This Is The Best Type Of Body Wax To Use At Home

I'm a big believer in the at-home wax. If you can bear to do it yourself, sometimes it's just more comfortable to wax in the privacy of your own home. But if you've ever tried to wax more than just one area, you may have noticed that it would be helpful to have different types of wax for different body parts. This is because, just like not all body parts are created equal, not all wax is created equal. Some areas tend to be more sensitive, while others can just be harder to reach. Regardless, there's a type of wax to help every area become as smooth as possible.

Before you get started though, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, it will be easiest to wax areas where hair has grown to at least one-quarter inch. This will help make sure that the wax can really adhere to the hairs (and not as much of your skin). Also, be wary of waxing during your period, and stay away from alcohol prior to waxing. Both of these could increase your sensitivity, making it more painful than it needs to be. And once you've decided which areas you want to be hairless, these are the best wax types to choose.

Arms & Legs

According to Cornelia Zicu, chief creative officer at the Elizabeth Arden: Red Door Spas in an article for Women's Day, for larger areas like legs and arms, soft wax is usually the way to go. This traditional type of wax can be a little more irritating than hard wax, but it is less expensive and easier to use for tackling larger areas. If you don't want to deal with the messiness that can be associated with soft wax though, try using pre-made wax strips like these.

Back

The skin on the back is some of the least sensitive skin on the body. Therefore, soft wax is totally fine to use. If you don't have someone to help you tackle those harder-to-reach areas, or just want less mess, go for wax strips instead.

Bikini Line

The bikini line is generally much more sensitive than other areas on the body. And because there isn't as much surface area as with the legs, hard wax is usually the best option. Hard wax will stick more to the hairs and not your skin, so it won't cause as much irritation. And there's no need for strips with hard wax either. Just wait for it to solidify, and then peel it off. A less expensive (although slightly more irritating) alternative to hard wax is pre-made wax strips. Use smaller ones (like the ones made for the face) to make sure you're not waxing a greater area than necessary.

Face

Whether you like to wax your eyebrows, upper lip, chin, or all of the above, these areas can all be pretty sensitive. But because the hairs also tend to be pretty fine, pre-made wax strips are your best bet for a smooth face. There are sets with smaller strips that are made especially for the face, but don't be afraid to cut these to your desired shapes and sizes to make sure you're only removing hair exactly where you want to.

Hands & Feet

Hands and feet are a little more resilient than some other areas. While soft wax would be fine to use, because fingers, hands, toes, and feet are smaller, pre-made wax strips are usually the easiest way to wax these areas. Try the kind that are made for removing facial hair. The size should be just right for hands and feet.

Stomach

The stomach is pretty similar to the face. The skin tends to be sensitive, but the hair also tends to be fine. So use pre-made wax strips here for the best grab with less irritation.

Underarms

Underarms are tricky. Because of how curved they can be, but also because of how thick the hair can be, hard wax is usually the best option. Hard wax applies like soft wax, but because of its slightly thicker consistency, will stick more to the hair than your skin (and you won't have to worry about it running down your sides). You also won't have to worry about applying strips at awkward angles; just pull the wax straight from your pits once it solidifies.

Your skin is about to be so summer-ready.

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