The best wax strips make it convenient to get rid of both body hair and facial hair fast. They’re by far the easiest and cheapest way to quickly banish unwanted hair, and the results can last up to a few weeks. And unlike hard wax kits, which often require using a microwave or wax warmer and can get really messy, really fast, strips just need a little warming up with your hands (if that). Plus, they cover a larger surface area than tweezing while providing longer-lasting results than shaving. “Wax strips can be incredibly useful if used properly,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “They allow for long-term removal of hair within the privacy and comfort of your own home.”
To find out which ones stand out, I drew upon my own experiences and included personal go-tos, reached out to board-certified dermatologists, and took a deep dive into reviews of the category’s most popular products. The overall top pick, Flamingo’s Wax Strips for Hair Removal, scored highly across the board: They’re low on pain, mess-free, come in two sizes to more easily accommodate different body parts, and grab both thin and thick hairs.
The best wax strips, at a glance
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How we tested
We tested wax-strip kits by using and researching the most popular offerings on the market. The strips were judged on their efficacy at removing hair, messiness, comfort level, how often the strips could be reused, and how they left the skin feeling (including risks of irritation). The best wax strips removed as much hair as possible in one to two passes, didn’t hurt too much, and left the skin feeling soft and smooth, with minimal redness and irritation.
Best Overall: Flamingo Wax Strips for Hair Removal
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- Pros: Low mess; relatively less painful; includes two different sizes of strips
- Cons: Might not work as well on superfine or super coarse hair
Dr. Nazarian is a fan of Flamingo’s Wax Strips due to their ease of use, “overall low discomfort,” and efficacy: They do “a great job at grabbing various hairs, thinner or thicker,” she says. The inclusion of both medium and large strips makes it easier to target both large swaths of skin and harder-to-reach areas, and reviewers praise the low residue and how the same strip can be used for two or three pulls. They can be used on the legs, arms, and underarms.
Testing notes
“These wax strips are gentle, no-nonsense and easy to use. I love the extra-large ones because you can get a handful of hair off with just one strip. I find that the wax formula in these is also quite soothing and leaves behind a bit of moisture, which is great for mitigating irritation and redness. I love to use these around my bikini line and on my legs the most—though they’re great for just about anywhere!” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Face: Nad’s Facial Wax Strips
- Pros: Small strip size; low pain level
- Cons: Creamier formula makes it harder to reuse strips
Recommended by Dr. Nazarian and an all-time favorite of mine for facial-hair removal, these face wax strips are formulated with beeswax and designed to target hair on small surface areas. That includes all facial hair—upper lip, chin, brows—but also fingers and toes. I typically warm these up in my hands for a few seconds before separating them (though that isn’t a requirement), which makes it easier for the wax to adhere to my chin and upper lip hairs. Thanks to the super small size, it’s easy to ensure all your wax-covered skin is taught before you pull. This, in turn, makes it easier to remove most of the hairs in one go.
Testing notes
“I usually only have to go over areas once to get smooth skin. These strips also leave behind minimal residue (I seldom need to use the included oil wipes to get rid of any leftover wax, though they are soothing) and never leave my skin feeling irritated,” says Glamour contributor Eden Stuart.
Best for Underarms: Billie Wax Kit
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- Pros: Two different strip sizes; formulated with calming ingredients
- Cons: Post-wax wipes could be wetter
Billie’s Body & Underarm Wax Kit comes with 24 large strips and 12 medium strips for covering a variety of surface areas. The medium strips are ideal for trickier parts of the body, such as the bikini line and armpits, since they cover a larger surface area than small strips but are easier to maneuver into folds and contours than the bigger ones. The wax formula includes avocado oil (to help soften hair) and skin-soothing aloe vera and is less painful than similar options. This kit also earns high praise for its post-wax serum wipes, which are infused with a skin conditioner, a soothing complex, and vitamin E, though they could be more saturated.
Testing notes
“I personally love this wax kit because it cuts the time I spend in half when waxing at home, especially since there’s no need to wait for the wax to warm up. If I’m in a crunch—especially if I have a big event to go to—and have some patches of hair I missed during shaving, I use these to help strip off any excess hair around my ankles and knees. They’re a lifesaver,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Thick Hair: GiGi Hair Removal Wax Strips for Body
- Pros: Thick, easy-to-pull strips; thinner formula that leaves less residue
- Cons: Can’t reuse strips
Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says Gigi’s Hair Removal Wax Strips are a “professional-grade option that can be very effective when used properly.” She notes that they are a top pick amongst those who are comfortable with waxing and seek stronger at-home results. The wax is spread somewhat thinly over thick, flexible fabric that’s easy to pull. The thin formula makes it tougher to reuse these strips, but when waxing thick hair, that’s less of a concern, since the strips are generally too hairy to reuse anyway.
Testing notes
“It’s the thickness of the strips, along with a formula that’s sticky but not goopy, that makes this one a favorite of mine. Most of the hairs come out in a single swift pull, and for the stray hairs that don’t—which is all but inevitable with soft wax, realistically—there isn’t a bunch of tacky wax to get stuck in them,” says Stuart.
Best for Legs: Nair Hair Remover Wax Ready Strips
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- Pros: Large strips ideal for larger surface areas
- Cons: Can leave sticky residue
The larger size makes Nair’s Hair Remover Wax Ready Strips, which come recommended by Dr. Nazarian, ideal for larger areas of body hair removal. “A reliable option for legs and body, they are easy to use and don’t require rubbing or heating,” says Dr. Garshick. Your mileage may vary on how many times you can use the same side of a strip, but one pull removes a remarkable amount of hair. The pain level is about what one can expect: a little intense but fleeting, leaving some mild red inflammation. The biggest thing to be mindful of with this product is the residue: It can leave behind sticky wax that requires cleanup, despite not being thickly coated with wax. That said, it’s nothing the included post-wax wipes can’t handle.
Testing notes
“I used this for my bikini line and it was gentle on my skin,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “It’s the normal amount of wax-stripping pain that you would expect and you can reuse it for areas that need a second pull, but don’t overdo it if your skin is sensitive. The residue can be very sticky so I would wear gloves when using.”
Best for Bikini Line: Veet Sugar Wax Strips
- Pros: Moisturizing ingredients; formulated to grab both shorter and longer hairs
- Cons: Not suitable for Brazilian waxing
Another of Dr. Nazarian’s picks, Veet’s Sugar Wax Strips are formulated with moisturizing ingredients (including almond oil and vitamin E) and designed to coat both shorter, stubbier hairs and longer ones—specifically, between 1.5 mm and 5 mm long. Both of these points make it great for the bikini line, where sensitivity and the hairs being at various points in the growth cycle are top concerns. The full-size strips are easy to cut into smaller pieces for harder-to-reach places, while the easy-grip tabs on each strip help with the removal process. Just keep in mind it’s strictly for the bikini line. So if you prefer Brazilian waxing, you’ll want to look elsewhere or opt for a professional waxing service.
Testing notes
Glamour’s Calle likes that the size is thick enough for large areas like the legs. “There’s no irritation post-wax and there are enough wide strips that I can do both my legs quickly,” she says.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Parissa Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips
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- Pros: Gentle; non-irritating
- Cons: Can leave sticky residue; strips might not be reusable
Parissa’s Legs & Body and Natural Bikini wax kits consistently earn high marks from those with skin conditions and beginners. “This gentle cream-based wax is fragrance-free and great for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Fans say the strips are gentle and don’t cause irritation. Just know that since the formula is creamier, you might not get more than one use out of each individual strip.
Frequently asked questions
How effective are wax strips?
As is the case with many beauty products, wax strips are often as effective as the user and their preparation. “Their efficacy depends on proper technique, hair length, and the type of strip used,” Dr. Garshick says. She and Dr. Nazarian both note that they work best on longer hair—about a quarter of an inch long—so the wax can better adhere. “Hair must be long enough for effective removal, so it may be necessary to wait a period of time before it’s most effective,” Dr. Garshick says. So if you’re consistently striking out with your at-home hair waxing efforts, you might just need to practice a little patience. And as a bonus, “unlike laser hair removal, wax strips can be used on all hair colors, and can even be used to remove white or gray hairs.”
What is the best way to prepare for using wax strips?
A successful wax starts two days before you even pull apart a strip: Dr. Nazarian says to avoid “drying ingredients like retinoids or glycolic acid” for at least 48 hours before your wax. Dr. Garshick agrees: “These [ingredients] can make the skin more sensitive and cause more irritation with waxing,” she says, though she does note that “lightly exfoliating a day or two before waxing can…help reduce ingrown hairs.”
Right before you start waxing, Dr. Garshick recommends “cleansing the skin thoroughly to remove oils, dirt, and lotion, which can prevent the wax from adhering properly.” You want your skin nice and dry, so don’t be afraid to call in some reinforcements. “If needed, using [baby] powder can help the wax grip hair without sticking to the skin itself,” she adds.
Technique-wise, make sure to pull your skin taut and swiftly remove the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth for maximum hair removal.
What should I do after using wax strips?
Dr. Garshick recommends applying “a cold compress or soothing aloe gel immediately after waxing to calm irritation” and avoiding exfoliation and harsh skin care (that means skipping active ingredients like retinols and glycolic acid) for a bit to reduce the risk of irritation. Dr. Nazarian suggests using a “lightweight cream to minimize ingrown hairs.”
Who should avoid using wax strips?
Wax strips may be convenient, but they aren’t for everyone. “People with certain skin conditions, such as eczema or active acne, may find waxing irritating and should be cautious,” Dr. Garshick says. You also want to “avoid waxing any open cuts or wounds or active breakouts,” she notes.
Are there cons to using wax strips?
Even for those without skin conditions, there’s one flaming red con to using wax strips: They can really hurt. “Wax strips can be uncomfortable or painful, especially for first-time users or in sensitive areas,” Dr. Garshick says. “They may cause temporary redness, irritation, or bumps, and there is a risk of tearing the skin, pigmentation, and scarring if applied incorrectly.”
