“Scrub and Rub” was always our mantra for post-waxing aftercare in our waxing salons. By this, we mean exfoliate and moisturize regularly to prevent those unsightly ingrown hairs that can mar an otherwise perfectly-preened private part. After all, what’s the point in investing time and money to find a reputable salon and the best waxing therapist for a perfect Brazilian if you neglect the aftercare at home?
Any respectable waxing salon will guide you through the necessary aftercare procedures and homecare products you need to get the best results. Unfortunately, customers sometimes dismiss this advice, viewing it as a mere sales pitch intended to get them to spend more money. This advice should be ignored at your peril though and is a fast track to ingrown hairs and other lumps and bumps.
Here are our top three tips for maintaining bump-free skin between waxes:
- Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation pre- and post-hair removal is essential to preventing & treating ingrown hairs. We recommend that you gently exfoliate every 2 – 3 days, no sooner than 12 hours prior to hair removal and no sooner than 48 hours after, so as not to aggravate the skin.
Choose an exfoliator which is grainy enough to have an effect, but not so harsh that will irritate your skin or make it sore. In fact, over-exfoliation or the use of an unsuitable scrub will graze the skin and may cause ingrown hairs, rather than prevent them.
IF you have removed your hair from an intimate area, make sure that the exfoliator you choose is specifically designed for intimate use.
- Cleanse
Keeping your pores and open hair follicles clean and free of bacteria after hair removal is vital to preventing common conditions such as folliculitis (inflammation or infection of the hair follicles) or other unsightly and potentially uncomfortable lumps and bumps which can occur after the removal of body hair.
We also recommend that you avoid any activity that causes you to sweat in the 24 hours after hair removal. If this is unavoidable, the use of a naturally antibacterial shower gel or cleanser is strongly recommended.
- Moisturize
Ingrown hairs are often caused by dry or flaky skin which prevents new hair from freely growing through. Keep all areas of your body soft, supple and nourished after hair removal by regularly moisturizing all over.
We recommend that on the day of your wax/other hair removal treatment you do not apply moisturizer to areas where you intend to remove hair from.
IF you have removed your hair from an intimate area, make sure that the moisturizer you choose is specifically designed for intimate use.
And remember:
- No fake tans, massages, extreme heat treatments (e.g., very hot baths or showers, saunas, steam rooms), swimming, sunbathing (including sunbeds or other UV light exposure), or tight clothing for 24-48 hours.
- Try to avoid exercise for 24 hours, as sweating can clog hair follicles. Do not scratch or touch the area with unwashed hands.
- Avoid applying deodorant, anything perfumed, or makeup to the area for 24 hours.
If you have a hair removal treatment and if your skin does not return to normal after 24 hours, seek advice from your GP in case of an allergic reaction to the wax or a developing infection.
