Waxing is undoubtedly one of the most popular and effective ways to get rid of unwanted hair. And while we all love the silky, smooth feeling you get after waxing, knowing the best waxing aftercare routine will help keep your skin glowing long after your wax sesh.
Here are some steps you can take to protect and care for your skin between waxing appointments.
What we mean by “waxing aftercare”
Waxing aftercare is simply what you can do at home to ensure you have the best possible waxing experience right after your appointment and even weeks later. While there are steps that can help your skin thrive, other things — sun exposure, hot tubs, oily lotions — can aggravate skin that is extra-sensitive right after your waxing.
Why is post-wax care important?
Waxing aftercare is important because it can help you protect your skin and avoid skin irritation and ingrown hairs. This is because waxing has an exfoliating effect on your skin. While this has significant benefits, it can leave skin more sensitive for a short period. Post-wax care immediately following your treatment can help soothe and protect your skin cells after exfoliating.
How do I take care of my skin after a wax?
Here are some waxing aftercare tips for taking care of your skin based on the waxed area:
Bikini wax aftercare
If your bikini area is feeling sensitive after a wax (which can be common), there are a few things you can try to help soothe your skin, including:
- Cold compress
- Aloe vera
- Cooling gel
- Hydrocortisone cream (stick with a concentration of 1% or less)
Wear loose clothing and avoid activities that might cause friction or chafing. After a few days or up to a week, exfoliate using a light scrub or gentle exfoliating serum and continue exfoliation every few days until your next wax.
Brazilian wax aftercare
Brazilian wax aftercare is very similar to bikini wax aftercare, in that the waxed area will likely feel a bit sensitive following your first treatment. Cold compresses and cooling gels can be hugely helpful in soothing the skin. Cold packs can also help close the pores.
Brow/facial wax aftercare
While it might be tempting to touch your brows or face after a wax, resist the urge. Your fingers can introduce oil and impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts in the waxed area.
Cold packs can help close the pores. Apply a little aloe vera gel if your skin is red and irritated, but be careful to avoid your eyes. Wash using a gentle cleanser but wait at least a day before using an exfoliator or makeup on your brows. And don’t tweeze between appointments or you risk messing up the careful shape of your eyebrows.
Arm, chest, back, and leg wax aftercare
The guidelines for post-wax care for the rest of your body is similar to the above: Wear loose clothing, stay out of hot water for 24–48 hours, avoid products with harsh chemicals or heavy oils, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. If you use a body scrub, wait a few days to let your skin recover before you resume your scrub routine.
And if your skin is a little bit red and bumpy right after your waxing, which is completely normal, it will likely clear up in a few hours.
Should I exfoliate after a wax?
Yes, eventually you should exfoliate after a wax, but let your skin rest for 2 or 3 days to ensure that any irritation resolves from your waxing, which exfoliates your skin in addition to removing unwanted hair. A regular exfoliation routine can ensure that you are removing dead skin cells, dirt, and oil that can clog pores or cause ingrown hairs.
Should I moisturize after a wax?
Yes, you’ll want to make sure you clean and moisturize your skin, but stay away from products that are greasy or oily and could clog your pores. When it comes to post-wax care, stick with gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizers to prevent your skin from drying out. (Check out our list of recommended moisturizers below.)
What not do after a waxing treatment
We’re all about waxing your way, but here are some things you should definitely avoid after a wax:
- Avoid the sun. Your skin is extra sensitive after a waxing, and exposing it to the sun can cause hyperpigmentation or sun damage. We recommend avoiding direct sunlight for 48 hours before and after your hair removal treatment
- Similarly, avoid tanning beds for 48 hours after your service. If you’re getting a spray tan, we would recommend getting your tan 1–2 days after your wax. This will ensure your skin is hair-free and has had time to recover.
- Don’t go swimming in a pool. Even a lake or ocean can contain bacteria and may cause an infection when your hair follicles are extra vulnerable.
- Believe it or not, a bath can also introduce impurities. The best option right after a waxing treatment is a lukewarm shower. Avoid hot water as it can also dehydrate your skin.
- Don’t exfoliate right away. Give your skin a few days to recover, since waxing itself is a form of exfoliation.
- Avoid using products that have harsh chemicals like artificial fragrance, as they can irritate your skin when your pores are most vulnerable.
- Don’t tweeze between eyebrow waxing appointments.
What’s normal after a wax?
Your skin might be red and irritated for a few hours up to a day or two after your hair removal treatment. That’s totally normal, and it usually resolves on its own. Some of what you experience could include:
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Redness
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Irritation
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Itching
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Bumps
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Ingrown hairs
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Stubble
Can I get a bacterial reaction or infection after waxing?
In the rare case that you develop folliculitis, a bacterial skin infection, apply warm compresses a few times a day and wait at least 30 days before you try any form of hair removal.
How to prevent ingrown hair
Regular exfoliation will help prevent ingrown hairs, using a non-oil-based moisturizer and keeping your hands away from your waxed skin will help prevent ingrown hairs. It also hinders breakouts or pimples, which can also happen after a hair removal treatment.
For Brazilian and bikini wax aftercare in particular, we love Fur products as our post-wax care go-to. See below for more aftercare products!
Recommended products for waxing aftercare
An important part of post-wax care is soothing and healing the waxed skin, while at the same time preventing reactions and in-grown hairs. Products like body butters, sugar scrubs, and serums can help you do that.
Exfoliating products
- An exfoliating dry brush like the Merben Bikini Brush can help prevent ingrown hairs and is great for sensitive skin. Bonus: It also stimulates circulation, eliminates toxins, improves internal organ function and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
- Waxing the City Sugar Scrub is a physical exfoliant that combines brown sugar cane, organic sugar cane, and bamboo powder along with the moisturizing power of aloe, organic shea butter, mango seed butter, Vitamin E extract and organic avocado oil. Your skin will thank you!
- The Lalicious Whipped Sugar Scrubs are great for sloughing away dry skin cells.
- The Lalicious Body Butter rejuvenates dry skin thanks to intense hydration from shea butter, safflower oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
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Waxing the City’s Bakuchiol Body Cream is loaded with antioxidants, making it perfect for post-wax care. The body cream brightens and firms skin while improving elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Whatever product you use, just remember to treat your skin with care right after a hair removal treatment, and then maintain a regular routine of exfoliation and moisturization to help your skin stay smooth, clear, and healthy.
A final word on waxing aftercare
Post-wax care is crucial for maintaining silky smooth skin and promoting healthy healing. Remember: You can always ask your Cerologist® for waxing aftercare tips based on your unique skin. Not only are they only hair removal specialists, they’re also estheticians with expert knowledge on how to improve the health and appearance of the skin.
Just as important as post-wax care is prepping the skin ahead of a waxing appointment. Here’s everything you need to know before your wax.
