Waxing removes hair from the root, and after a fresh waxing, some people experience irritation of the skin. Luckily, there are some easy home remedies to help ease that discomfort while you wait for your hair to grow back long enough for your next waxing session. So lets discuss first why your wax getting red and how you can sooth it.
Why You May Be Getting Waxed Red
Improper Application of Wax
The skin should be completely dry before applying wax and this includes having all oil removed from it so that no residue is left behind which can cause skin irritation and even an allergic reaction. Having the hair too short or having too thick of a layer of hair can also cause redness as well as simply not pulling off the strip quickly enough causing pain caused by ripping off several hair at once rather than one at a time as is required to avoid pulling off live tissue. Practice makes perfect!
Accidental Plucking of Hair by the Aesthetician:
It is very common for people to get waxed red when they are tweezing their brows or removing facial hair at home. If you do tweeze your brows then it's best to wait until 2 days after waxing before plucking them again. I know I'm guilty of trying to clean up my brows between waxes and this is never a good idea.
Skin Allergies: Some people have allergies to certain metals used in the manufacture of an open coil spring called "Grip Strip" which holds the strip onto the wooden applicator stick. Using metal free grip strips can help with this problem but sometimes even these can cause an allergic reaction. Also, some aesthetician's eyebrows and/or facial hair can cause redness in people with allergies to their skin products.
Improper Aftercare:
If you have used a wax that contains a sensitizing agent such as lemon or lavender oil then your skin may be more sensitive after removal of the strip causing a greater inflammatory response. This is why it's best to avoid using these products anywhere on the body but especially on delicate areas such as face. Also, applying too much pressure while washing off any residue from the area being waxed should be avoided for this same reason. I prefer that my clients go home and shower before coming back into contact with mucous membranes such as those in your underarms so going home and taking a shower is the best option. I find that my clients who do this have less problems with getting red after waxing.
Cool it down
Use a clean cool compress to soothe freshly waxed skin; do not place ice directly on bare skin. Avoid friction, heat, and fragranced products if they worsen irritation.
A cool compress may help. Use a skin product only if you tolerate it and follow its label; stop if irritation worsens.
Apply some moisturizer
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if tolerated. No product is guaranteed not to irritate freshly waxed skin.
Get rid of redness Find a concealer that matches your skin tone and dab it on your red areas, wait for the concealer to dry up then apply some loose powder over it. This way you can even out the color of your face. If ever none of these tips work for you, just put some cold water in a spray bottle and spritz…
You're all set. Just don't forget that if waxing is not your thing, there are other methods to remove hair from legs , underarms or whatever part of your body you want to rid of excess hair on.
Wear loose clothing
Because the skin tends to swell a bit after waxing. And if you're going out for a night on town, make sure you wear clothes that don't show parts of your body with red marks all over them!
If redness or irritation worsens, persists, or becomes severe, stop applying products and seek medical advice.
Waxing is one of several hair-removal methods. It may not suit every skin type; discuss alternatives and risks with a qualified provider.
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Calm the area and avoid extra friction
Some temporary redness or sensitivity can happen after hair is removed, but aftercare should stay gentle. Use a cool, clean compress for comfort and loose clothing that does not rub the waxed area. Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser if needed, then pat dry. Avoid fragranced lotions, alcohol-based products, hot baths and vigorous exercise while the skin feels irritated; follow the salon’s product-specific instructions.
Wait before exfoliating or using actives
Do not scrub freshly waxed skin or immediately apply retinoids, acids, strong deodorants or other products that sting. Resume usual skin care only when the area is comfortable and the product label or clinician permits it. Avoid tanning beds and protect exposed skin from the sun; irritation and UV exposure together can worsen discomfort. Do not apply ice directly to skin or use household remedies that may irritate it further.
For a small area of dryness, a bland moisturizer you already tolerate may help. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, ask your provider when gentle exfoliation can resume rather than starting it on inflamed skin. Do not pick at bumps or ingrown hairs. If waxing caused a skin lift, open area or blister, keep it clean and seek medical advice if it is extensive or worsening.
Know when redness is not routine
Spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, pus, significant swelling, blisters or a rash that persists should be assessed by a clinician. If you have a history of eczema, diabetes, immune suppression or poor healing, contact your care team sooner when skin is broken. Tell the provider about medicines and recent treatments before your next wax. The next decision is whether to let the skin recover, adjust the technique or choose shaving instead; do not wax again over an area that has not healed.
