Post Waxing Aftercare Guide: Brazilian, Underarms, and Everything In Between
There’s plenty of advice out there about how to take care of your skin after a wax, and not all of it can be trusted! Plenty of YouTube and TikTok videos provide outright wrong or poor information, and give a bad impression to people preparing for their first waxing appointment. All of the information here is approved by a licensed esthetician for the quickest, safest waxing aftercare process.
What to expect after you leave the studio or spa
For those going for their very first wax, you need to be aware of some possible side effects. They are totally normal, and are no cause for concern. If any side effects last longer than 24 to 48 hours, contact your esthetician for guidance on how to proceed.
Some slight redness or irritation
Simply due to the nature of waxing, you should expect to deal with some slight redness, irritation, and sensitivity to the waxed area for a couple of days. This is especially true if a soft wax was used during your appointment, as it exfoliates and removes some of the dead top layer of skin along with hairs.
Slight soreness and small bumps are also possible side effects you should be aware of. With proper aftercare and the avoidance of certain activities, you avoid making these side effects worse or having them last longer.
When does your hair start to grow back?
Contrary to what you would assume, hair grows in multiple cycles. To get on a good schedule, give at least four appointments for lasting results. Until then, expect some hair regrowth after a week or so. You probably already know from your first appointment, but hair will have to be at least ¼ of an inch long before your next wax. Please, tempting as it might be, don’t shave between appointments!
Activities to avoid after your waxing appointment
Your esthetician likely sent you home with a great list of things you want to avoid after your wax. If you want to get a wax for a special event, plan ahead of time to allow your skin time to heal after your appointment.
Avoid heat and friction on waxed areas
Your skin will already be slightly sensitized and irritated, and friction amplifies discomfort. Additionally, your skin is more susceptible to UV rays for a couple days after a wax, so you should avoid lengthy outdoor activities. A good list of activities to avoid for 48 hours is:
No beach days or tanning after a waxing session
No sports, gym, or other exercise activities
Avoid leggings and other tight fitting clothing; do wear clean, loose clothing
Don’t swim in chlorinated pools
Postpone sexual activity after a Brazilian or bikini waxing appointment
Keep it clean!
Take extra precaution to ensure that your freshly waxed skin stays clean. Sweat and dirt trigger skin problems, especially so on newly waxed skin. Only use the right products (we’ll talk about those in just a moment) that are unscented, and won’t further irritate your skin. Avoid hot showers and baths, and instead use lukewarm or cold water to safely wash.
Products to use for best results
In addition to your normal skincare routine, there are a few extra products you should use after a waxing appointment to slow hair growth, reduce ingrown hairs, and keep your skin soft and smooth.
Exfoliation is key
One of the most important aspects of aftercare is exfoliation. Proper exfoliation reduces the probability of whiteheads, blackheads, and ingrown hairs. It’s best to start a couple days after your appointment, once any irritation and redness has subsided.
If you’re exfoliating in the shower, use a proper exfoliating mitt. For dry brushes, use just before getting in the shower to maximize effectiveness. Once a day is plenty! Exfoliate too much, and you actually risk irritating skin and causing ingrown hairs.
Moisturize for smooth, healthy skin
In addition to exfoliation, moisturizers help to keep skin feeling and looking healthy and soft. Apply your recommended moisturizer after exfoliation for best absorption into your skin. Avoid perfumed or scented products, or ingredients that dry out skin and leave a barrier on the top layer.
Ingrown hair prevention products
For those clients that really struggle with ingrown hairs, there are specific products that help eliminate them. Some include ingredients that even slow down the hair growth process. Your esthetician can guide you through picking out the right combination of products that best complement your skin type and what it needs! Follow a great body skincare regimen to achieve the best results.
For the best waxing service and care in San Jose, come visit Necesse Aesthetics. We pride ourselves on providing quality service, and educating clients on the best ways to achieve great results and flawless skin!