Can You Use Parchment Paper Instead of Strips for Hair Wax Removal?

Waxing your unwanted hair at home is a cheaper alternative to visiting a spa or salon, but making it even cheaper by using parchment paper for waxing strips instead of the more typical cloth is not possible.

Hair waxing is a form of epilation, which means that hair is removed from beneath the skin, at the root. Generally, warm wax is applied to the skin in a thin, even layer and then a cloth strip is pressed on top. The cloth strip is then quickly removed, taking the wax and the hair underneath with it.

Parchment paper is a type of paper that is coated in silicone. It is used in baking to line pans and trays to prevent food from sticking as it cooks. Strips used in waxing are usually made of some type of cloth, typically cotton or muslin.

Parchment paper is not made for use with hair removal wax. In fact, because of its non-stick surface, the wax would not adhere and you would have a hard time removing any hair at all. Additionally, parchment paper is very thin and tears easily making it even more ill-suited for use when waxing. Cloth strips are stronger and thicker and more porous, so they will stick to both the hair and the wax, allowing hair to be easily removed. Most waxing kits come with strips provided, or you can make your own at home from any kind of clean cotton or muslin cloth.