How to Make Honey Wax: Easy DIY Recipe + Benefits

If you're a fan of DIY skincare projects but not a fan of having other people 'deforesting' your arms and legs, you'll enjoy making and using your own honey wax. Plus, you'll be amazed by the results. In addition to removing the unwanted hair, it will make your skin smooth, hydrated, and nourished.

In this article, we'll share a quick recipe for an at-home hair removal wax as well as its benefits over traditional waxing.

But first, let's learn more about honey wax – what it is and where it comes from.

What Is Honey Wax?

Honey wax is usually made with sugar and is, therefore, also known as sugar waxing or sugaring. But, waxing with a paste made of honey and sugar is nothing new. Moreover, it's perhaps one of the oldest hair removal methods, used by women in Ancient Egypt. So, that is why it's also called Egyptian waxing.

Honey & sugar wax is entirely natural, which makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin. It's also great for facial hair removal. But the best thing about this at-home waxing treatment is that it doesn't stick to the skin but binds to the hair instead. So, unlike traditional salon waxing, it doesn't pull on the skin, it's less painful, and much easier to clean. However, for this to work, your hair must be at least 7 to 10 mm long.

How to Make Honey Wax

Making a honey wax at home is not difficult; you just need to combine the ingredients and cook them. However, it's important to get the right density and texture of the wax – so there's a chance that you might have to try your culinary skills several times to get it just right.

How to Use Your DIY Honey Wax

The first and the most crucial step is to let your hair grow out. The longer the hair, the easier it will be to remove them when waxing. So, have them at 7 mm at least or even longer if you can wait that long. Some optimal length would be around 1 centimeter, depending on the thickness of your hair.

Once you have your DIY wax prepared and cooled, follow this step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1. Prepare your skin first. Wash your skin beforehand to remove all the dirt and oils from your skin and hair that may prevent the wax from sticking. Also, dry your skin thoroughly after washing as water can interfere with the wax and weaken its bonding to the hair and the fabric you will use for waxing. In addition, you can lightly dust your skin with baby powder after it's dry. The powder will soak up any moisture residue on your skin.

Step 2. Spread the wax with your fingers or using a popsicle stick or a spatula. Spread it in a thin layer over the targeted area in the direction your hair grows. For example, if you want to wax your forearm, spread it from your elbow to your wrist. This might take some practice, and chances are you're going to mess up the first time. So, consider preparing an extra batch of wax, just in case.

Step 3. For waxing itself, you can use cotton muslin strips or pieces of your old tee; just make sure that material isn't too stretchy. The fabric pieces should be slightly larger than the area you want to wax. Then, place the fabric over the previously spread wax on your skin, tighten your skin with one hand, and pull the fabric with the other. Make sure to pull the fabric parallel to the skin and in the opposite direction your hair grows. Don't be hesitant, as it's essential to pull it in fast movement.

Step 4. If there's some hair left, apply more wax to the same area, and repeat the whole process. If there are only a few left, you can pluck them using a tweezer. Remember that the wax is cooling down as you're waxing, so you might have to reheat it a couple of times to make sure it doesn't cool off completely and harden.

Step 5. After you've finished, remove any wax residue with warm water and a washcloth. Then apply some nourishing oil to the area, like unrefined coconut oil, to rebalance your skin's PH. You could also apply a moisturizer with chamomile extract or aloe vera gel to soothe the post-wax irritation and prevent ingrown hairs.

Step 6. If you have some leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This way, the wax can last you up to four or five weeks, and when you want to use it again, just heat it up a bit.

Benefits of Honey Wax

There are numerous reasons why you might want to opt for a DIY honey and sugar wax instead of traditional waxing. Besides it being less painful, it offers a myriad of other benefits, such as:

• Honey has antimicrobial, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it perfect for people with various skin conditions, like acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis [source];
• Your DIY honey wax doesn't contain any additives, preservatives or other chemicals that may irritate your skin and cause post-waxing pimples;
• Usually, honey wax is applied to the skin while warm. In contrast, traditional wax is typically applied hot. Therefore, your DIY wax is less likely to burn your skin and is more suitable for people with varicose veins.

Takeaway...

It might take some time and practice before you get it right. But once you master the technique, you won't think of razors, expensive wax stripes, or painful tweezer epilators for at-home hair removal.

Unless you're allergic to honey, this DIY wax can be quite effective in removing thinner hair on your legs, arms, and face. However, you should avoid waxing your bikini line with honey and sugar wax, as the hair in this region is usually thicker and harder to remove. Also, be mindful of aftercare, and avoid swimming pools, saunas, or extremely hot water several days after the treatment.

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