Waxing is a popular hair removal method because of the exfoliation it provides, the smoothness, and the long-lasting results that people see.
However, going to a salon and getting waxed can get expensive, especially when you factor in the tip and aftercare required.
Because of this, an increasing number of women are opting for at-home waxing, with waxing kits, homemade wax, and pre-waxed strips.
Unfortunately, no method is perfect. While pre-waxed strips are convenient, they’re not usually the most affordable option.
They’re also not suitable for those who prefer hot wax. Because of this, individuals who prefer hot wax are left with disposable waxing strips.
The value of disposable waxing strips cannot be denied – they make the process simpler, less messy, and usually come along with the store-bought wax.
Even still, the box always seems to come with more wax than strips. Only afew uses, you’re out of strips.
Not only can buying additional strips get expensive, but wax strips can run out at the most inconvenient of times.
That’s why we have come up with a comprehensive list of what to use instead of wax strips.
Alternatives to Wax Strips
If you’re out of wax strips, don’t worry – there are simple materials around the house that you can use as alternatives.
If you’re wondering what to use instead of wax strips, we’ve got you covered by discussing the most common options below.
Please note that just because these options are mentioned doesn’t mean that they’re good alternatives – some are terrible.
However, we want to debunk some myths and explain each option in detail, so you know exactly why we advise against using it.
Paper Towels
The most common suggestion that comes up when you’re looking for what to use instead of wax strips is paper towels.
This is a great example of the majority not always being right. Paper towels are ineffective as wax strips because of how thin and absorbent they are.
Not only will they soak up the wax, but they’ll also stick to your skin and will tear when you try to pull them off.
All paper towels will make a mess you’ll end up having to clean after figuring out how to get the sticky wax residue off your body.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is another common example. While some people try this and say that it somewhat works, we advise against it.
Parchment paper is simply too thin and will easily rip. Instead of pulling the hair from the roots, it may result in breakage and irritation.
It should also be noted that parchment paper is designed to be non-stick – the wax simply wouldn’t adhere to the parchment paper, making it practically useless in this context.
Duct Tape
Technically, you can use duct tape as wax strips. However, that doesn’t mean that you necessarily should do so.
While it might work in pulling out hair, it will probably also damage your skin and leave it irritated. It will also likely be more painful than other methods we’ve mentioned.
Cotton Cloth Strips
One of the most popular alternatives to store-bought strips, cotton cloth strips are efficient and eco-friendly.
Old clothes that were once destined for the garbage can be used to make your cotton strips (after being thoroughly cleaned, of course).
If you’re using substantial enough material, you can even wash and sanitize the strips and use them repeatedly. Best of all, this saves the planet while also saving you money.
Denim Strips
Denim strips made from old jeans are perfect to use as wax strips for larger areas like arms and legs. Since they’re thicker than other materials, they can be washed and reused repeatedly and won’t break hair.
This is another eco-friendly method that some deem less painful than traditional waxing strips.
Dermatologists have noted that because denim doesn’t make the skin “jump” like other fabrics, it often results in quicker removal. The thick, denim is woven densely and thus, is better at grabbing and pulling out hair.
Its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness make it an excellent option for those looking to lower costs while still enjoying a more groomed appearance. The fact that it is a greener option makes it even better.
Muslin Strips
This soft fabric is gentle and is great for those with sensitive skin. Muslin wax strips can be found at the store but are also easy and affordable to make. Just cut them into strips and make sure they’re clean before using them.
Magazines
While this sounds odd, magazines make some of the most effective and affordable wax strips. Not only are you reducing waste by repurposing the magazines, but you’re also making sturdy wax strips that won’t tear like parchment paper does.
Thick, glossy magazine pages are perfect for making wax strips and are not likely to rip when being pulled off the skin.
Front and back covers adhere well to the wax, with some claiming they work better than muslin strips! That being said, this should be done using a clean magazine.
Re-Using Wax Strips
Instead of buying new wax strips more frequently, some try to get more use out of theirs by re-using them. While you can sometimes use a strip twice, this is probably the limit.
Re-using the strip may seem like a good idea, but it has several drawbacks. It will become less effective at pulling out the hair and may just increase irritation and redness. Additionally, it can pick up bacteria and dirt and can even cause infections.
Using Stripless Wax
When wondering what to use instead of wax strips, there’s an option that people forget to consider – nothing.
Stripless wax exists, and yet, we don’t take advantage of this easy, strip-free choice. Stripless wax is most popular for not requiring strips but also has several other benefits.
It’s an excellent option for sensitive skin because of how gentle it is, it’s easy to remove and causes less overall pain, and it’s great for smaller areas that require precision, such as upper lips and eyebrows.
Additionally, if you make it yourself, you have the option of adding or removing ingredients per your preferences.
The first thing you need to know about stripless wax is that not all types of wax qualify for this.
There are three main types of wax – soft wax, hard wax, and sugar wax. All three are great choices for different areas of the body, and it’s important to make a choice to know whether you can use the wax directly or need a wax strip or wax strip alternative.
Hard wax and sugar wax can usually be removed without strips, but soft wax always requires strips. Read more about the three types below.
Soft Wax
Soft wax is commonly used for large areas such as arms and legs but isn’t always recommended for sensitive areas like the bikini line.
As the name suggests, this wax is soft and thus, cannot be removed without strips. Use store-bought strips or one of the alternatives we have suggested above if you’re interested in using soft wax.
Hard Wax
Of all three types of waxes, hard wax is the most commonly used. Gentle on the sensitive areas of the body, hard wax is usually used on eyebrows, the upper lip area, underarms, and on the bikini line.
Because the wax hardens after application, no removal strips are required – the wax can simply be pulled off.
It is important to note that hard wax removal differs from soft wax removal. Hard wax is pulled in the opposite direction of hair growth instead of the same direction.
Another reason hard wax is so popular is that users can go over the same area multiple times.
Soft wax also targets skin, but hard wax only adheres to the hair. Therefore, all unwanted hair can be removed without damage or irritation.
Sugar Wax
The third type of wax, sugar wax, is known for being natural and less painful than the other two options. It is also more versatile and can be used all over the body – it even works for all different skin types.
Its popularity has grown in recent years because of its natural ingredients and because how easy it is to make at home – there are some recipes that teach you how to make it in a microwave.
Sugar wax can be both stripless and require strips depending on the consistency. Softer versions may require strips whereas more dense versions can simply be pulled off by hand, eliminating the need for removal strips.
How to Use Stripless Wax
We have broken down stripless wax use into steps to make it easier to understand and follow.
- Clean your skin of all dirt and oils before starting the waxing process
- Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth
- Leave it on and let it dry for a few seconds
- Pull it off when it isn’t completely dry by holding the skin taut
- Use your finger or a tool to find and grab an edge
- Pull the wax off in the opposite direction of the hair growth
- Press firmly on the area
- After making sure that all hair is removed, clean the area and apply a soothing gel or hydrocortisone cream. Other recommendations include zinc-based diaper cream and aloe vera.
Advantages of At-Home Waxing
If you’re a regular at a salon, you may be wondering why people even bother to make at-home strips and wax themselves.
There are several benefits of at-home waxing, some of which we’ve detailed below. Read them and you might just decide to give at-home waxing a try.
Cost-Effective
Whether you’re using store-bought wax or making your own wax at home, you’ll save a lot of money by not paying for waxing services.
Depending on the areas you’re getting waxed and the varying rates, a single salon visit can easily cost upwards of $100.
Waxing at home saves you both time and money. If you decide to make your own waxing strips as well, that’s just added savings!
Privacy, Comfort, and Convenience
Waxing is much more comfortable in the privacy of your own home. Not only do you eliminate the hassle of booking an appointment, getting ready, and going to the salon, but you also avoid having to get into awkward positions in front of strangers.
This is especially beneficial for those who are not comfortable with undressing in front of strangers.
Ingredient and Strip Choice
Do you prefer denim strips to muslin strips? If you opt for at-home waxing, you don’t have to worry about this.
By making your own strips or your wax, you have complete control over the ingredients or materials you use.
If you’re a fan of minimal ingredients, you can use a simple recipe. On the other hand, if you want to add anti-bacterial properties, you can use ingredients like honey and tea-tree oil in your mixture.
Final Thoughts
With all the options presented to you, you can now make an informed decision the next time you go to the drugstore – are you going to opt for store-bought strips or make your own? Are you going to abandon strips altogether and switch to stripless wax?
Whether you’ve considered stripless wax or are planning on using alternative waxing strips, we hope that this article on what to use instead of wax strips has been useful. Let us know what you end up doing down below and how it works out for you!