Picture this: You’ve just walked out of the waxing studio feeling smooth and fresh — you’re brimming with confidence! But fast-forward a few hours and while you’re still rocking your post-wax glow, you’ve noticed a few white and red bumps and irritation. How did that happen, and more importantly, what can you do about it?
First, deep breath. If you break out or experience bumps after waxing, you’re not alone. What you’re seeing is likely a bit of folliculitis (the medical term for inflammation of the hair follicles). It can show up as small pimples, red bumps, or a rash on your body, and while it’s a common side effect of waxing, it’s also totally manageable. Spoiler: With the right prep, techniques, and aftercare, folliculitis after waxing is preventable. (More on that later!)
We’re covering everything you need to know about bumps after waxing, including:
- The causes of folliculitis after waxing
- How to prevent folliculitis after waxing — what to do before, during, and after your appointment for a healthy glow
- How to treat folliculitis after waxing
Plus, you’ll get expert skin health and treatment tips from Waxing the City Co-Founder Summer Vasilas.
What causes bumps after waxing?
First things first: why do pimples after waxing happen? Waxing removes hair straight from the root, which temporarily leaves hair follicles more open and vulnerable. If bacteria sneaks in during this time, it can lead to folliculitis. The good news? Knowing what causes folliculitis after waxing is the first step to preventing it.
Some common culprits of bumps after waxing include:
- Friction or sweat after waxing, especially in tight clothing or workout gear
- Touching freshly waxed areas with unwashed hands
- Improper exfoliation or clogged pores
- Naturally oily or acne-prone skin types, which are more susceptible to post-wax breakouts
Areas of the body with higher oil production (like the face, chest, or back) and skin that experiences lots of friction (like the bikini line) tend to be more prone to irritation and red bumps after hair removal.
How to prevent folliculitis after waxing
No matter the cause, getting bumps after waxing is never fun. We asked Waxing the City Co-Founder Summer Vasilas to share her top tips for how to prevent and treat folliculitis and amp up your post-wax glow. Here’s what to do before, during, and after your appointment for hair-free, healthy skin.
Before your waxing appointment
Great skin starts outside the treatment room. Use these tips to prep your skin and prevent irritation, ingrown hairs, and bumps — and get the best results from your wax:
- Gently exfoliate 24 to 48 hours before your wax to remove dead skin cells and clear out pores.
- Stay hydrated — dry skin is more prone to sensitivity and breakouts.
- Avoid heavy lotions or oils on the day of your appointment, as they can interfere with the wax and make hair removal less effective.
- Skip tanning, chemical peels, or retinoids (especially on your face) for at least 48 hours before waxing.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment to prevent friction, especially for body waxing.
During your waxing appointment
Our expert Cerologists are trained in specialized waxing techniques and skincare to give you your best wax yet. So when you walk into our studio, you can confidently leave waxing to the pros. “Everything we do is designed to give you smooth results with minimal irritation,” Vasilas says.
So how do we keep your skin healthy and happy while we wax? It starts with a personalized analysis to identify sensitivities or products that could cause issues (in the skincare world, we call these “contraindications” — basically, anything that could make waxing less safe or smooth). Then, it’s time to get down to business. Our waxing technique includes proper skin support, controlled wax temperatures, and precise application and removal to minimize skin irritation. To wrap up, we apply soothing post-wax products to calm and protect your skin.
The difference is in the details — more on our technique
We’re experts in hair removal, but our services go beyond that to give you industry-leading service and comprehensive guidance for smoothness (and confidence) that lasts. Here’s how we do it:
- Highly trained Cerologists: Our experts complete an extensive training program and ongoing education to perfect their hair removal technique.
- Custom-formulated waxes: We don’t use generic wax. Instead, we use specially formulated hard and soft waxes for a gentler, more effective service. (Goodbye, stray hairs and after-Brazilian-wax bumps!)
- Focus on education: “We don’t just wax — we educate.” says Vasilas. “Our Cerologists walk you through every step, how to care for your skin, and how to keep it looking healthy between visits.”
- Cleanliness: Sanitation is a non-negotiable. We follow strict hygiene standards in every studio, using single-use applicators and clean techniques for every service, every time.
- Specialized studio environment: Waxing is what we do best. Every detail is designed for that purpose — from our treatment rooms to our client protocols.
Simply put: “We combine the art and science of waxing for better skin and better results,” Vasilas says.
After your waxing appointment
When it comes to getting smooth, lasting results, post-wax care is just as important as the wax itself. Here’s how you can protect your results and prevent bumps and ingrown hairs after you leave the studio:
- Avoid sweating, friction, or heat for 24 hours after hair removal — this includes workouts, saunas, and hot baths.
- Keep hands off freshly waxed skin to avoid bacteria transfer.
- Use a gentle post-wax serum or antibacterial toner, especially for areas of your body that are especially prone to breakouts, like the face, chest, or back.
- Exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs (just make sure to give your skin a break from exfoliation for 48 hours post-wax).
- Moisturize daily with a non-comedogenic lotion to keep your skin supple and smooth.
Bonus tip: Ask your Cerologist about our curated line of post-wax products, hand-picked to help your skin recover and refresh.
How to treat folliculitis after waxing
If irritation or pimples after waxing do occur, don’t sweat it — minor bumps are usually short-lived and treatable. Use these tips to remedy post-wax irritation:
- Apply a warm compress to open your pores, reduce inflammation, and calm the skin. Apply for five to 10 minutes as needed.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial cleanser to reduce bacteria.
- Spot treat problem areas with witch hazel (for oily or combination skin), aloe vera (for sensitive skin), or salicylic acid (for acne-prone skin).
- Avoid the temptation to pick or squeeze bumps and ingrown hairs, which can lead to scarring or infection.
- Consider an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for inflamed areas (only for short-term use).
- Stay patient! With proper aftercare, bumps after waxing should go away after 24 to 48 hours.
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your studio! Your Cerologist can recommend the best treatment for your skin type and situation.
Related: What’s the Deal With Ingrown Hairs?
How long does it take for pimples after waxing to go away?
Good news: For most people, mild post-wax bumps or redness are short-lived and should resolve within 24 to 48 hours. If bumps last longer or turn into pustules (whiteheads) they may require more targeted care (or medical treatment).
If you’re experiencing irritation that won’t go away after several days, consult a medical professional who can give advice and recommend treatments to protect your skin’s health.
Say goodbye to bumps after waxing and hello to healthy skin
Folliculitis after waxing doesn’t have to be the norm — and we’re here to make sure of it! Staying consistent with your waxing routine, following proper aftercare, and keeping up with exfoliation can help minimize irritation and ingrown hairs. Plus, the more consistently you wax, the less likely you are to experience bumps over time (it’s just one of the many benefits of waxing on the reg). It’s time to experience your smoothest wax yet!
More waxing and skin health tips for you
With our specially formulated waxes and expert technique, you can achieve your healthiest, smoothest skin yet. Experience the difference — find a studio near you.