Most of us schedule professional hair removal treatments with the goal of silky-smooth, touchable skin. But sometimes, our bodies have a different response. Folliculitis after waxing is an uncomfortable and unsightly reaction to hair removal that is incredibly common. However, it’s also avoidable and treatable. Find out what you need to know in this guide.
What is folliculitis?
Itchy red bumps and sensitive skin after waxing can signal inflamed or infected hair follicles, otherwise known as folliculitis.
Types of folliculitis
Folliculitis after waxing may be bacterial, fungal, or viral, appearing when various microorganisms enter a freshly waxed hair follicle. In some cases, friction, heat, and heavy occlusives like coconut oil may also contribute to this phenomenon.
While Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) — or razor burn — is more common after shaving, these ingrown hairs can also occur after waxing and resemble traditional folliculitis. Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions may also mimic this effect.
Signs and symptoms of folliculitis
Folliculitis can appear after a waxing treatment anywhere on the body, including facial, Brazilian, and bikini line sessions. You may notice small red bumps or clusters of whiteheads that are itchy, tender, and sensitive. A deep infection may manifest as a painful boil or abscess.
What causes folliculitis after waxing?
Bacteria are the main culprit behind folliculitis after waxing, but certain factors may increase the risk of development, including:
- Friction and sweat
- Heat
- Occlusive products
- Ingrown hairs
- Pre-existing skin conditions like acne and eczema
Related: How To Prevent and Treat a Histamine Reaction After Waxing
Preventing folliculitis after waxing
Folliculitis may not always be preventable after waxing, but following proper pre- and post-wax care practices can minimize these breakouts. Here are a few tips to help you avoid inflamed and infected hair follicles after a wax:
Grow hair to the right length
Hair growth should be about ¼” long for safe and effective waxing to ensure wax can grip hairs without excessive pulling, tugging, and breakage. Waxing hair that’s too short or long can lead to damaged skin that’s more susceptible to harmful bacteria.
Exfoliate before waxing
One to two days before your waxing appointment, gently exfoliate the skin in your chosen treatment area to eliminate dead skin cells that can clog your pores and interfere with the healing process.
Follow proper aftercare
Your waxing specialist will offer instructions to help you care for your skin after waxing and prevent folliculitis. Expect to shower with cool water, stick to gentle products, avoid the hot tub, and incorporate ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and tea tree essential oil until redness subsides.
Avoid friction after waxing
Tight clothing, repetitive movements, and chafing all open the door to bacteria and irritation. Opt for loose, comfortable clothes and avoid those that may trap heat or rub against your skin. This is also a good time to skip the gym.
Prevent ingrown hairs
Infection can quickly develop when hairs become trapped beneath the skin. Exfoliate regularly, keep your skin moisturized, and invest in an ingrown hair serum with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or tea tree oil to banish these blemishes before they appear.
Learn more: How Do You Prevent Pimples After Waxing?
How to treat folliculitis after waxing
When folliculitis occurs after waxing, know how to treat it and prevent it from getting worse.
Use gentle cleansers
Harsh soaps and scrubs can do more harm than good when folliculitis appears. A gentle, post-wax cleanser can eliminate bacteria without encouraging more inflammation.
Apply an antiseptic
After cleansing the area, apply an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory product like witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, or diluted tea tree oil to balance your microbiome and control any lingering bacteria.
Use cool compresses
You already know that heat can further inflame folliculitis after waxing, but we should mention that cooler temperatures can fight existing inflammation and encourage faster healing. Apply a cool compress to the treatment area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, repeating several times a day until your skin returns to normal.
Treat any bacterial infection
Most cases of folliculitis resolve on their own, but some devolve into more serious infections. If folliculitis doesn’t improve within a few days after waxing, or it gets worse, you may need to visit your dermatologist for a clinical-grade treatment solution.
In the meantime, apply an over-the-counter product like Neosporin or Bacitracin to inhibit bacterial growth. During this time, avoid picking at these bumps or pimples, which can introduce more harmful microorganisms and further damage your skin.
Related: Treat and Prevent Tiny Bumps After Waxing for Clients
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