breakouts. The keen eye of an expert could save you from a painful, ineffective hair removal session and lasting damage.
Related: Folliculitis vs Acne: How To Spot the Difference
Keep your skin happy with professional products from Enso Wax!
At Enso, professional waxing is our world. From our Waxing Podcast and educational webinars to insights from actual industry experts, we’re here to create a thriving community of skincare professionals. Shop our products or contact us today to learn more!
