Bumps after a Brazilian wax are usually ingrown hairs, where hair curls back into the skin, or folliculitis, an inflammation/infection of the follicle from bacteria entering the open pore, appearing as red or white-headed pimples. Irritation, product sensitivity, and friction from tight clothes also contribute, especially with coarse hair. Proper post-wax care like gentle exfoliation and loose clothing helps prevent them, but they often resolve on their own.
The key to treating red bumps after waxing is keeping your routine simple, clean, and gentle. Start by washing the area with warm water and a fragrance-free cleanser—no scrubbing. Then, apply a cold compress to calm inflammation. Follow up with soothing aloe vera or a thin layer of cortisone cream to reduce itchiness.
Good news: For most people, mild post-wax bumps or redness are short-lived and should resolve within 24 to 48 hours. If bumps last longer or turn into pustules (whiteheads) they may require more targeted care (or medical treatment).
As we mentioned, folliculitis can be caused by many different hair removal methods, including waxing. Folliculitis after waxing takes the form of a bumpy, red rash akin to pimples that are caused by inflammation caused by removing hair at the root. This reaction will usually go away on its own after a few days.
Castor oil. As with tea tree oil, castor oil is effective at killing folliculitis-causing bacteria and also has the added benefit or relieving pain and itching where applied.
You'll need to keep your legs clean and dry for the first 48 hours after waxing, and also avoid anything that could irritate your delicate skin. The list includes exfoliating, strong sunlight, saunas, synthetic clothes, and steamy, hot baths (another reason to make the most of your pre-wax one).
After waxing, avoid the 5 S's: Stay away from sun, swimming, sweat, sex and saunas to keep your skin smooth and irritation-free!
When experiencing a bacterial or allergic reaction to waxing, your client may experience sensitivity, itchiness, hives or welts, and have raised white, puss-filled bumps. Post-wax acne can be commonplace, especially when the client doesn't follow proper post-wax care procedures.
After hair removal, ingrown hairs can occur when hair curves and grows back into the skin instead of growing straight. This then causes a small bump below the skin's surface, which can eventually become irritated or inflamed.
If your folliculitis does not improve on its own, see your doctor. For persistent cases, a doctor might prescribe medications that are applied to the skin or taken by mouth. For folliculitis caused bacterial infection, a doctor might prescribe a topical antibiotic or antibiotic pills.
Using cortisone cream: Applying cortisone cream to clean skin after waxing may help relieve inflammation and swelling. Applying fragrance free moisturizers: Applying fragrance free moisturizers, such as aloe vera gel, may help soothe irritated skin post-waxing and reduce inflammation.
Folliculitis is usually caused by either a bacterial or fungal infection. At first, it may look like small, red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles. The condition isn't serious in nonimmune compromised clients. It is, in fact, itchy, sore, and unsightly.
It's important to note that the results vary from person to person. Some people may notice a significant reduction in hair growth after six months to a year of regular waxing, while others may take longer. Patience and consistency are key when it comes to seeing the long-term benefits of waxing.
While both razor bumps and ingrown hairs are caused by shaving, and can cause discomfort and irritation, they're different critters. Razor bumps are inflamed bumps caused by hair curling back into the skin, while ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows sideways or curls back into the skin.
Cons of A Brazilian Wax:
Some clients find taking an oral OTC antihistamine (i.e. Benadryl) or applying topically (i.e. Benadryl cream) will help reduce the chances of a histamine reaction. A histamine reaction is very common with waxing (especially the first few waxes).
Temporary redness and small bumps immediately following a waxing treatment are generally normal skin reactions and typically subside within 24-48 hours. This initial reaction happens because waxing temporarily traumatizes the skin, causing inflammation as hair follicles are disrupted.
Your skin will be new and sensitive, so you should be careful not to cause further irritation by scratching. If it's still driving you crazy, try a dab of aloe vera gel or our Ingrown Hair Serum to help soothe your skin.
The golden rule is simple: your skin needs a breather. What is the 24-hour rule for waxing? It's avoiding heat, sweat, and friction for a full day. That means no gyms, hot yoga, saunas, or tanning beds.
As well as keeping the area clean there is no need to apply anything to the skin after your brazilian wax for at least 24 hours. Your wax technician should apply some sort of antibacterial soothing cream, gel or lotion immediately after your wax and that should be enough for 24 hours.
While it might be tempting to reach for a razor when you notice regrowth, remember that shaving between waxing sessions can undo the progress you've made and interfere with your long-term hair removal goals.
No, you don't need to shave or wax. However, if there's something going on with your skin, shaving or waxing will make it easier for your physician to evaluate the area.
5 Signs Your Brazilian Wax Went Wrong
Waxing is often better for pubic hair removal as it results in less razor bumps and lasts longer than shaving or using hair removal cream.
One of the most common mistakes to avoid while waxing at home is overheating or underheating your wax. Both issues can ruin your wax job and leave you with a mess. Overheating your wax makes it too runny and hard to work with. On the flip side, underheating your wax makes it too thick to apply in a nice, thin layer.