Generally, at-home waxing is safe as long as you follow the instructions carefully for whichever kit or product you’re using. However, caution is especially important with kits that require heating. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark, “If the kit requires you to microwave or heat up the wax, be very careful to avoid burning the skin.” He also advises minimal and gentle exfoliation beforehand to help remove dead skin, which can improve results, but warns against over-exfoliating. “If you exfoliate too much before waxing, it can lead to irritation, and it’s equally important not to exfoliate immediately after, as your skin needs time to recover,” he says.

Dr. Sobel adds that while at-home waxing can be effective, certain areas require more care. “These kits are generally safe for most areas, but I would be cautious around sensitive zones like the bikini line, where burns, infections, and ingrown hairs are more likely,” he explains. Always follow the product’s heating and application instructions, test the wax on a small area first, and opt for hard wax, especially on coarse hair, as it’s less likely to cause burns.