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Leire Cavia / Stocksy
Waxing is undoubtedly one of the most popular hair removal methods. Apart from leaving skin silky smooth for up to six weeks, it's a technique that has been used to get rid of hair head-to-toe for generations. However, despite being such a common hair removal treatment, side effects such as wax burns are all too frequent.
Thankfully, though, most of these side effects can be easily avoided—and even if you do experience them during or after a waxing session, they're often easy and quick to treat. To learn what the potential side effects of waxing are, how to mitigate them, and how to treat them should they arise, we tapped three experts: waxing experts Rachael Gallo and Shay Sadrolashrafi and board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD. Read on for their insights.
Meet the Expert
- Rachael Gallo is a waxing specialist and was formerly the Director of Spa Operations at Exhale Spa.
- Marie Hayag, MD is an NYC board-certified dermatologist and founder of the dermatology clinic, Fifth Avenue Aesthetics.
- Shay Sadrolashrafi is a waxing expert and lead aesthetician for Wakse, an at-home body waxing brand.
Redness and Inflammation
Does waxing have you seeing red? You're not alone, as some level of pink tends to come with the territory—especially if you're removing thick hair or have sensitive skin. "The heat [from the wax] will sometimes cause redness and inflammation, which leads the blood vessels to dilate and more blood to flow into that area that's being waxed," explains Sadrolashrafi.
Although you may not be able to completely avoid it, there are some things you can do to lessen redness and leave your skin closer to how it looked before the wax.
How to Treat:
One thing that can help is using an aloe-based serum, such as Wakse's Cactus H20 Post-Wax Serum, to calm the skin and soothe inflammation or post-wax redness. If the area you had waxed is covered by clothing, opt for loose, comfortable items, as friction will only further irritate an already aggravated patch of skin.
Sun Sensitivity
Since waxing is a form of physical exfoliation, the top layers of the skin become thinner and more sensitive. As such, the waxed area becomes temporarily more susceptible to UV damage caused by the sun, which could lead to further irritation, inflammation, and sunburns.
How to Treat:
Post-wax, apply SPF to the treatment area to avoid sun damage. Furthermore, opt for a mineral formula as chemical ones absorb UV rays into the skin and convert them into heat before releasing them from the body—which could cause inflammation and discomfort.
Pimples
Congratulations! Your hair is gone, but now you're left with a pimple or two—or (yikes) even a breakout. Unfortunately, there's a chance this will happen even if you go to the best technician and aren't prone to acne.
"While waxing removes hair, it also takes some skin at the surface, leaving your pores exposed. A pimple will form if the pore becomes infected with bacteria," says Hayag. Naturally, due diligence pre- and post-wax, including taking care of basic hygiene, is key.
How to Treat:
Gallo recommends cleaning the skin post-body wax as well: "Cleanse the skin immediately after with a gentle foaming cleanser to remove any bacteria brought up through the follicle," she explains.
Before getting a wax, Hayag advises prepping the skin for what's ahead. "Preventing [pimples] in the first place is important. Make sure to exfoliate beforehand. A body wash with an exfoliant like salicylic acid can prevent and treat pimples. Avoid picking at the pimples and wear loose clothing to avoid irritating your skin even more," she says. Try using a pimple-targeting body wash, such as Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Wash, before waxing day.
Ingrown Hairs
These painful invaders can pop up after any form of hair removal. Shaving is a major offender when it comes to ingrown hair, as is using an epilator, but waxing manages to make the list, too. "Sometimes, after the hair has been removed, it regrows downwards instead of upwards, and it doesn't break the skin's surface," explains Hayag. "Usually, this is more common in areas where [the] hair is thicker, like the underarms or bikini line. It also occurs more frequently in people with curly hair," says Hayag.
How to Treat:
The good news is that by prepping the skin correctly—and taking care of it after your hair is gone—you can avoid these annoying bumps. "For treating ingrown hairs, I recommend exfoliating 24–48 hours before and after waxing and continuing this three times a week. Then follow up using a post-care serum," explains Sadrolashrafi.
Bumps
Sometimes, you look at your freshly waxed skin a few hours after, only to find bumps. They're not pimples, and they're not ingrown hairs—what are they? Turns out, the bumps you see immediately after waxing are quite similar to those you see when dealing with razor burn. "Raised bumps are often caused because of our body's reaction to the hair follicle that's being waxed and stress that occurs on the skin," says Sadrolashrafi.
How to Treat
According to Gallo, whether the bumps require treatment will depend on their severity. She says bumps that appear without redness often last for two days and disappear afterward, so no need to fret about treating them. However, if you experience pain from these bumps, Hayag advises using two topical remedies, but proceed with caution when using a moisturizer.
"You could use cold compresses to soothe your skin afterward. Applying topical cortisone cream is a good way to reduce inflammation. Make sure that any moisturizers you use afterward don't have any fragrances in them," she explains.
Expert Tip:
If the bumps don't go away after a few days, Sadrolashrafi says to consider applying aloe or tea tree oil to decrease the likelihood of infection. Consider trying a body lotion such as The Body Shop's Tea Tree Night Lotion ($20) for Blemished Skin, which uses tea tree oil to help fade blemishes.
Allergic Reaction
Many types of wax are used for hair removal. Common ingredients include sugar, fruit enzymes, chocolate, honey, etc. Some even include essential oils in their formulas to provide an aromatherapeutic element to the hair removal process. The point is: Myriad ingredients may find themselves in wax, so even though you may not think you're allergic to a certain type of wax, you may react to another one.
How to Treat:
For minor skin allergies, do a cool compress and apply an anti-itch lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone to reduce discomfort. Wear loose-fitting clothing with breathable fabrics to reduce irritation. If the allergy appears more severe, contact your doctor or visit the emergency room immediately.
Bruising
While the skin does get pulled during a wax, and bruising on sensitive skin is normal, you shouldn't turn black and blue after a service. "[Bruising] can be common for sensitive skin. We hold the skin taught as we wax, and this can cause subcutaneous bleeding, which is bleeding under the skin that creates the bruise," says Gallo.
If you bruised after a DIY waxing session, just be gentler with yourself next time. If you experience bruising after a professional wax service, don't return to that technician.
How to Treat:
Unfortunately, bruising isn't easily remedied. Try a high-CBD cream to help with the pain. Otherwise, Sadrolashrafi says to consider taking ibuprofen to mitigate the pain or applying a cold compress on the bruised skin. However, if the bruise isn't fading or is intensifying over several days, he recommends going to a medical professional for help.
Burned or Removed Skin
If the waxing really hurt, your skin is extremely red, and it looks burned and scraped, it's not the end of the world—but it is a problem. "Burned and removed skin can be the result of the wax used being far too hot for the skin. Removed skin can also occur if the same area is waxed more than once," explains Hayag. Naturally, this issue tends to happen with at-home waxing more often than with pros.
Though heat is the most likely culprit behind post-wax burning and damage, if the heat of the wax wasn't the issue, you may need to do a little detective work. When dealing with the skin, there is always the possibility of an interaction with a medication you're taking or a skincare product you're using. You can also experience reactions associated with a medical condition.
"If you are using a retinol cream or taking medications, your skin can become thinner and prone to lifting during a wax," says Gallo. "Ensure you always tell your therapist what medications and creams you are using."
How to Treat:
It's important to know when to take extra precautions, and if you might need to avoid waxing in a certain zone or find a new hair removal method. "To treat the burned area, it's important to apply an even layer of a product like Vaseline or Aquaphor for the next couple of days and to avoid heat as much as possible until the affected area is healed," advises Sadrolashrafi.
Pain
Sharp pain may only be present while the hair is removed but can be hard to deal with, especially in delicate areas. Granted, your hair is being pulled from the root, but the discomfort should be short-lived and tolerable if you're relaxed and under the care of a professional. "Pain can be caused by muscle damage. Often[times] we may hold the muscle tight and use a fast motion to pull the wax from the skin," explains Gallo.
How to Treat:
Whether you've gone to a professional salon or are saving money and went DIY, you can try to keep pain to a minimum by taking ibuprofen, wearing a loose-fitted outfit, and avoiding certain products. "Taking ibuprofen before waxing will reduce inflammation and help alleviate the pain both during and afterward. Wear loose clothing to prevent more irritation in the area," says Hayag.
Bleeding
As if the waxing process wasn't painful enough, sometimes it can cause minor bleeding. But worry not: Although this side-effect is unpleasant, it isn't uncommon. It typically occurs when coarse hair is pulled from the follicle, and the bleeding is contained to that one pore. Since the bleeding is follicle-specific, it should stop shortly after it begins.
How to Treat:
First, wipe away the blood with a clean cloth. Then, apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation and irritation. If you experience more discomfort post-wax, apply a healing ointment, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant and Moisturizer for Dry and Cracked Skin Unscented, to soothe the area.
Change in Skin Color
Perhaps your hair hasn't grown back yet, but it almost looks like it has. Or, your skin looks darker, kind of like a sunspot is forming. If that's the case, you may have an increase in skin pigmentation. "This [change in skin color] is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It can be caused by the warmth of the wax or the pulling at the hairs. Sometimes just the irritation of the waxing causes discoloration," says Gallo.
How to Treat:
In this case, the best thing you can do is to let the hair grow back and see a dermatologist before you try to wax or shave the area again. Your doctor may recommend applying a product with ingredients that tackle hyperpigmentation. "Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation takes time and patience to treat. Products with hydroquinone can help [with] hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide and mandelic acid are also good ingredients to look for in a product to help fade hyperpigmentation," explains Hayag.
