Waxing Tips To Make At-Home Waxing Way Easier

When it comes to efficient body hair removal, nothing quite gets the job done like waxing (sorry razors, but you know you're second best in my book). However, professional waxing can get incredibly pricy, which is why knowing some solid at-home waxing tips can make a huge difference in your life.

I know what you're probably thinking: DIY waxing? No thanks — sounds like a nightmare. And while I'd usually agree, since I'm not someone who generally loves inflicting pain on myself, I have genuinely found that at-home waxing gets easier with time, and the results and cost-efficiency make it so incredibly worth it in the long run.

Plus, there are genuinely ways to make the entire process less painful and more bearable — you just need to have some basic knowledge of the best ways to go about it. I now honestly prefer waxing at home, as I'm much more in control of my surroundings and am therefor way more relaxed overall.

If you're a fan of waxing but just find salon pricing unsustainable, here are 11 at-home waxing hacks that are seriously game changing.

1. Don't Drink Caffeine Beforehand

According to a piece on waxing from Style Caster, caffeine makes us more sensitive to pain. So skip the coffee or any other caffeinated beverages on the day you plan to do your at-home wax.

2. Wax Right After Your Time Of The Month

According to Janea Padilha, cofounder of the J. Sisters Salon in New York City in a piece for Women's Day, we're most sensitive to pain the week before our period, and have the highest pain tolerance right after. So plan your wax right after your time of the month.

3. Don't Skimp On Quality Wax

bliss Poetic Waxing Kit, $38, Lovely Skin

Denisa over at EpilatorGirl.com noted that you should always invest in a high quality wax, as it will make all the difference to your waxing experience. "If half of the hairs remain on your body once you pull that strip of wax then you need to simply throw it in the garbage and buy yourself a proper waxing kit for home usage," she wrote.

4. Exfoliate Beforehand

Natural Loofah Sponge 3 Pcs, $6, Amazon

A compilation piece for Total Beauty stressed the importance of exfoliating before you wax. This will slough off dead skin cells on the surface of your skin and greatly help to prevent ingrown hairs.

5. Don't Cut Hair Too Short

Tweezerman Hair Shears, $30, Sephora

Total Beauty also reminded us that we don't want our hair to be too long or too short when waxing. For best results, wax when your hair is between 1/4 and 3/4 inches long. Any shorter and the wax won't be able to properly adhere to it.

6. Use Baby Powder Before Waxing

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder, $10, Amazon

After you've exfoliated and trimmed, Epilator Girl said to apply baby powder to the area that's about to be waxed. This will absorb any excess moisture in the area and allow the wax to properly adhere.

7. Apply Wax In The Direction Of Hair Growth

Rayson Wax Applicator Sticks, $5, Amazon

This is a tip that you will find time and time again in DIY waxing tutorials, but it's worth repeating because it's SO important to the process. Apply the wax in the direction of hair growth, and then yank the strip in the opposite direction when removing hair. This will make for the cleanest removal.

8. Use Numbing Cream, Not Ice

Bikini Zone Medicated Creme For Bikini Area, $5, Amazon

Style Caster stressed the importance of using numbing cream before waxing as opposed to ice. They noted that ice will only tighten your skin and close up pores, making it way more uncomfortable overall.

9. Don't Hesitate

This is a personal tip but is also something I've read in countless online forums. When the time comes to rip off the waxing strip, don't hesitate! This will drastically reduce the effectiveness of the process and you'll ultimately have to do the area again. If you want the best results, just go for it!

10. Apply Pressure Immediately After

Total Beauty suggested applying pressure to the area immediately after you pull off the strip. This will act as an instant pain reliever.

11. Have Some Aloe Vera On Hand

Aloe Vera Replenishing Body Gel, $6, Walgreens

And finally, in a piece for Shape, Bridget M. Riley R.E., owner of Boston Skin Solutions, noted that aloe vera gel works wonders for calming the skin after waxing. She also noted to avoid heat and sweat, as in hot yoga, spas, and hot showers in the hours after the experience.

DIY waxing doesn't have to be a nightmare, and if done correctly I firmly believe it can be way less uncomfortable than getting it done at a salon. And if waxing isn't for you that's also totally okay. Remember, there's more than one way to get that hair gone.

Images: Getty Images (5); Courtesy of brands