Homemade Wax: Hair Removal at Home Made Easy

Waxing is a popular hair removal choice, but depending on how frequently you choose to wax, the costs can add up quickly once you factor in the procedure, tip, and aftercare.

Waxing at home can be a great way to save money, especially if you make your own homemade wax.

In this article, we’ll discuss types of homemade wax for hair removal, how to wax safely at home, and some of the benefits of making and using your own homemade wax.

There are several different types of wax that can be used for body waxing. Many of the wax ingredients can be purchased in grocery stores, specialty salon stores, and online.

To wax at home, you may want to purchase a wax warmer, wax collars, waxing strips, and wax applicators.

Hard wax

Hard wax is best for smaller, sensitive areas, such as the bikini line, underarms, upper lip, or eyebrows.

Hard wax is one of the most commonly used waxes for sensitive areas of the body. The primary ingredients in hard wax are beeswax and rosin. Other therapeutic ingredients, such as oils and vitamins, are usually added. Hard wax doesn’t require removal strips.

If you’d like to make your own hard wax, you can purchase beeswax and rosin. The ratio is usually four parts rosin to one part beeswax. You can also add a small amount of oil like olive or coconut.

Hard wax can be melted in the warmer for 15 to 20 minutes on the high setting. Once melted, it can be kept on low for further use.

Here’s a great example of how to use homemade hard wax.

Soft wax

Best for larger areas, such as legs, arms, and other nonsensitive body parts.

Soft wax is a waxing option for larger areas of the body, such as the legs and arms. It contains ingredients similar to hard wax, including rosin, oils, and other additives. Soft wax requires wax strips or cloths for removal.

Soft wax recipe

People who use soft wax generally follow this simple recipe:

• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey

Melt the sugar in a pot over medium heat. Once the sugar has caramelized, slowly add lemon juice and honey. Wax should be the consistency of batter. If the wax is too thick, add a small amount of water and stir.

Soft wax can be melted in the warmer in the same way as hard wax.

Here’s a great example of how to use homemade soft wax.

Sugar wax

Sugar wax may be used for all areas and skin types.

Sugar waxing (or sugaring) has become a popular waxing option in recent years, as it’s thought to be a more natural, less painful option than soft and hard waxing. Sugar wax is made from sugar, water, and some form of citric acid, such as lemon juice.

Sugar wax recipe

Here’s a homemade sugar wax recipe from HelloGlow.com:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. water
• 1 tsp. salt

Melt all ingredients in a pot over medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to continue cooking until it’s a caramelized color like honey. Once fully cooked, transfer to a container and allow to cool.

Sugar wax can be reheated and used the same way as hard wax.

Here’s a great example of how to make and use homemade sugar wax.

Chocolate, fruit, or honey wax

These types of wax may be used on all areas, particularly smaller spots and on sensitive skin.

Chocolate, fruit, and honey waxes use the same base as a hard or soft wax, but they’re said to be more beneficial to skin.

Cocoa is high in anti-inflammatory plant compounds, while fruit contains plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Honey is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Homemade Chocolate, Fruit, or Honey Wax Recipes:

• Follow the hard or soft wax recipe above.
• For chocolate: Add 10 to 20 grams (g) of organic cocoa powder.
• For fruit: Add 10 to 20 g of pure fruit juice or powdered fruit mix.
• For honey: Add 10 to 20 g of pure honey or honey extract.

Chocolate, fruit, or honey wax can be reheated and used the same way as hard or soft wax, depending on which base is used.

Before removing your body hair with your new at-home wax recipes, there are a few pre-waxing steps you’ll want to take.

1. Clean the skin of any dirt and debris to make sure that the wax adheres fully to the hair.
2. Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin, open the pores, and allow the wax mixture to more deeply penetrate the hair shafts.
3. Apply powder first to remove any excess moisture before waxing. Avoid using powder in the genital area and inhaling floating powders.
4. Apply a very small amount of oil to help hard wax stick more easily to the hairs.
5. Wax should always be applied in the direction of the hair growth and pulled off in the opposite direction.
6. Hair should be roughly 1/2 inch or longer for the best results.
7. Always test wax to be sure it isn’t too hot before applying to sensitive areas like your face.

Upper lip

The best homemade waxes for the upper lip include hard wax, sugar wax, or chocolate, fruit, or honey wax.

When waxing the area between the nose and upper lip, you can apply the wax as far as the corners of the mouth, if necessary.

Eyebrows

The best homemade waxes for the eyebrows include hard wax and sugar wax.

When waxing above the brow, be sure to follow the natural arch of the eyebrow to avoid taking off too much hair. When waxing below the brow, be careful not to wax too close to the eyelid or eye.

Arms

The best homemade waxes for the arms include soft wax and sugar wax.

Soft wax is best for larger areas like the arm, as you’ll need to cover a larger space. The arms should be waxed in two to three separate sections to ensure the most hair removal.

Legs

The best homemade waxes for the legs include soft wax and sugar wax.

The hair on the legs can be tougher to wax, which makes soft waxing a more popular option. The legs should be waxed in separate sections to ensure the most hair removal.

Bikini area

The best homemade waxes for the bikini area include hard wax and sugar wax.

According to research, over 80 percent of women groom their bikini area. Hard wax and sugar wax are great options for this area because they’re gentle enough to use on this sensitive skin.

When waxing the bikini area, be sure to keep the wax away from the vagina. You should also avoid using chocolate, fruit, or honey wax in this area, as these types of ingredients may cause vaginal irritation.

You should avoid using preparatory powders in the genital area.

A dab of coconut oil can be used to remove any remaining wax left on the skin. Vitamin E oil can also help to reduce post-waxing inflammation.

For the best results, keep the skin clean and clear of harsh chemicals and fragrances.

Homemade waxing may seem like more effort than it’s worth, but there are many benefits to creating and using your own homemade wax. These benefits include:

• Lower cost. Salon waxing can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the body part. Many of the ingredients and tools for homemade wax can be purchased, cleaned, and reused for significant savings in the long run.
• Better ingredients. Not all salons use natural waxes, and some waxes may contain additives and dyes that can irritate the skin. Creating your own homemade wax can ensure that you only use safe, natural ingredients.
• More privacy. Even though body waxing is performed by professionals, some people may feel too awkward or shy to be waxed by a stranger. Performing a bikini wax at home eliminates a potentially awkward encounter.

Although there are benefits to waxing at home, it doesn’t come without risks. The risks for waxing at home are increased if you aren’t familiar with safe waxing techniques. These risks include:

• Burning yourself. If you use the hot wax too soon before allowing it to cool, you may accidentally burn your skin. Depending on the severity of the burn, you may need either at-home first aid or a visit to the emergency room.
• Removing skin instead of hair. When the skin that you want to wax is too dry, the wax may accidentally stick to the skin instead of just the hair. This can cause pain and inflammation while the skin heals.
• Infection from ingredients. Salons must follow professional sanitation practices to avoid spreading infections. If your homemade waxing station is less than sanitary, you may have an increased risk of infections from contaminated ingredients.

Your legs, upper lip, bikini, and other areas can be waxed safely at home using all-natural body wax. While there are some risks to at-home waxing, there are also plenty of benefits if you’re educated on how to wax at home.