Waxing: before & after care

Before your wax

So you’ve booked a wax. Here are a couple of things that lessen the discomfort — and make the hair-free feeling last longer.

Make sure the hair is long enough to be removed completely from the root. It should be at least half a centimetre. If you have shaved the area within the last few weeks it might take a couple of waxes to get the hair into a cycle of growth that allows the most effective finish.

Immediately after your wax

It is normal to see a little redness and a prickly, heat-type rash straight afterwards. This should settle within a few hours and is usually just a histamine reaction.

Because waxing removes hair at the root, the area needs to be kept clean and free of bacteria. For the first twelve hours or so:

• No sunbathing for at least 12 hours — have your waxing done at least the day before you go on holiday.
• No swimming in a chlorinated pool for 24 hours.
• The same goes for spa baths and saunas.
• Avoid applying any topical lotions for at least 12 hours — fragrances and other lubricants can cause a burning sensation.
• Avoid touching the waxed area, so it stays bacteria free.
• Use a tea tree oil based product on the area for its anti-bacterial qualities.

Three to ten days after waxing

As the skin closes over the follicles, the next thing to think about is preventing ingrown hairs — new, often softer hair getting trapped under the skin. A few simple measures avoid it entirely.

Use a soft brush or an exfoliating glove to gently buff the area every two or three days. This matters most from about day three through to the ten day mark. It does not need to be hard scrubbing — gentle exfoliation is enough.

The bonus of following the aftercare advice, besides skin that stays smooth and hair-free for longer, is that it makes your next wax quicker and considerably less painful.

How long will your wax last?

If you are a first-time or occasional waxer you will probably notice some new growth within two to three weeks, because hair grows on a naturally staggered cycle. That first regrowth is sparse — about a third of the hair normally present. The rest follows soon after.

Regular waxing will leave the area hair free for three to six weeks. Over time, the density of hair in the waxed area may start to decrease as well.

More information

More waxing questions? Please call us on 01905 726 358 and we will be happy to help.