The Definitive Guide to Post-Wax Care
Searching for the ultimate resource for waxing aftercare? You’re in the right place! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to post-wax care to help you achieve optimal results from every session.
Why is post-wax care so important?
Post-wax care is essential for happy, healthy skin. Let’s explore the most significant benefits of this skincare practice:
Reduces irritation
Proper care after your personalized waxing service should include techniques to minimize discomfort and soothe irritated skin throughout the healing process. Redness, inflammation, and dry, itchy skin won’t stand a chance against the right products and practices.
Maintains results
Waxing aftercare isn’t just about healing — it’s also about getting the most out of each session. Post-wax care can help you maximize your results and enjoy silky-smooth skin even longer.
Protects against infection
After waxing, follicles are exposed, leading to a higher risk of infection. Following your waxing specialist’s aftercare instructions will help you protect your skin as it heals, avoid clogged pores, and minimize the chance of complications.
Prevents ingrown hairs
While waxing can naturally reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, you can take certain steps to encourage fewer trapped strands. By keeping the treatment area clean, moisturized, and exfoliated, you can help keep follicles clear of debris that may lead to ingrown hairs.
Learn more: The best ways to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing
Post-wax care tips to maximize results
Ready to learn all about post-wax care? Here’s our complete guide to waxing aftercare:
Immediately after your waxing appointment
Loose-fitting clothing: On the day of your appointment, wear loose, comfortable clothes that minimize friction and allow your skin to breathe.
Keep it clean: Gently wash the treatment area twice a day with cold water and a mild cleanser.
Hands off: Avoid touching your skin and picking at dry flakes to prevent the spread of bacteria. If you begin to peel, simply moisturize to hydrate the skin.
Protect from sun exposure: Protective clothing can minimize sun exposure on the legs, arms, chest, and face.
Beat the heat: Hot showers, sweaty workouts, and excess heat can promote harmful bacteria and boost inflammation.
Apply soothing products: Aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and a cold compress may soothe irritated skin. Use alongside a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer for the best results.
Related reading: Can you shower after waxing?
Over the next 24 to 48 hours
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin to maintain proper hydration.
Cleanse correctly: Continue using a mild cleanser to keep the skin clean without stripping away moisture.
Skip the beach: Sun exposure, sand, and open water are off-limits during the post-wax care period. Avoid swimming – even in the pool – and stay out of the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even when you plan to stay indoors.
Learn more: Brazilian wax aftercare to nourish your skin
After 48 hours
Maintain moisture: Continue using a soothing moisturizer to maintain hydration and avoid dry, flaky skin.
Begin exfoliating: Once your skin has healed, gently exfoliate every other day to prevent ingrown hairs.
Ditch the razor: Shaving between waxes disrupts the growth cycle and will hamper your long-term results.
Reintroduce skincare products: Slowly reintegrate your favorite skincare products into your post-wax care routine.
Related: How long does waxing last?
What not to do after waxing
Now that you understand the basics of post-wax care, let’s highlight a few activities to avoid for optimal results:
Avoid sun exposure
Waxing is a great way to exfoliate your skin and remove unwanted hair at the same time, but it’s essential to protect the treatment area from sun exposure. Since you’ve stripped away a protective layer, your skin is more susceptible to UV damage.
If the short-term effects like sunburn aren’t enough to keep you out of the sun, consider that exposure can accelerate aging and cause long-lasting hyperpigmentation. Wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 to 50 SPF.
Avoid excessive heat and sweating
Heat is a major no-no of post-wax care, as it intensifies inflammation and creates the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. Bubble baths, saunas, and grueling workouts are all off-limits in the first days after waxing sessions. Beyond the 72-hour mark, you can soak in the tub, hit the gym, and lounge in the sun (with sunscreen, of course) to your heart’s content.
No shaving!
In the early stages of your waxing journey, you might notice fresh strands emerging only days after your waxing appointment. You can thank your body’s natural hair growth cycles for this inconvenience.
As you maintain a consistent waxing schedule, your cycles will begin to sync, and you’ll enjoy weeks of silky-smooth skin. It’s essential to avoid shaving during this time.
Related: Can you shave after laser hair removal?
Experience superior waxing services at The Wax Room!
Post-wax care is critical for your skin health and your ultimate waxing results. At The Wax Room, we’re here to help you enjoy smooth, touchable skin for as long as possible!
From the leg to the pubic area to the perfectly sculpted brow — and everything in between — we offer the perfect solutions for unwanted hair! Reach out today or schedule an appointment online to get started.