At a glance
What matters most
- Keep the area cool, clean and free from heavy friction while it settles.
- Delay exfoliation until the immediate sensitivity has passed.
- Seek appropriate advice for severe, spreading or worsening symptoms.
The first day or two
Avoid adding heat and friction while the skin is sensitive. Hot baths, saunas, strenuous sweating, swimming and tight clothing may be uncomfortable or expose the area to unnecessary irritation. Follow the personalised advice given at your appointment.
Use clean hands and a simple, suitable soothing product only if recommended. Introducing several fragranced or active products at once makes it harder to understand what is causing irritation.
Reducing ingrown hairs between visits
Once redness and tenderness have settled, gentle exfoliation and regular moisturising can help prevent dead skin from trapping regrowing hair. More pressure is not better; harsh scrubbing can create its own irritation.
- Start gently only after the skin feels calm.
- Use clean products and tools intended for the body area.
- Do not pick, squeeze or repeatedly dig at a trapped hair.
What is not routine aftercare
A mild temporary reaction is different from pain or redness that becomes more intense, spreads or is accompanied by marked swelling, blistering, pus or feeling unwell. Those symptoms should not be managed by applying more cosmetic products or booking another wax over the area.
Contact an appropriate healthcare service for concerning or worsening symptoms. In an emergency involving breathing difficulty or rapidly developing severe swelling, seek emergency help.
Common questions
Before you book
When can I exfoliate after waxing?
Wait until the immediate redness and sensitivity have settled, then reintroduce gentle exfoliation. Do not scrub tender skin.
Can I exercise immediately after waxing?
Heat, sweat and friction can irritate freshly waxed skin. It is sensible to wait while the area settles and follow your treatment-specific advice.
Should I squeeze an ingrown hair?
No. Picking can damage skin and increase irritation. Use gentle ongoing care and seek professional advice if the area is painful, infected-looking or persistent.