Search for wax strips in Pakistan and you will find three completely different things under the same name. Some are strips that already have wax on them. Some are blank fabric strips you use with a separate wax. Some are cotton rolls you cut yourself. It is no surprise that people end up buying the wrong one.
This guide sorts it out. You will learn what each type is, which one gives you better value, how many strips you actually need, and how to use them properly so the wax lifts hair instead of tearing the strip. Last updated October 2026.
Quick answer: Wax strips are pieces of fabric or paper used to pull wax and hair off the skin. Pre-waxed strips come coated and are ready to use, while plain strips are used with a cream or soft wax that you spread yourself. For regular waxing at home, plain strips with a cream wax usually cost less per session and cover bigger areas. Whitening Essence Painless Cream Wax comes with a free strip pack, so you can start without buying anything extra.
What are wax strips?
A wax strip is simply the carrier that lifts the wax and the hair off your skin in one pull. Without a strip, soft wax would stay sticky on your skin and be nearly impossible to remove cleanly.
The strip matters more than most people think. A thin, weak strip tears halfway through a pull and leaves wax behind. A stiff, thick one will not follow the curve of your skin. The right strip makes the whole job faster and less painful.
The main types of wax strips
|
Type |
What it is |
Good for |
Downside |
|
Pre-waxed strips |
Strips already coated with wax, sold in packs |
Quick touch ups, travel, small areas |
Cost more per use, limited coverage |
|
Non-woven strips |
Plain fabric strips, sold in packs or rolls |
Use with cream or soft wax on any area |
Need a separate wax |
|
Cotton or muslin strips |
Cloth strips, often cut from a roll |
Large areas, heavy hair |
Can be bulky, some are single use |
|
Paper strips |
Thin paper sheets |
Light hair, small areas |
Tear easily on thick hair |
Pre-waxed strips
These are handy because there is nothing to spread. You warm the strip between your palms, peel the two halves apart, press it on, and pull. They are fine for a quick tidy up, but each strip covers a small patch and loses grip after one or two uses. For legs or arms the cost adds up fast.
Non-woven strips
These are the standard choice with cream wax. They are light, flexible and strong enough to hold wax and hair together. They come in pre-cut packs or in rolls, and most can be reused two or three times on body areas until the wax stops gripping.
Cotton and muslin strips
Cloth strips have been used in salons for years. They are strong, which suits thick hair, but they are bulkier and a little harder for beginners to handle.
Pre-waxed strips or strips with cream wax?
If you only wax once in a while, pre-waxed strips are fine. If you wax regularly, a tub of cream wax with plain strips is the better deal.
Here is why. A pack of pre-waxed strips covers a limited area, and each strip is mostly used up after a couple of pulls. A 400ml tub of cream wax is a lot of wax, and plain strips are cheap and reusable. Your cost per session drops sharply once you wax more than a few times. The method is also gentler, because you control how thin the wax layer is. We explain the bigger picture in our cream wax vs hard wax comparison.
How to choose good wax strips
• Size: Pick strips around 3 by 9 inches for legs and arms. Cut them down for the face or underarms.
• Material: Look for soft, non-woven fabric that bends with the skin and does not shed fibres.
• Strength: Give one a gentle tug. If it stretches or tears easily, it will fail under wax.
• Quantity: More strips means more sessions. Check the count before you compare prices.
• Pre-cut or roll: Rolls are cheaper and flexible, pre-cut packs are quicker.
How to use wax strips with cream wax
1. Check your hair length. About a quarter inch (6mm) is ideal.
2. Clean and dry the skin. Dust lightly with talc or baby powder if you are sweaty or oily.
3. Cut your strips to size before you start, so you are not hunting for scissors with wax on your hands.
4. Spread a thin layer of wax with a spatula in the direction the hair grows. Our wax spatula guide explains how to hold it and how much to use.
5. Press the strip on firmly in the same direction as hair growth. Rub it once with your palm so it sticks all the way.
6. Hold the skin taut with your other hand.
7. Pull quickly in the opposite direction, close and parallel to the skin.
8. Press your palm over the spot to soothe it.
9. Reuse the strip on another patch if it still grips. Replace it when it stops lifting hair.
If you want the full routine from start to finish, our complete guide to painless cream wax covers it in detail.
How many strips do you need?
This depends on how large your strips are and how often you reuse them. As a rough planning guide for one session, assuming each strip is used two or three times:
|
Area |
Rough number of strips |
|
Underarms |
2 to 4 |
|
Face (cut small) |
1 to 3 |
|
Bikini line |
4 to 8 |
|
Full arms |
6 to 10 |
|
Full legs |
12 to 20 |
Treat these as an estimate, not a rule. If your hair is thick or your strips are small, you will use more.
Wax strips price in Pakistan
Prices change by seller, size and count, so quoting a single number would be misleading. What matters more is the cost per session. Divide the pack price by the number of sessions you realistically get from it, then compare that figure.
Pre-waxed strips look cheap on the shelf but cover very little. A cream wax bundle that includes strips usually works out lower once you factor in how many areas it can cover. To understand how bundles compare, read our guides on cream wax prices in Pakistan and the painless cream wax price.
With Whitening Essence, the strip pack is free with Painless Cream Wax at Rs 1,525 for 400ml. The strawberry, aloe vera and lemon versions are listed with a wooden spatula and 100 strips, so you can see exactly what you are getting.
Mistakes people make with wax strips
• Using strips that are too small. A tiny strip tears under pressure.
• Not pressing the strip down. Air pockets mean wax stays behind.
• Pulling at an angle. Pull parallel to the skin.
• Reusing a worn strip. Once it stops gripping, switch to a fresh one.
• Pressing too hard on the face. Facial skin is thin, so use light pressure and small pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wax strips?
Wax strips are pieces of fabric or paper that remove wax and hair together. Some come already coated with wax, while others are plain and used with a cream or soft wax you apply yourself.
Are wax strips good for hair removal?
Yes, when you use the right type for the area. Strips remove hair from the root, so skin stays smooth for around two to four weeks. Plain strips with cream wax usually give better value than pre-waxed strips.
What is the best wax strip in Pakistan?
The best strip is a strong, soft, non-woven strip of the right size for the area you are waxing. If you buy cream wax, choose one that includes strips so you know they are compatible. Whitening Essence Painless Cream Wax includes a free strip pack.
How much do wax strips cost in Pakistan?
Prices vary by seller, size and quantity. Judge value by cost per session rather than the sticker price. A cream wax bundle with strips usually costs less per session than repeatedly buying pre-waxed strips.
What is the difference between pre-waxed strips and plain wax strips?
Pre-waxed strips already have wax on them and are ready to use. Plain strips are blank fabric that you use with a cream or soft wax you spread yourself. Plain strips cost less over time.
Can you reuse wax strips?
Often yes, on body areas. A strip can usually be used two or three times until it stops gripping hair. Do not reuse a strip that is loaded with hair or has lost its stickiness.
How do I use wax strips on my legs?
Spread a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth, press a strip on, hold the skin taut and pull quickly against growth. Work in small sections. See our guide to waxing under legs for area specific tips.
Can I use wax strips on my face?
You can, with care. Cut strips small, use light pressure and patch test first. Facial skin is thinner than body skin. Avoid waxing if you have active breakouts or use retinoids.
Why do my wax strips tear?
The strip is probably too thin, too small or being pulled at an angle. Try a larger, stronger strip, press it down firmly and pull parallel to the skin.
How many wax strips do I need for full legs?
Roughly 12 to 20 if you reuse each strip two or three times. This varies with strip size and how thick your hair is. Keep a few spare.
Do wax strips hurt?
There is some sensation, because hair is pulled from the root. A good strip and a thin layer of wax reduce the discomfort. A weak strip that tears and needs a second pull will hurt more.
What are cotton wax strips?
Cotton or muslin strips are cloth strips used with wax. They are strong and suit thick hair, but they can be bulky and are harder for beginners to handle than non-woven strips.
Where can I buy wax strips online in Pakistan?
You can buy Whitening Essence Painless Cream Wax with a free strip pack from whiteningessence.com. Delivery takes two to four business days in major cities, and free delivery is available with code FREEDC.
How do I clean wax residue left on skin?
Apply a little oil, such as olive or baby oil, and wipe gently with a soft cloth or cotton pad. Avoid scrubbing hard on freshly waxed skin.
Start with strips included
If you would rather not piece together wax, strips and a spatula from different places, start with Whitening Essence Painless Cream Wax. It comes with a free strip pack, it is easy to use at home, and over 1,000 customers have reviewed it. You can see more options in our body care collection.
For a full beginner routine, read our guide to painless hair removal at home or return to the complete guide to wax in Pakistan.
