Waxing is a significant part of our human nature. Statista reports that 6.39 million Americans waxed 4+ times a month in 2020! Odds are, the majority of that 6.39 million struggle with ingrown hairs, inflammation, and excessive irritation, so if you find yourself in that same boat, don't feel embarrassed or frustrated. Itching, redness, and pesky pus-filled bumps after a wax can affect just about anybody without proper care.
What to do immediately (for the first 24 hours) after waxing
The day after your wax is a delicate time for your affected skin. Your hair follicles are irritated. The outermost skin layer and oils have been removed along with your unwanted hair. It's time to give your skin some major TLC. If you get waxed at a salon, your esthetician should provide aftercare information. Here's what we recommend.
Feed Your Skin
Find a serum that works for you. We recommend something with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) like Lactic or Glycolic acid. AHAs encourage gentle exfoliation and turnover of new skin cells. These acids also contain antiseptic properties that can prevent infected follicles and ingrown hairs. A good serum also needs soothing ingredients like aloe, camphor, and glycerin to reduce irritation. We suggest Smooth Operator, which contains all of these ingredients.
Wait to Exfoliate
Consider your last wax as your last exfoliation. Exfoliate too soon, and your skin can become raw and damaged. In about 3-4 days after waxing, you can exfoliate again to assist in cell replenishment.
Loosen Up
Wear loose clothing going into your wax appointment and a few days after. This prevents rubbing against skin that's still reeling from a wax.
Ice, Ice Baby
If irritation persists, you can't go wrong with ice or a cool compress to reduce redness and itching.
What NOT to do in the first 24 hours after waxing
Don't Rinse or Shower just yet
Immediately after waxing, your esthetician most likely will have slathered the area with a soothing solution or oil of their preference. It's important to let this sit on the skin for a couple of hours as a barrier for bacteria and debris. When you do shower, use a gentle and unscented cleanser.
Don't be so picky
We know you want to but leave those ingrowns alone. They'll heal on their own. Picking will only cause scarring, discoloration and prolong the healing process.
Bring on the shade
Keep waxed areas out of the sun for a couple of days. Waxing is like an intense exfoliating treatment, so you don't have as many layers of skin protecting you from those rays.
Skip the gym
We give you permission to skip a gym sesh. We highly recommend skipping physical activities that can make you sweat after a wax. The last thing your freshly waxed skin needs while it's healing is dirt, sweat, and chafing. Your skin needs a break so take one too.
What to Do Before Waxing
There are plenty of ways to pamper your skin after your wax, but don't forget that you can also prepare for your appointment.
Exfoliate
Before your appointment, go in with your favorite scrub, chemical peel, or exfoliating gloves to remove dead cells and debris that may get in the way of healing after your wax.
Clean Slate
Make sure your skin is clean before your appointment! Especially your bikini area! It's crucial that you hold off on introducing bacteria from any parts of your body onto newly waxed skin. Not only will your esthetician thank you, but so will your skin.
Grow, Baby, Grow
Hair must be at least the length of a grain of rice; otherwise, you may not get as thorough of wax as you and your esthetician want.
Moisturize
One of the most important things you can do for your skin, especially when you regularly wax, is to moisturize. Moisturizing regularly between appointments allows for an easier and smoother wax and can prevent excessive skin irritation and trauma. Moisturizing not only allows for an easier wax but aids in aftercare as well. Creating a barrier between your skin and debris prevents infection and ingrown hairs after your appointment. Your hydrated skin and follicles will thank you! We recommend Strip's Nourishing Oils. These oils are infused with skin-loving ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E, and Aloe.
Waxing pre-care and aftercare are important to prevent discomfort and irritation between appointments and long-term damage to your skin. These tips help protect your skin from scarring, discoloration, irritation, ingrown hairs, and everything in between. Our goal is to make grooming an easy and understandable experience for anyone, regardless of gender or background, because everyone looks good with healthy and radiant skin.