The Best At-Home Wax Strips, According to Customer Reviews

If you religiously wax or just want to get rid of unwanted hair before your next vacation, you might look to book an appointment at your favorite salon for a quick fix. But what if your hectic work schedule or social calendar is keeping you busy AF? Well, wax strips are an affordable, effective alternative when you don't have the time or cash to get to the salon. (Or, just sayin', you could always grow it out like these folks.)

Not only are wax strips super easy to use, but they are a mess-free way of scoring a bare upper lip, silky legs, or a razor burn–free bikini line all on a budget and from the comfort of home. And while waxing strip newbies might be feeling a little skeptical of the DIY hair removal option, shoppers can attest to it being a foolproof way to get rid of hair wherever you don't want it.

Just so you're as prepared as possible, experts share their tips and tricks for successfully nixing hair from your face, body, and bikini line so you'll feel like an absolute pro at home. Plus, find a roundup of the best wax strips you can buy online, according to customer reviews.

How to Prep the Skin Prior to Waxing

While it doesn't make a difference whether you wax first thing in the morning or in the evening after a bath, you do want to avoid alcohol or coffee prior to waxing, as they can tighten your pores and make it feel more painful, explains Natalie Ismiel, brand expert and ambassador for Nad's Hair Removal. Once you're ready, the number-one rule of waxing body hair is to always exfoliate first, she notes. Scrubbing is critical in removing dead skin cells that can block the hair follicle, causing ingrown hairs.

Also, make sure the skin is clean and free of lotions and potions, says Gabrielle Ophals, co-founder of Haven Spa in New York City. "It should be dry, and you can put a dusting of corn starch over the area to be waxed," she adds. The corn starch removes excess oil and moisture from your skin, and also helps to dry and tighten it to make hair removal easier.

Be warned: Do not wax if you're using retinol, Differin, Accutane, or any other medications or topicals that make your skin more sensitive and fragile.

Exactly How to Use Wax Strips

Carefully read the instructions and precautions on your wax strips or kit before you begin waxing, as understanding the correct procedure will help minimize pain and irritation, points out Ismiel. "Sometimes the pain can be caused by anxiety you may be feeling about waxing. Relax your body and take deep breaths!" she says.

Find a comfortable position where you can really see the area you'll be addressing. "Always work on one small area at a time, starting from the outside and working your way into the more sensitive areas," advises Ismiel. To use pre-loaded waxing strips, you may or may not need to heat them first, using a blow dryer or your hands. You'll then apply the strip to your skin, smooth it down to embed the hair in the wax, and tear the strip quickly in the opposite direction of your hair growth, says Ophals. Pro tip: Hold the skin taut with one of your hands and lift the end of the wax strip with the fingers of your free hand, instructs Ismiel.

If you miss hairs, just pluck what's left, advises Ophals. You don't want to wax over the same area twice, as you can rip off skin and cause scarring, she adds. While you can use wax strips on a multitude of body parts — from your upper lip or your armpits to your bikini line and your legs — Ophals recommends against waxing your own eyebrows at home since it's easy to rip off more than you want. Her suggestion: tweeze them. It might be more time-consuming, but it's the safest route when you can't get into the salon.

Use baby oil to remove any waxy residue (and don't attempt to use water), says Ismiel. To reduce inflammation and irritation, apply a soothing serum to the area or a cool compress of chamomile tea, recommends Ophals. And whatever you do, avoid the sun for at least 24 hours, since your skin will be more at risk of sunburn, she notes.

The Best At-Home Wax Strips

Ready to try your hand at waxing at home? These are the best wax strips for your face, bikini line, legs, and body, according to customer reviews.

Nair Hair Remover Wax Ready-Strips for Legs & Body

If you're looking to target your body or legs, these Nair wax strips remove hair effortlessly and without making a mess, leaving you with smooth skin for up to eight weeks. You don't need to rub or warm them up — just press them on and peel them off. And if one of your goals is getting rid of your body hair altogether (but laser hair removal is just a little too pricey), these strips claim to help minimize hair regrowth the more you use them.

If you're a non-believer in at-home waxing, these Nair wax strips might change your mind. "Usually not a fan of ready-made wax strips, but these actually work," said one reviewer.

Buy It: Nair Hair Remover Wax Ready-Strips for Legs & Body, $12, cvs.com

Flamingo Body Wax Kit

Many reviewers note that these waxing strips are great for those who already have some experience waxing at home. The no-heat sheets are prepped with a soft gel formula, which is made without artificial colors, fragrances, parabens, or mineral oil. They're perfect for anywhere on the body, yield results that last up to four weeks, and the kit includes six post-wax cloths to clean up and soothe skin.

"I have extremely thick leg hair and I can use ONE strip about 4 times, 3 times with full efficiency," said a customer. "One pack of these lasts for about three leg waxes for me. I haven't shaved in years because my hairless legs last 2 days, whereas when I use this kit I don't have to wax again for 3-4 weeks. It's also a very light wax, so it doesn't irritate my legs. I truly recommend this product. I was surprised to like it so much actually," they added. Now that's a rave review.

Buy It: Flamingo Body Wax Kit, $10, target.com

No Mo-Stache Lip Wax

As seen on ABC's Shark Tank, this kit includes 12 double-sided, cold wax strips (24 total) that easily heat up with hand-generated friction, plus a post-wax aloe cream to calm irritation. The strips are free of artificial colors, fragrances, and parabens, and hair removal lasts up to three weeks. Also great: The tin is compact and discreet, so you can touch up on the go, whether at the gym or on your next trip.

"I'm so excited to have bought these on a whim," wrote one reviewer, and noted that they were a breeze to use. "It's so much cheaper and faster than going to a salon!" they added.

Buy It: No Mo-Stache Lip Wax, $12, ulta.com

Nad's Facial Wax Strips

These wax strips are an unfussy, no-mess way to remove facial hair from the comfort of your home. The soft, flexible strips easily conform to the contours of your face, and they contain natural beeswax to yank hair as short as 3 millimeters. The kit includes 10 double-sided strips and four calming oil wipes to soothe skin and remove any leftover wax residue. It's designed for all skin types, and you'll get a smooth finish for up to four weeks.

If you're often left with bright red splotches post-wax, these might be your best bet. "I have sensitive skin and I have never had a problem with these. My skin doesn't even get red after using them," raved a shopper, who also said that they're "always amazed at how much hair they remove."

Buy It: Nad's Facial Wax Strips, $6, target.com

Sally Hansen Hair Remover Face and Bikini Wax Kit

Great for the bikini line, upper lip, and even touching up brows if you're brave (according to reviewers), this popular kit contains three convenient sizes of wax strips — four large, 12 medium, and 18 small — to accommodate whatever area you're using them on. Finish your at-home waxing session with the included azulene oil to calm any redness and remove traces of wax. This kit claims you'll have results that last up to eight weeks.

"It is easy to cut these strips into any shape that you need for the area you are waxing," said one customer. "I heat mine up by using a blow dryer to make the wax even more sticky," they shared.

Buy It: Sally Hansen Hair Remover Face and Bikini Wax Kit, $7, target.com

Veet Ready-to-Use Wax Strips& Wipes

For a super smooth finish, these cold-pressed wax strips work to remove leg and body hair down to the root, so you're hair-free for up to four weeks. They're designed to act like a liquid during application to coat each individual hair — even those as short as 1.5 millimeters — so all you need to do is heat the wax strips by rubbing them between your hands until they feel warm (about five seconds). Another perk: The strips contain almond oil and vitamin E to repair and moisturize skin, and the kit comes with wipes to clean up any leftover wax on your body.

"I used this Veet kit to wax my armpits and was so shocked to see how great of a job it did. It's like I went into a salon to get them done," wrote one reviewer. And, great news for those who are worried about waxing being a painful experience: "I was pleasantly shocked at how painless (well, as painless as waxing can be) my experience was," they added.

Buy It: Veet Ready-to-Use Wax Strips & Wipes, $12, target.com