Folliculitis After Waxing: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
A consistent waxing routine offers many benefits to people hoping to tame unwanted hair, but some clients notice folliculitis after waxing, and these red, itchy bumps can make them reconsider this epilation method. Folliculitis is generally mild after waxing, but we can’t deny the frustration it causes.
Fortunately, you can take certain steps to avoid these breakouts and reclaim your skin! Ready to learn more? Join us as we dive beneath the surface to answer all your questions about folliculitis after waxing!
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is characterized by inflammation of the hair follicles after a hair removal treatment like waxing, shaving, and laser sessions. It can occur anywhere that hair exists on your face or body, including legs, buttocks, arms, and beyond. Here are the details you need to know about folliculitis after hair removal:
What causes folliculitis?
Bacteria, fungi, and viral infections are the foremost causes of folliculitis. Damaged skin and open follicles can allow these microorganisms to invade, leading to dreaded breakouts in the affected area.
Signs and symptoms of folliculitis after waxing
Tender, red bumps or an acne-like rash can appear in the days after treatment. These blemishes may be dry, contain pus, or mimic ingrown hairs. Some people experience painful cysts, while others exhibit something that looks like an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. General redness, inflammation, and itchy skin can also signal folliculitis after waxing.
When to see a doctor for folliculitis
If you experience signs of infection, such as fever or flu-like symptoms, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. Bumps, irritation, and discomfort that last despite following DIY methods for control may also require a visit with your general practitioner.
How do you prevent folliculitis after waxing?
Proper skin preparation and aftercare techniques can minimize the risk of folliculitis after waxing. Here are a few practices to keep in mind:
Exfoliate before your waxing appointment
Exfoliating the treatment area 24 hours before your waxing appointment can help you shed dead skin cells that may harbor bacteria and clog your pores, leading to folliculitis. For the best results, make regular exfoliation part of your typical skincare routine.
Grow your hair to the proper length for waxing
Attempting to wax hairs shorter than one-quarter inch long can lead to breakage, damage, and ingrown hairs. Schedule your appointments four to six weeks apart to ensure your hair length is appropriate for treatment.
Practice proper aftercare
Proper waxing aftercare can improve your waxing results and help you prevent folliculitis. Here are a few practices to prioritize after your wax:
Maintain moisturized skin
Gently exfoliate
Avoid sun exposure
Avoid sweating and excessive heat
Avoid friction and tight clothing
How to treat folliculitis after waxing
Sometimes, folliculitis is unavoidable. These are some of the best ways to treat folliculitis when it occurs and care for your skin after waxing:
Keep the area clean
Since bacteria is one of the main causes of folliculitis, keeping the area clean before and after waxing will help minimize the severity of any breakouts that emerge. Cleanse the treatment area with a mild soap twice a day to eliminate dirt, oils, and microorganisms that may be to blame for your blemishes.
Use a warm compress
While a cool compress is generally recommended to control inflammation following a wax, a warm compress may help open pores and follicles if you believe ingrown hairs are part of the problem. Remember, warm water isn’t a good option for most types of inflammation, so be mindful of your application.
Consider a topical treatment
An antibacterial cream can be used to address certain microorganisms that cause folliculitis after waxing, but you may need a prescription from your dermatologist. Over-the-counter options can also help. Consider using pure aloe vera gel to soothe your skin and high-quality tea tree oil, which contains natural antiseptic properties, to balance your microbiome.
Wear loose clothing
Friction can cause folliculitis and make existing breakouts worse by irritating inflamed hair follicles and forcing dirt and oil into your pores. Loose, comfortable clothing will allow your skin to breathe and reduce the buildup of heat in the treatment area so your skin can heal.
Avoid picking and scratching
It’s tempting to pick at the bumps and blemishes that appear on your face and body after waxing, but this practice may worsen your folliculitis and prolong the healing process.
Don’t attempt to manually extract ingrown hairs since this will almost certainly damage your skin. Instead, use a warm compress to encourage them to emerge. If your skin feels itchy, use aloe vera and a nourishing moisturizer to keep the area hydrated.
Discover an exceptional waxing experience at The Wax Room!
The hair removal experts at The Wax Room are here to help you achieve smooth, supple, hair-free skin on your terms.
Whether you want semi-permanent results or you’re looking to establish a waxing routine, we can make it happen! Contact us today to learn more, or schedule an appointment online to get started!