Waxing aftercare decides how your skin looks in the days after an appointment. Waxing pulls hair out of the follicle, and it removes a little of the skin's surface with it. For a day or two, the follicles are open and the skin is more sensitive than usual. Keeping the area cool, clean and free of friction lets it settle quickly.
What is normal after waxing
- Redness and warmth for a few hours, sometimes up to a day.
- Small red or white bumps around the follicles, which fade within a day or two.
- Tiny spots of blood where coarse hairs were removed, especially on the underarms and bikini line.
- Mild tenderness.
These reactions are stronger the first time, and they lessen with regular waxing.
The first 24 to 48 hours
Do
- Keep the area clean. Wash with cool or lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Cool it down. Apply a cool, damp cloth for a few minutes if skin feels hot.
- Soothe. Use a light, fragrance-free moisturizer or plain aloe vera gel.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing, preferably cotton.
- Wash your hands before touching the area.
Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Hot baths, hot showers, saunas, steam rooms | Heat increases redness and opens follicles further |
| Sunbathing, sunbeds and self-tanner | Freshly waxed skin burns and marks easily |
| Heavy exercise and sweating | Sweat and friction irritate open follicles |
| Swimming pools, hot tubs and the sea | Chlorine, salt and bacteria |
| Tight clothing | Rubbing causes bumps and ingrown hairs |
| Perfumed lotions, deodorant on waxed underarms, makeup on waxed facial areas | Fragrance and alcohol sting and irritate |
| Scrubs, acids and retinoids | The skin has just been exfoliated |
| Touching, scratching or picking | Transfers bacteria |
From day three onward
Exfoliate gently
Two or three days after waxing, start to exfoliate the area gently two or three times a week. Use a soft cloth, a mild scrub or a lotion with salicylic or lactic acid. This stops dead skin from trapping new hairs as they grow. See How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions.
Moisturize daily
Soft, supple skin lets new hairs through more easily.
Leave regrowth alone
Do not shave or tweeze between waxes, if you plan to wax again. Shaving makes regrowth blunt and uneven. Most people rebook every four to six weeks.
Area-specific tips
| Area | Extra care |
|---|---|
| Legs | Avoid tight jeans and leggings for a day |
| Underarms | Skip deodorant for several hours, or use a fragrance-free one; wear a loose top |
| Bikini line | Wear loose cotton underwear; avoid friction and sexual activity for 24 hours if the area is sore |
| Face, brows and upper lip | No makeup on the area for several hours; apply sunscreen before going outside; pause retinoids for a few days |
Dealing with common reactions
Redness that lasts
Apply cool compresses and a fragrance-free moisturizer. A pharmacist can advise on a mild cream if it is very uncomfortable.
Small bumps or whiteheads
These are usually irritated follicles, and they settle in a few days. Keep the area clean and dry, and do not squeeze.
Ingrown hairs
Warm compresses and gentle exfoliation help. Do not dig. See Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care.
Bruising or skin lifting
Thin or fragile skin can bruise, or its top layer can peel away with the wax, leaving a raw, shiny patch. Treat a raw patch like a graze: keep it clean, apply a plain ointment, and protect it from the sun. Skin lifting is more likely if you use retinoids. See How to Fit Hair Removal into Your Skincare Routine.
When to see a doctor
- Redness, swelling or pain that is getting worse after two days.
- Many pus-filled bumps, or a spreading rash.
- Blistering or a burn.
- Fever, or feeling unwell.
- A raw area that does not heal.
Make the next wax easier
- Moisturize daily, and exfoliate two or three times a week.
- Keep to a regular schedule. Hair that is waxed regularly comes out more easily.
- Tell your therapist about any reaction, and about the skincare and medicines you use.
- Prepare your skin beforehand. See How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal.
If waxing does not suit your skin, Shaving vs Waxing vs Epilating: Key Differences compares the alternatives.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal
- Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care
- Shaving vs Waxing vs Epilating: Key Differences
- How to Fit Hair Removal into Your Skincare Routine
- How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower after waxing?
Yes, with lukewarm or cool water. Avoid hot showers and baths for 24 to 48 hours.
When can I exfoliate after waxing?
Wait two to three days, then exfoliate gently two or three times a week to help prevent ingrown hairs.
How long do bumps last after waxing?
Small red bumps usually fade within one to two days. See a doctor if they become painful, filled with pus or last more than a week.