Let’s not beat around the bush – waxing can be painful. Since we’re pulling the hair straight from the follicle, the skin can get a little… angry. For sensitive skin types (hi, me), easing the redness can take a while. If you find that shifting the hair has left your skin inflamed, red, and a little bit irritated, there are things you can do to ease the discomfort (wine not included but each to their own).
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Plan ahead
First up – patience. Whatever the reason may be for your wax (bikini-wearing, or just ‘cause you like it), your sensitive skin will need a few days to recover. Once you get to grips with how long your hair regrowth takes, you can figure out how far in advance to book your wax appointment. Allow a couple of days recovery, and the redness should have eased.
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2 Hot wax, always
When it comes to the bikini line, strip waxing is the old school method that should probably be left in the past. Hot wax is typically made with antiseptic tea tree oil and becomes firmer as it cools, contracting around the hairs and gripping tightly. More hairs (and even those short rogues), will be pulled out with more ease – in one, swift movement. Fewer pulls = less redness.
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3 Keep it airy
The thought of pulling up a lacy thong after a wax is about as tempting as salad on a hangover. Tight clothing will trap heat and bacteria and make for an uncomfortable walking-down-the-street experience (plus red, irritated skin). Keep things light and breezy down below for around 24 hours – we’d suggest cotton knicks as the material is more gentle. The key is to avoid all friction, so skip the lycra (and gym too), and let your skin breathe.
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4 Exfoliate, and again
Make sure to exfoliate 24 hours before your waxing appointment for a smoother finish and calmer skin all round. Keep that up once you’ve had your wax (though make sure to wait 48 hours). This will help to remove dead skin cells that block hair follicles – causing those pesky red bumps and painful ingrowns. Try rubbing a little aloe vera into the skin post-exfoliation to cool the skin.
Ta-da rash-free wax (sort of). With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area for your next wax.
FAQs
How can you reduce redness after waxing sensitive skin?
You can reduce redness by wearing loose cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing for 24 hours. Letting your skin breathe helps prevent irritation, while skipping the gym decreases friction and heat.
What type of wax is best for sensitive bikini lines?
Hot wax is usually better for sensitive bikini lines than strip wax. Hot wax grips the hair more effectively and removes even short hairs in one swift motion, which means fewer pulls and less redness compared to strip waxing.
When should you exfoliate if you’re getting a wax?
Exfoliate your skin 24 hours before your waxing appointment for a smoother finish. Wait 48 hours after waxing to exfoliate again, which helps prevent ingrown hairs and red bumps by removing dead skin cells.
How long does it take for skin to recover after waxing?
Sensitive skin typically needs a few days to recover from waxing. Allowing a couple of days after your appointment gives redness and irritation time to subside, especially if you have sensitive skin types.
What can you apply to soothe skin after waxing and exfoliating?
Applying a little aloe vera to your skin after exfoliating can help cool and calm the area. Aloe vera is gentle and helps reduce discomfort following a waxing treatment.