There are a lot of things we’ve done at home that haven’t gone exactly right. Being sixteen and trying to do boxed hair dye over the sink immediately comes to mind.

Not all skin or beauty routines are as tragic as that memory, nor do they ever have to be again.  Set your own standard. An at home bikini wax may seem like an intimidating task best left to professionals but we promise you that with the right amount of prep, product selection, and a positive mindset, you’ll do great.

If you’re a first-timer at giving yourself a bikini wax at home then this blog is for you. We’ll cover what waxing at home entails and the 9 crucial tips you need to know before you start applying Veet^® wax strips.

How to wax at home

If you’re waxing at home for the first time, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on how to do it.

It’s important to pick the right product for your needs. Consider Veet® PURE Cold Wax Strips for Bikini & Underarms* for your bikini line, which is formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Once you’ve selected it then do the following:

• Pull the strips apart using the rounded tabs.
• Wax in sections by applying the cold wax strip to your skin in the direction of hair growth.
• Pull the strip back in one swift motion.
• Use the Perfect Finish Wipe to clear any wax left on the skin.

9 tips to know before doing a bikini wax at home

Now that you know the basics of doing a bikini wax at home, here are 9 tips to set you up for maximum success to ensure you’re left with soft, smooth skin.

1. Grow out your hair. For waxing, hair needs to be at least 1/4 inch in thickness. Wax and the strip need to stick to the hair to pull it straight from the follicle. Let it grow before you wax it off.
2. Avoid waxing during menstruation. If you’re waxing your bikini area, we recommend waiting after your menstruation to do any hair maintenance.
3. Pick the product that’s best for you. If you have dry or sensitive skin, consider options like Veet^® Professional™ Wax Strips, Face, Bikini & Underarm, For Sensitive Skin, with Almond Oil* that won’t further irritate your skin.
4. Exfoliate 24 hours before waxing. Clear away dead skin cells and dirt so that they don’t clog your pores and develop any irritation.
5. Start at the edges and work inward. Work with the thinnest and smallest amount of hair first and move inward towards the thicker, denser areas. Apply and remove in sections, too, to avoid the pain of pulling off a massive strip.
6. Keep skin taut before pulling. Put a bit of pressure on the area above the wax strip to pull and keep your skin taut and tight to make the removal easier on you.
7. Use tweezers for clean-up. Have a few stranglers? Because tweezing also removes hair from the follicle, do your clean up with those. 
8. Prioritize aftercare. Moisturize, apply sunscreen, stay out of the sun 24 hours after waxing. These are the top three rules for post-waxing aftercare. Make sure to keep the skin hydrated and monitor any redness or irritation.
9. Don’t wax before you need to. Waxing can last upward of 28 days so don’t need to worry about removing hair before then. Remember the first tip: hair needs to grow out to 1/4 of an inch before you remove it all again. Enjoy your hair-free bikini line as long as possible.

* Ensure this product is right for you. Always read and follow the product label before use.