If and how and when you choose to groom your pubic hair is completely your call. But if you’ve realized that bikini hair removal is your jam, you likely may also be on board the bikini wax train. The results are notably longer lasting than what you’d get with shaving, not to mention that waxing also largely minimizes the risk of razor burn. For some, having a stranger (read: professional waxer) do the hard work is no big thing. But there’s no way around it—a bikini wax is never going to be comfortable or pleasant, and for many people, that added "now a stranger is involved" factor can only make things more awkward. Enter at-home waxes. Sure, there’s a little bit of a learning curve and a certain skill set involved, but once you get the hang of it, going the DIY route is an easy, affordable alternative. The caveat: Be sure to seek out a wax specially made for this sensitive area and read (and follow) the directions carefully since not all waxes are created equal. For instance, some waxes melt more easily and evenly than do others—getting the ideal consistency and temperature in a home microwave can be a bit of an art. And for those nervous about self-applying hot goop, wax strips that melt in your hand are a less intimidating way to try. We conducted hours of research on the best pubic hair waxes, looking at different types of waxes and the types of strips or pieces that come with each kit. After consulting with an aesthetics expert and professional waxer with experience using at-home kits, we narrowed down our list to give you the best in show. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Jump to Review Best Value: Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Jump to Review Jump to Review Best Strips, Runner-Up: Jump to Review Best Microwavable: Jump to Review Best for Minimalists: Jump to Review Best Natural: Jump to Review Best Luxury: Jump to Review Editor's Pick: Jump to Review In This Article Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Byrdie What We Like Comprehensive kit Wax melts quickly Includes bonus products What We Don't Like Time-consuming process This convenient kit offers everything you need, from start to finish. First, let’s talk about wax. It’s a hard wax, which is especially choice for your bikini area; ideal for coarser hairs, it wraps around each one, making it easier to remove. It does make the process a bit longer since you’ll need the wax to melt thoroughly before you can do anything. Happily, the warmer included here is professional-grade and does so in less than 30 minutes. You also get 30 different applicator sticks in three different sizes, a prep oil to use pre-wax, and a skin cooling and calming post-wax gel. Number of Pieces: ≈ 75 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like No heat required Easy to use Portable and convenient packaging What We Don't Like May not achieve professional results This unique wax blend is the first of its kind in the U.S., a soft wax that doesn’t require any heating, warming, extra sticks, or spatulas to apply. It’s built into these strips (which have a wavy edge that makes gripping super easy) in a kit that also includes a post-wax cloth and calming serum. FYI, while they’re intended for the face, the brand says you can also use these (instead of their body strips) to address the delicate skin around your bikini line. Number of Pieces: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Can be used on legs and body Strips contain vitamin E Works on sensitive skin What We Don't Like May not achieve professional results Quick and easy, these also have the benefit of working well on areas other than your bikini line. Think legs, arms, even face. Credit a wax that acts like a liquid, effectively coating hairs of all lengths, and is infused with vitamin E and almond oil to leave skin feeling extra silky soft. We love them for quickie touch-ups. Number of Pieces: 44 | Cruelty-Free: No What We Like Removes stray hairs Easy to use Ideal for on the go What We Don't Like Might not work on sensitive skin We’ve all been there: You’re about to head out to the beach when suddenly you spot one or two (or seven) errant hairs sticking out of your bikini. That’s where these strips come up big time. You don’t have to heat or warm them up at all. It’s a straightforward peel-and-stick situation. You get 40 of the strips in a pack, which take off even super-short hairs, along with post-wax wipes to quickly and easily clean up any residue. Number of Pieces: 44 | Cruelty-Free: No What We Like Affordable Easy to use Ideal for on the go What We Don’t Like Could have more strips in the box Another option for when you’re on the go (and/or don’t have a ton of time), these beeswax-based strips are super easy to use. Warm them up by rubbing them in between your hands. Then pop them onto any area you want to be fuzz-free. They work for all hair types, though the size (you get 12, dual-sided strips, six in a medium-size and six in a small) makes them better for areas like the bikini line, underarms, and face. We also like that skin-soothing, post-wax wipes are included as well. Number of pieces: 26 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Contains hydrating oils Can be used on face and body Wax melts quickly Generally speaking, microwaving a hard wax to melt it isn’t the best method since it can result in uneven temperature. And trust us, you don’t want to burn yourself with overly hot wax. But let’s be real: Popping something into the microwave is always the easiest way to go. That’s why we appreciate that this wax contains paraffin wax, so it melts down quickly and smoothly at a much lower temperature. Plus, it’s infused with nourishing chamomile oil, which can minimize the risk of irritation. The vibrant blue hue is both pretty and makes it very easy to see exactly where you’ve applied the wax and where you need to remove it. Number of Pieces: 4 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Works on coarse hair Can be heated on stovetop No strips needed Only made from natural ingredients What We Don't Like Not ideal for travel The hard wax in this formula is made with gentle-on-skin beeswax and chamomile. And if you don’t have a ton of space or dislike clutter, you’ll appreciate that rather than coming with a full-on warmer, it comes with a small metal pan you simply heat up on the stovetop. There are also no strips needed; simply pull off the wax once it’s cooled. Bonus points for the included azulene oil as well, a double-duty oil that protects the skin when used before waxing and helps soothe inflammation afterward. Number of Pieces: 5 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Gentle formula Washes off easily Can be used on face and body Only made with natural ingredients What We Don't Like Contains dyes This gel wax relies on natural ingredients, such as sugar, honey, and date extract to remove hair. Not only is that gentle on skin, but it also means if you goof up and get it where it doesn’t need to be, you can quickly and easily wipe it away. Also nice: The strips are made of 100 percent cotton and can even be washed and reused, making this a great pick for those looking to cut down on their beauty trash. Number of Pieces: 22 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Fun, unique product Come in many bead variants Soothing formula What We Don't Like Doesn't come with warmer Who says a bikini wax can’t turn into an indulgent self-care moment? These beads come in gold, rose gold, and liquid mercury variants, each of which is infused with different calming essential oils. Plus, how pretty are they? All you have to do is melt them in the microwave, apply the wax, and then peel off the stripless formula. Number of Pieces: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Value size available No mess Great for travel What We Don't Like May not achieve professional results Our former editorial director, Faith Xue, is a big fan of this kit, and we can see why. It comes with 24 handy no-heat strips in three sizes and shapes. This allows you to remove only the hairs you want to while working around varying directions of hair growth. Plus, you'll get eight post-wax cloths, which remove excess wax, soothe the skin, and prevent ingrown hairs. Number of Pieces: 33 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Before and after products included Two different size applicators Wax melts in the container What We Don’t Like Only enough for one to two uses If you’re well-versed in the ways of DIY waxing, then this kit is the way to go. It’s another hard wax that doesn’t come with strips … and making sure the wax has cooled just enough to where it will remove the hair without getting so hard that it’s brittle and pulls your skin takes some skill and practice. That being said, if you’ve mastered the game, this wax applies smoothly and removes nicely—and the kit also comes with wipes to use to prep and soothe the skin before and after, really giving you the full professional effect. Number of pieces: 15 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Nice alternative to waxing Works on sensitive skin Only made from natural ingredients What We Don’t Like Messy Hard to figure out how to use So, yes, this may technically not be wax, but for those who are looking for an effective alternative, this is the way to go. Sugaring hair removal works similarly to waxing, but uses, well, sugar to remove the hair—more specifically, a sticky substance of sugar and water. To that point, this contains only five ingredients: sucrose, fructose, water, lemon juice, and licorice root, a boon for anyone seeking out clean and natural products. It also comes with reusable applicators (in two different sizes) and a reusable flicker (essentially the "strip" to remove it). FYI, it can be a bit messy, and there is a little bit of a learning curve when figuring out how to use it, but reviewers rave about how well it works. Number of pieces: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like No rubbing or heating necessary Affordable What We Don;t Like Contains dyes Waxing can be a recipe for stressed skin, particularly if you’re prone to irritation to begin with. That’s why we appreciate that this formula is dermatologist-approved for all skin types, including the sensitive set. The soft gel formula also doesn’t require any heating (or even rubbing), so there’s no need to worry about them getting too hot. Great for face or the pubic area, this comes with two different size strips along with soothing, post-wax serum wipes. Number of pieces: 38 | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like Very user-friendly Completely mess-free What We Don't Like Only comes with one size strips This combines the ease of pre-made wax strips with the efficacy of a microwavable one.How it works: Pop the roller in the microwave, give it a good shake, then roll the vegan wax on wherever it’s needed. The roller applicator is perfect for applying along curves and contours (yes, like around your pubic area). Use the included—reusable—strips to remove the hair. The only drawback? The strips only come in one size, so you may need to trim them as needed for smaller spots. Number of pieces: 13 | Cruelty-Free: No Our No. 1 pick is the GiGi Student Starter Wax Kit. The professional-quality wax and included warmer allow you to give yourself a truly spa-level treatment right at home. If you're looking for something a little more straightforward, try Nair Ready-Strips for Face & Bikini. You don't even have to warm them—just peel, stick, pull back, and you're done. Meet the Expert Rhea Souhleris Grous is the founder of La Suite Skincare at Union Square Dermatology and an aesthetics specialist with more than two decades of experience. The focus of La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology is to marry ongoing maintenance, in the form of advanced facials, chemical peels, microneedling, electroporation, oxygen therapy, and other services with treatments from board-certified dermatologists. Completely pain-free pubic hair waxes don't exist, but some formulas are gentler than others. This means the wax is less likely to be irritating or cause a reaction, and it should stick to your hairs, not your skin. Hard waxes, like beeswax and paraffin, tend to be better at wrapping around each strand, making coarse hairs in your bikini area easier to remove. Look for an option with soothing ingredients like azulene oil, chamomile, and honey. You can also find waxes without any fragrances or artificial colors. Additionally, formulas with vitamin E and almond oil can help soothe your skin afterward. Pubic hair wax needs to be liquified (or otherwise soft) to effectively grasp your hair. You want it to melt easily without getting too hot or rehardening too quickly. Some waxes come with a warmer, which makes it easy to melt them to the ideal consistency while keeping them warm as you get to work. Then there's microwavable wax, which is generally easy to use, as long as you figure out the sweet spot for timing it. (All microwaves are different.) Some microwavable waxes melt at lower temperatures than others, reducing the risk of burning your skin and making the overall process quicker. Other options can be melted on the stovetop, allowing you to keep an eye on the temperature and consistency. Some ready-made strips are designed to melt in the warmth of your hands, and others are soft enough that they don't need to be warmed at all. Non-melting waxes are convenient, though they don't always offer as much gusto as their meltable counterparts. Some pubic hair waxes are supposed to be pulled off without strips, others are intended to be used with strips, and a few have a ready-made peel-and-stick design. Selecting a kit with or without strips is mostly a matter of preference. Stripless options are typically applied with either a plastic or wooden applicator stick or spatula. The wax formulas are usually thick enough that you can get a good grip on the edge and pull it off just like you would with a strip. This type of bikini wax tends to be the most effective on coarse hairs as it allows you to brush it in the direction of growth and then remove it in the reverse direction. This is also true for strip waxes that aren't pre-made. Having said that, ready-made strips are certainly convenient, especially for touch-ups. FAQ How do you wax your pubic hair? The general process of waxing pubic hair involves melting the wax, applying it in the direction of your hair growth, and placing a cloth strip on top of the wax (pressing firmly so it sticks). Once it hardens, remove the wax by lifting the edge of the strip and pulling it back quickly in the opposite direction of your hair growth. How long does pubic hair need to be to wax effectively? Generally speaking, you want the hair to be at least 0.25-inch long before waxing it to make the process easier. However, if you've got a special event or vacation coming up and can't wait for it to grow out, you might be successful with 0.12-inch of growth. How often should you wax your pubic hair? Waxing every three to four weeks is usually ideal for pubic hair. If your hair grows quickly or you spend a lot of time in a swimsuit, you might benefit from a biweekly schedule. For those who don't like waxing, depilatory creams are an option. Is waxing pubic hair painful? Yes, but finding the right angle and pulling against hair growth is the most effective way to wax. Grous, an aesthetics specialist, admits it's difficult on your own at first. "Having waxed both clients and me, I have to acknowledge that inflicting pain on oneself can be difficult. It also presents a challenge in finding the right angle on intimate parts of your body," she laments. "It is important to pull the wax strip against the hair growth, making it quite difficult to reach tough areas. I would recommend at-home waxing mainly for people with minimal hair in small, easy-to-reach areas. Also, people with very curly or thick hair should avoid waxing themselves to prevent ingrown hair because the follicle can break during the pulling process (especially if you pause)." Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While she loves a good bikini wax, she doesn’t love to take the DIY route, so she relied on expert input, lots of product reviews, and input from family and friends when writing this article.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-10-best-pubic-hair-wax-1717217-primary-9738cdae27ec4fa7ac4734ee0211bb89.jpg "The 13 Best At-Home Waxes for a Soft and Smooth Bikini Line (1)")
Best Overall
GiGi Student Starter Wax Kit
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Best Drugstore
Veet Ready-to-Use Wax Strips & Wipes
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Best Strips
Nair Wax Ready-Strips for Face & Bikini
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Best Strips, Runner-Up
Vidasleek Wax Strips Face, Underarms + Bikini
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Best Natural
Nad's Natural Hair Removal Gel Wax Kitt
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Best for DIY Waxing Pros
GiGi Brazilian Bikini Wax Kit
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Best Wax Alternative
Sugar Me Smooth Bikini Hair Removal
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Final Verdict
What to Look for in At-Home Pubic Hair Wax
Formula
Meltability
Strips vs. No Strips
Why Trust Byrdie
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Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A Herbal Medicine of the Past with Bright Future.Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377
Wang L, Yan J, Fu PP, Parekh KA, Yu H. Photomutagenicity of Cosmetic Ingredient Chemicals Azulene and Guaiazulene. Mutat Res. 2003;530(1-2):19-26. doi:10.1016/s0027-5107(03)00131-3
