- Although the discomfort associated with waxing subsides as soon as the waxing is over, the area can remain sensitive and can feel like a sunburn.
- Wait 24 hours before engaging in activities that cause you to sweat or create friction in the area that was waxed such as physical exercise, tanning booths, and the sun. Your pores are open as a result of the waxing and are susceptible to infection. Stay away from the ocean or hot tubs for 24 hours. If perhaps you did not follow directions and went for a run post the wax resulting in bumpy, irritated skin, apply Hydrocortisone 1% cream or gel to the affected area.
- You may shower after your wax, just be cautious with the water temperature and apply sparingly a layer of Hydrocortisone Cream 1% or gel available at any drug or grocery store after your shower. Do it again that night and the next day if needed. It works great on bumps, redness, itchiness and any irritation and calms everything down.
- If you notice any areas that are raw or especially tender, apply Polysporin or Neosporin Ointment (available at any drug or grocery store) that evening and the next day.
- After the redness subsides get into the habit of exfoliating the area. The top of the hair follicle sometimes gets irritated and a very thin layer of skin grows over it stopping the emerging hair from coming out, thus resulting in an ingrown hair. Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells and opens the follicle. Use a synthetic poof or loofah with clear body wash and wash the area waxed in circular movements. Do not scrub too hard. This reduces ingrown hairs by keeping the follicles open and conditions the skin at the same time.
- If you have ingrown hairs, please do not pick at them. That only infects them and helps them to spread.
- Don't shave between waxings, it makes the hair resistant to future waxing. The first couple of waxes may not be perfect and you may not be super smooth. Hair grows in at different lengths especially if you have been shaving for a long time so at the time of your first wax there will be really short hairs and long hairs. There also be some breakage resulting in the hair not being pulled from the root. Be patient. As you continue to wax, the hair volume and thickness of hair is less so it is much easier to get all the hair and you will feel super smooth. If you see some random hairs, you may tweeze but only for 3 days after the waxing, then grin and bear it until the next time.
- For waxing to be the most effective, schedule an appointment every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Call me at 858-395-6195 or email at barbara@skintradespa.com with any questions.
