Waxing at Home vs at the Salon

What's the difference between waxing at home and at the salon?

Both methods involve applying warm or hot wax and then using a strip to pull it off and get rid of excess hair. The main difference lies in the quality and safety of products used. While salons are regulated by state boards, home kits often have no specific standards or regulations. While some waxes have a lower temperature to minimize burns and irritation, others may have additives that increase efficacy and speed up hair removal. These can often irritate and cause burning and redness for sensitive skin types. Additionally, salons often have experienced estheticians and technicians who know how to minimize discomfort and get the best results. The process of waxing at home or at the salon is the same, but with different levels of intensity. If you prefer a more relaxed and soothing experience, then the salon is the best option for you. However, if you are a do-it-yourself type of person and you have the necessary tools and materials at home, then you can choose to do it yourself.

Which is better, home waxing or salon waxing?

That depends on your personal preferences and willingness to commit time and money to your beauty routine. If you prefer the convenience of visiting a salon and having a skilled professional handle the waxing for you, then salon services are the way to go. On the other hand, if you have the equipment and know-how to handle the process at home, then the option is there for you. However, keep in mind that the same quality of results and comfort cannot be achieved through home waxing as you would get at the salon.

The costs of home waxing and salon waxing

The cost of home waxing depends on the type of kit you purchase and how often you use it. You can find kits that cost as little as $20, but these are generally the non-heating kind. Heating the wax up manually before each use can be time-consuming and increase the risk of burns. On the other hand, salon waxing can cost anywhere between $15 and $50 for each body part that you go for. Depending on where you live, salon services can be pricier than home waxing. But there are ways to make salon waxing more affordable. Some salons have special offers and coupons, or you can use services like Groupon or Amazon to find deals. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to visit a salon with a waxing specialist. The esthetician can recommend the best wax for your skin and perform the procedure in a way that is less painful.

Which body parts can you wax at home?

You can wax any part of your body as long as it’s not too sensitive and you are following the instructions carefully. You can wax your legs, arms, bikini area, face, and underarms. However, be careful not to wax too close to your armpits as it might affect your sweating. Excessive sweating can cause body odor and underarm stains. You can also wax your upper lip if you want to get rid of your uni-brow. If you want to remove hair from other parts of your body, you can use epilators or laser hair removal. Epilators remove hair from the root and last up to 4 weeks, making them best for legs and arms. While laser hair removal works for all parts of your body, it can be costly and time-consuming.

Discomfort during and after home waxing

Home waxing can cause discomfort and irritation if you don’t have the right tools and experience. Putting hot wax on sensitive areas such as your bikini line and underarms can be painful. To prevent discomfort and irritation, apply an anti-inflammatory cream like aloe vera or witch hazel to the area before waxing. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product’s label, especially the waiting period before waxing. While the hair is being removed, you can use a cloth to press and squeeze the area. You can also ask someone to help you with the process. Once the hair is removed, it’s important to apply a soothing and hydrating cream to prevent irritation. Some of the best creams for home waxing include aloe vera, green tea, and shea butter.

Discomfort during and after salon waxing

Discomfort during salon waxing is normal and depends on the part of your body. Areas like your legs and underarms are more sensitive and might cause more pain. On the other hand, areas like your bikini line and chin are less sensitive and cause less pain. Some salons might use strips instead of wax. Strips are less painful as they don’t apply as much heat to the skin. Another thing you can do to minimize discomfort is to let your esthetician know about your sensitive skin. The esthetician can then apply a cooling gel before waxing to reduce pain and discomfort.

Dryness and irritation after home waxing

Exfoliating regularly can help reduce irritation after waxing. You can also apply a hydrating cream to soothe and moisturize the skin. If you have very sensitive skin, it’s better to avoid waxing. Instead, you can opt for epilators or laser hair removal. However, if you do decide to go for waxing, make sure to moisturize regularly and be extra gentle on the skin.

Dryness and irritation after salon waxing

It’s important to let your skin breathe and avoid applying too many products on it after waxing. Avoid applying heavy creams and lotions on your skin after a waxing session as they might block pores and trap bacteria inside, causing breakouts and irritation. Instead, wash the area with warm water and apply a toner or facial mist to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Bottom line

Waxing is an excellent way to remove excess hair from your body. There are two ways to get waxed, you can visit a salon or do it at home. While there are benefits to both, each has its own set of drawbacks. If you're thinking about getting waxed, it's important to consider which method is best for you.