Home waxing turns on three things: whether the hair is long enough, whether the skin is clean and completely dry, and whether everything you need is within reach. Together they take a few minutes, and they are what make the rest faster and more even.
The list below is what to sort out before you apply the first strip or the first scoop of wax.
1. Hair length
Wax can only grip what there is to grip. On hair that is too short the wax sticks to the skin without taking the hairs, and you end up repeating passes. If the hair is very long, pulling is harder — many people trim a little first with scissors or a trimmer.
2. Clean, dry skin
Wax does not adhere properly to oily or damp skin. So start after washing, on skin that has dried completely, and skip body lotion or oil beforehand. Pat off any remaining moisture.
3. Lay everything out
One of your hands will be busy while you work. Put within reach what you will need: the strips or the melted wax, a small wooden stick or spatula, paper towel, and wax cleaning oil for the end. Melt warm wax in the heater in advance so you are not waiting on it mid-session.
4. Match the format to the area
For a small area a wax strip is simplest; for a large one beans or a roll-on are more comfortable. If you are unsure, the cold wax or warm wax comparison walks through the differences.
5. Read the packaging
Timing, the areas a product may be used on, and the warnings differ from product to product and are always on that product's packaging — it is the only authority, and worth reading before you begin.
Frequently asked questions
How long should hair be before waxing?
Long enough for the wax to grip. On hair that is too short the wax sticks to the skin without taking the hairs.
Can I use body lotion before waxing?
Better not beforehand: oils and creams reduce adhesion. The skin should be clean and completely dry.
What should I lay out for waxing?
The wax or strips, a spatula, paper towel, and wax cleaning oil for the end. For warm wax, the heater too, switched on in advance.
When should I melt the wax?
Before you start, so you are not waiting on it mid-session. Cold wax strips need no heating at all.
Related reading
See the waxing kits
Kits with a heater, hard wax beans and strips in one place.