You’ve just had a Hollywood wax and your skin feels silky smooth — now what?
Proper aftercare is key to maintaining that fresh, clean feeling and avoiding any unwanted side effects like redness, irritation, or infection. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most important aftercare steps to follow in the hours and days after your Hollywood wax.
By treating your skin with care, you’ll promote faster healing, minimize sensitivity, and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs or breakouts.
Keep the Area Out of the Sun
Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive to sunlight. That’s because waxing removes both hair and the top layer of skin cells, which usually act as a natural barrier.
Tip: Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for at least 48 hours post-wax — or until any redness has completely faded. UV exposure during this time can increase your risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
Hands Off!
We get it — it’s tempting to touch your skin after a wax to admire the smoothness. But doing so can transfer dirt and bacteria to the area, increasing the risk of infection.
Tip: Avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing the waxed area for the first 24–48 hours. This includes friction caused by tight clothing or sexual activity.
Skip Harsh Soaps and Chemicals
Your skin needs a little TLC after a wax. Harsh soaps, perfumed body washes, and alcohol-based products can cause stinging, dryness, or irritation.
Tip: Gently cleanse the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. If your skin feels hot or irritated, try applying a cool compress or soothing aloe gel.
Avoid Soaking or Overheating Your Skin
Post-wax, your hair follicles remain open for several hours, leaving your skin more vulnerable to bacteria.
Tip: Avoid hot baths, swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 24 hours after your wax. These environments can not only irritate the skin, but also introduce bacteria that may cause infections.
Exfoliate — But Not Too Soon
While exfoliation is great for preventing ingrown hairs, timing is everything. Since waxing is already a form of exfoliation, doing it again too soon can damage your skin barrier and increase your risk of irritation or infection.
Tip: Wait at least 48 hours (some professionals suggest up to 7 days) before exfoliating. Once your skin has recovered, use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt 2–3 times a week to help keep ingrown hairs at bay.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your skin after a Hollywood wax is just as important as the wax itself. By following these simple tips, you’ll help your skin stay healthy, smooth, and irritation-free, while getting the most out of your treatment.
If you’re ever unsure or have any concerns about aftercare, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Contact Emma today for personalised waxing advice or to book your next appointment. Follow Emma on Facebook and Threads for more tips, client stories, and skincare inspiration.