How to Avoid Itching After Waxing

Co-authored by Karina Villalta and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: December 5, 2023 References

Bumpy red skin that itches might seem inevitable after a waxing session, but it doesn't have to be! If you care for your skin before your procedure, you can prevent itching and irritation. Moisturizing your skin can also help it recover faster, so stock up on anti-itch products and lotions. Give your skin a few days to recover from waxing and enjoy your calm, smooth skin!

Things You Should Know

Apply a cold compress to your skin to minimize itchiness, inflammation, and other rash-like symptoms.
Alternatively, spread aloe vera gel or cream onto your skin to soothe redness and irritation.
Avoid taking hot baths or showers, and wear loose clothing that doesn’t rub up against your skin.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Pre-Waxing Skin Preparation

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1
Let your hair grow out for 2 to 3 weeks before you wax. If your hair is stubbly when you try to wax it, you'll have a really hard time using the wax to pull the hairs out! ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator

Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.} This can leave stubbly hairs behind that are itchy, so let your hair grow out for a few weeks before you wax. ^{[2]
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Research source}
- Aim for waxing hair that's at least ¹ ⁄ ₄ inch (0.64 cm) long.
2
Exfoliate your skin the day before you wax. Oil, dead skin, and dirt can get trapped in your pores, which is what causes the classic, red rash after waxing. To prevent this from happening, gently scrub the skin with an exfoliating product . Then, rinse your skin and apply a moisturizer that won't clog your pores. ^{[3]
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Research source}
- You can also exfoliate a few days after waxing. This gets rid of dirt and oil that might be in the newly opened pores.
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3
Shower or wash your skin to remove dirt and oil. The wax will cling to your skin easier if it's not greasy, so wash your skin with soap and water before you begin. ^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician

Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} This also washes away dirt that could become trapped in your pores and cause irritation later. ^{[5]
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Research source}
- Pat your skin dry before you apply wax or it won't stay on your skin.
4
Don't spread lotion or skincare products on the area before you wax. Most lotions and moisturizers contain oil that could prevent the wax from clinging to your skin, so skip them before your procedure. ^{[6]
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Research source}
- If you're waxing your face, skip the makeup, which can clog pores and irritate your skin.
Expert Answer

Q

How should I prep my face before waxing?

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.

EXPERT ADVICE

Answer from Karina Villalta :

One mistake I see a lot of people make is not removing all of their makeup entirely. You really have to wash your face thoroughly and remove any foundation or product you've got on your face before you wax.
5
Avoid using retinoids before waxing. If you're taking oral retinoids or applying topical retinoids, waxing can damage your skin even more. To protect your skin, stop taking oral retinoids at least 6 months to 1 year before you wax. If you're using topical retinoids, stop applying them 3 to 4 weeks before waxing. ^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
Go to source}
- If you wax skin while using retinoids, you can tear away skin along with the wax so it's really important to wait!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Post-Waxing Aftercare

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1
Spread a soothing gel or cream onto your skin after waxing. Your skin will probably be red and sensitive after your session, but moisturizing it with a calming product can help! Massage an aloe vera gel or cream onto your waxed skin to make it feel less irritated. ^{[8]
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Research source}
- If you're getting waxed in a salon, they may spread a gel or cream on your skin after they've finished waxing.
2
Use a cold pack to lessen the pain of waxing and reduce inflammation. It's no secret that waxing can hurt, especially if you're waxing a sensitive area. Have an instant cold-pack, chilled gel pack, or homemade ice pack ready to place on your skin as soon as you finish waxing. Hold it on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes to relieve itching, numb the pain, and prevent swelling. ^{[9]
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Research source}
- If you're using an ice pack, make sure to wrap it in a clean towel. Never place ice directly on your skin or you could damage it.
3
Keep your skin moisturized with a gentle lotion. When skin dries out, it can feel itchier so massage an oil-free lotion onto your skin. Choose a fragrance-free lotion that won't clog your pores and use it whenever your skin feels dry or itchy. ^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Some people with sensitive skin find that fragrances can irritate their skin. If you find that fragrances bother your skin, use fragrance-free products for your whole skincare routine.
4
Apply a warm compress for 15 to 20 minutes to calm irritated skin. To make your own compress , soak a cloth in hot water and place it into a plastic bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it shut. Then, wrap the bag in a clean cloth and press it onto your itchy skin. Hold it in place for 15 to 20 minutes so the warmth can calm your skin. ^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Feel free to use warm compresses throughout the day. They won't damage or dry out your skin, so they're safe to use frequently.
5
Avoid hot baths and showers that dry out your skin. Hot water can strip away the natural oils that protect your skin, which makes your irritated skin feel even itchier. Skip the steamy, hot showers and baths and take brief, warm soaks or showers instead. ^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Don't forget to moisturize as soon as you finish bathing or showering.
It may take a few days for your skin to return to normal. In the meantime, avoid wearing scratchy or rough fabrics that sit close to your itchy skin. Instead, pick loose-fitting clothes that are made of soft material like cotton or fleece. ^{[13]
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Research source}
7
Massage an anti-itch cream on an itchy rash. If it's really hard to stop scratching, spread a thin layer of an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone or diphenhydramine. Use the cream 3 or 4 times a day to calm your skin. ^{[14]
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Research source}
- Ask your doctor or dermatologist before applying anti-itch cream to your face.
8
Talk with your doctor if you see pus-filled blisters or other signs of infection. Occasionally, people can have bad side effects or develop an infection because of waxing. If you have a painful rash with pus-filled blisters or pimples, you may have an infection that needs medical treatment. Contact your doctor or dermatologist, who may recommend an OTC antibiotic along with anti-itch cream. ^{[15]
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Research source}
- It's important to keep your skin clean so it has a chance to heal.

Expert Q&A

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Add New Question

Question

How should I prep my face before waxing?

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.

Karina Villalta

Certified Esthetician

Expert Answer

One mistake I see a lot of people make is not removing all of their makeup entirely. You really have to wash your face thoroughly and remove any foundation or product you've got on your face before you wax.

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Question

What should I do if I always miss something when I wax?

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.

Karina Villalta

Certified Esthetician

Expert Answer

You could always go to a licensed esthetician and have a pro do it! In fact, that's probably the safest way to go, especially if you're waxing any sensitive parts of your body.

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Tips

If you're getting waxed at a salon, choose a reputable salon with qualified technicians. Ask about their health and hygiene practices so you know you're getting the safest treatment. ^{[16]
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Expert Source

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator

Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.}

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Warnings

Call your doctor or dermatologist if the itching doesn't get better after a few days or it's so severe that it's causing you pain.

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If you do experience irritation, itching, or swollen red bumps, wait at least 30 days before you wax again. ^{[17]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

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Things You'll Need

Warm compress
Cool pack
Aloe vera
Non-comedogenic moisturizer
Anti-itch cream

[1]

Expert Source

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator

[2]

[3]

[4]

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician

[5]

[6]

[7]

Go to source

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

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How to Avoid Itching After Waxing

Things You Should Know

Steps

Pre-Waxing Skin Preparation

Post-Waxing Aftercare

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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References

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