You’ve done it! You’ve braved the wax pot, faced the strips, and emerged smoother than a dolphin at a spa. Now that your freshly waxed skin is looking and feeling fabulous, let’s make sure it stays that way. Post-waxing care isn’t just about pampering — it’s about keeping your skin happy, calm, and free from those pesky ingrown hairs.
Here’s your easy (and slightly cheeky) guide to what you can and can’t do after waxing.
✅ The “Yes, Please!” List
1. Be gentle with your skin
Your pores are open and your skin’s feeling sensitive, so treat it like fine silk. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser when showering and pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Think “careful kitten” not “scrubbing potato.”
2. Keep it cool
Warm showers are fine, but save the sauna sessions and hot baths for later. Right now, your skin needs cool comfort, not a steam room audition.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Drink plenty of water (your skin will thank you) and use a light, soothing moisturiser or a specialised post-wax lotion. Aloe vera gel is a superstar here — cooling, calming, and as refreshing as a sea breeze in summer.
4. Exfoliate (but later)
Exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hairs, but timing is everything. Wait 3–5 days before you gently exfoliate — a soft scrub, mitt, or exfoliating cloth is perfect. Regular gentle exfoliation will keep those follicles free and your skin silky.
5. Let it breathe
Loose-fitting clothing is your best friend for the next couple of days. Think cotton underwear, flowy dresses, and breathable fabrics. Basically, now’s not the time for tight jeans or Lycra leggings — give your skin some space to chill.
❌ The “No, Not Yet!” List
1. Hands off!
Touching freshly waxed skin might be tempting (it’s so smooth!), but your hands carry bacteria. Keep them away to avoid irritation or infection.
2. No sweating marathons
Avoid the gym, running, hot yoga, or anything that’ll make you glisten for the next 24–48 hours. Sweat + open pores = irritation city. Your skin will appreciate the rest.
3. Skip the sunbathing
Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive to UV light, so avoid sunbeds and sunbathing for at least 48 hours. Besides, red patches and sunburn are not the look we’re going for.
4. No fake tan or perfumed products
Lotions, perfumes, and self-tanners can sting and cause breakouts. Stick to gentle, natural products until your skin’s settled.
5. Don’t pluck or shave between appointments
Resist the urge to grab the razor. Let your hair growth cycle sync up — it’ll make your next wax smoother, quicker, and longer-lasting.
💆♀️ Bonus Tip: Treat Yourself!
Your skin’s been through a lot — it deserves a bit of TLC. A soothing post-wax balm, a calm evening in your comfiest PJs, maybe even a glass of something sparkly. You’ve earned it!
And if you ever find yourself unsure about bumps, redness, or pesky ingrown hairs — don’t panic. That’s what your waxing professional (hi, Ross!) is here for.
In Short
- Do: Be gentle, hydrate, exfoliate later, and wear loose clothes.
- Don’t: Overheat, sweat, or smother your skin in heavy products.
Remember — a little care goes a long way to keeping that silky-smooth feeling for weeks!