You may think everything’s done once you finish your waxing appointment, but there's actually one important thing left to do: apply some diligent waxing aftercare. It is essential that you follow a few simple guidelines after waxing. Remember that a little prevention will go a long way to save your client from some annoying side effects that could ruin a perfect treatment.
While waxing is nothing to be afraid of, it does leave the skin in a sensitive state for approximately 24 to 36 hours after. During this time, you need to apply some after-wax care tips to soothe your skin and preserve your results. By the same token, you should avoid certain things to minimize the risk of potential problems like ingrown hairs, bacterial infections, rashes, itching, redness, and scarring.
Let's dive into what to do and not do after waxing.
The Do's of Post-Waxing Care
1. Apply a Post-Depilatory
Using a post-depilatory product is our number one waxing aftercare tip. Make sure your esthetician has a post-waxing lotion, gel, or oil available.
Post-depilatories have several functions in after-wax care: removing waxy residue, soothing the skin, and preventing irritation and ingrown hairs.
Our Post-Depilatory Calming Oil is a great option since it contains special ingredients like vitamins A, E, and F to protect and help skin recover after a treatment. In addition, it soothes the skin and keeps any irritation at bay.
Keep in mind that your skin needs to go back to its original state, so another great product that restores its optimal pH is our Post-Depilatory Acid Cream which enhances the skin's brightness and has soothing and moisturizing properties.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
Cold compresses work great for after-wax calming and care because they reduce red bumps, irritation, and inflammation. You can also massage an ice cube directly on the waxed skin, but if the sensation of ice against your skin is too much, melt the ice cube on a sponge puff and then press it onto your skin.
3. Consider Cool Gels
Cool gels with naturally calming ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil can also help soothe freshly waxed skin. Apply them regularly for a few days after your appointment to refresh and protect the area.
4. Wear Loose Clothing Made of Natural Fabrics
After-wax care also includes clothing, so make sure to wear loose items immediately after your treatment.
If you've just had a bikini or Brazilian wax, wear a fresh pair of comfortable undies to avoid sweat and friction, which might increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Similarly, choosing natural fibers like cotton will be better than synthetics like spandex or polyester, which do not allow the skin to breathe properly.
5. Exfoliate and Moisturize at the Right Time
Exfoliation is important in waxing aftercare, but you should not do it too soon. About two to three days after your treatment is the perfect time. Your pores will have closed and the skin has recovered. We recommend moisturizing daily from the first or second day after your waxing appointment to avoid clogging your pores or exposing skin to chemicals and fragrances.
6. Use Antiseptic or Hydrocortisone Creams
This will keep inflammation, itching, irritation, and rashes at bay. However, only use these after-wax care creams under expert guidance.
7. Choose Quality Products
You're dealing with the largest organ in your body: your skin. It deserves high-quality care; do not risk it! Make sure your esthetician uses only high-quality, salon-grade wax products.
Now that we’ve covered what to do after waxing, let’s look at what you shouldn’t do.
The Don'ts of After-Wax Care
1. Do Not Touch Freshly Waxed Skin
Resist the temptation to scratch or touch freshly waxed areas to prevent irritation, bumps, and potential infections. The oils and bacteria from your hands can clog pores and cause adverse reactions.
2. Do Not Use Oily or Drying Skin Products
This includes thick body butters, heavily scented or colored body washes, sprays, lotions, or deodorants.
Vaseline and oily products can clog your open pores and cause bumps, while fragrances or colorants can increase the risk for irritations on sensitive, freshly waxed skin.
3. Do Not Pick Ingrown Hairs
If you notice ingrown hairs after waxing, leave them alone for at least 48 hours, then exfoliate the area gently. Afterward, you can apply an antiseptic after-wax care cream.
If exfoliation does not remove it, you can try a special ingrown hair lotion.
4. Do Not Expose Your Skin to the Sun
Make sure to wait at least 48 hours before sun exposure if you don't want to run the risk of burns and scarring. Freshly waxed skin is very sensitive as its outer protective layer has been stripped. Therefore, sun exposure, in this case, could be more damaging than usual. Your skin might also develop hyperpigmentation in the waxed area if you expose it to the sun without any protection, which brings us to a very common waxing aftercare reminder: wear sunscreen at all times. It’s best to use a light sunscreen in your after-wax care routine if you must be out in the sun after an appointment.
5. Do Not Go Swimming
Wait at least 48 hours to swim in the beach or the pool after waxing. Salt water might sensitize your skin even further and cause bumps on freshly waxed skin. The chlorine in pool water can be harsh on sensitive skin as well, not forgetting the fact that swimming pools carry bacteria that might cause infection.
6. Do Not Do Strenuous Physical Activity
Not doing any exercise at all would be best for your after-wax care, but that may be a little extreme. However, a good rule of thumb is to avoid exercises that may make you hot and sweaty.
Sweat (and the bacteria that thrives in sweaty skin), as well as friction, might cause more damage than good on your sensitized skin, so why take the chance? Avoid sex for at least 48 hours after waxing your intimate areas as well.
7. Do Not Do a Chemical Peel
While gentle exfoliation is a good after-wax care practice, chemical peels are a big no-no. Waxing has already removed the superficial layer of skin cells, thus peeling would only strip those layers more deeply, over-sensitizing the skin and increasing the risk of skin damage. Wait until your skin has normalized completely, we recommend at least 36 to 72 hours.
Learn More With Beauty Image USA
Make sure you apply these waxing aftercare do's and don'ts to keep your skin healthy and glowing after your appointment.
At Beauty Image USA, we have the best professional waxes and supplies for licensed estheticians to pamper their clients' skin before and after waxing. Contact us today to learn more about us and our professional waxing supplies. call TOLL-FREE 888-513-8815 or fill out the contact form on this website. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you wish to get our latest news right in your inbox.
