WAXING: Everything you need to know

How often should I get my waxing treatment?

It is recommended to get waxing treatments every four to five weeks. Regular waxing helps reduce sensitivity of the skin as it becomes accustomed to the process. Over time, the hair follicle grips the hair less, making the hairs easier to remove. Frequent waxing can also result in less hair growth over time.

What should I expect after my first waxing treatment?

You can expect smooth, hairless skin! However, everyone’s skin reacts differently to waxing, so temporary redness and mild irritation may occur for a day or two. Slight itchiness may also be felt as the hair begins to grow back. Proper post-wax care will help soothe these symptoms quickly.

If you're a bride, attending a special occasion, or going on holiday, it’s best to have your first waxing treatment about a month before the event to see how your skin reacts. If all goes well, you can schedule another session a few days before your special day.

Will I get ingrown hairs?

It’s possible. Waxing removes the entire hair, including the root, from the follicle, which can sometimes lead to ingrown hairs. To help prevent this, it’s important to keep the area gently exfoliated. Use a mild scrub about two days after waxing and continue exfoliating 1-2 times a week. Remember, it should be gentle!

You can also apply a mixture of tea tree and lavender oil, as both are antimicrobial and antibacterial, helping to prevent irritation.

For a few days after waxing, wear loose-fitting clothes to allow your skin to breathe and reduce moisture. Areas like the bikini line, lips, and underarms are more prone to perspiration, which can lead to bacteria growth. Since the hair follicle is open after waxing, bacteria can more easily enter.

It’s also advisable to avoid heavy exercise that causes excessive perspiration and chafing for about 24-48 hours after waxing.

How can I prevent ingrown hairs?

For the first 24-48 hours after waxing, avoid the following on the waxed areas:

• Exfoliating products: Avoid Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products, loofahs, scrubs, and other exfoliants.
• Direct sun exposure and tanning beds: These can irritate freshly waxed skin.
• Fragrant creams: Avoid products with fragrances or irritating ingredients.
• Deodorant: It can clog open follicles and cause irritation.
• Tight clothing: This can cause friction, irritation, and inflammation.
• Excessive heat: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or very hot showers—warm showers are fine.
• Exercise: Any activity that causes chafing or sweating should be avoided.
• Touching the waxed area: This can lead to irritation.

After 24-48 hours, you can start regular exfoliation with a shower gel and loofah or exfoliating glove to keep your skin soft and prevent ingrown hairs. Be sure to apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to any exposed areas. Waxing removes the top layer of skin, leaving it more sensitive to sun exposure, which can increase the risk of sunburn.

How do I benefit from waxing?

Waxing offers several benefits, especially when done every four to five weeks. Unlike shaving, which only cuts hair at the skin’s surface, waxing removes hair from the root, causing it to grow back softer, finer, and thinner over time. Waxing is ideal for those who want to avoid the constant hassle of shaving multiple times a week. The more frequently you wax, the less hair will grow back, leading to smoother skin with fewer maintenance sessions.

Will waxing make my hair grow back thicker/stronger/darker?

Absolutely not. Waxing does not stimulate the growth of more hair follicles. In fact, with regular waxing, you'll likely notice that your hair grows back sparser and finer. When hair is shaved, it’s cut at the thickest part, which is why you may feel stubble the next day. However, waxing removes hair from the root, so the new hair that grows back is fine at the tip, without the stubble. The only factors that affect hair growth are hormones—whether natural or artificial.