So, you got your waxing done and now you’re seeing those annoying little bumps? Don’t worry, it happens to a lot of people. When hair gets pulled out quickly, your skin can get irritated and sometimes a bit red or bumpy. Usually, this clears up in a few days, but there are easy ways to calm it down faster and stop those bumps from popping up next time.
Why Do These Bumps Show Up?
Right after waxing, many people get tiny red or white bumps called folliculitis. It’s just your skin reacting to the hair being pulled out. Most times, these bumps go away on their own.
If you notice white bumps filled with fluid that don’t go away in a few days, it could be a small infection, which you can treat at home.
Also, about a week after waxing, you might get bumps from ingrown hairs — that’s when the hair curls back and grows under the skin instead of coming out. These bumps look like pimples and can be itchy or sore. People with curly or thick hair usually get them more.
Quick Things to Do to Reduce Swelling and Redness
- Wear loose clothes so your skin doesn’t get rubbed or irritated.
- Put a cold compress (like a cold, clean cloth or ice pack) on the bumps for 15-20 minutes to calm things down.
- If you think you have ingrown hairs, a warm compress for 5 minutes can help bring the hair to the surface.
- Don’t poke or squeeze the bumps — it only makes things worse and can cause infection.
Right After Waxing and What to Do Until Your Next Session
How you care for your skin depends on where you waxed and how sensitive your skin is, but here are some easy tips:
Just after waxing:
- Use a cold compress or take a cool shower to calm your skin.
- Avoid hot baths or showers because they can irritate your skin more.
- Wear loose clothes to avoid friction.
- Don’t use scented creams or lotions on the waxed area because they can sting.
- You can use hydrocortisone cream (you get this at the pharmacy) to reduce redness.
- Avoid heavy exercise or sweating for 24 hours after waxing.
Day or two after:
- Keep wearing loose clothes.
- Continue avoiding perfumed oils or lotions.
- You can apply soothing stuff like aloe vera gel to help your skin feel better.
Between waxing appointments:
- Wash your skin gently and exfoliate regularly to get rid of dead skin and help prevent ingrown hairs.
Some Easy Home Remedies You Can Try
You probably already have these at home:
- Sugar scrub: Mix sugar with coconut or olive oil and gently scrub your skin in circles. Don’t do it daily; every other day is enough so your skin doesn’t get too irritated.
- Aloe vera: If you have an aloe plant, just break off a leaf and rub the gel on your skin. It calms redness and soothes irritation. You can do this a few times a day.
- Tea tree oil: Don’t use this right after waxing because it can clog pores at first. Use it a few days later but always dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil. Test a small patch first to make sure you don’t get an allergy.
- Witch hazel: Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and gently dab it on your skin to calm it down.
- Apple cider vinegar: Works similarly to witch hazel. Dab it on the bumps to help with healing.
Products You Can Buy at the Store
- Hydrocortisone cream: Helps with redness and swelling.
- Tea tree gel: Less harsh than the oil, good to calm skin and prevent infections.
- Aloe vera gel: Soothing and moisturizing.
- Exfoliating pads: These are gentler than scrubs, good for after waxing.
- Tend Skin or PFB Vanish: These are popular for preventing bumps and ingrown hairs.
How to Stop Bumps from Coming Back
The best way is to keep your skin clean and exfoliate gently every couple of days to stop dead skin from trapping hairs.
Stick to your waxing schedule (usually every 4-6 weeks). If you wax too early or use other hair removal methods in between, it can mess up your hair growth and cause bumps.
If your skin is still irritated when it’s time for your next wax, tell your waxing expert — they might suggest waiting or help with special care.
Also Read : How to Prevent ‘Ozempic Face’: Doctor Shares Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy During Weight Loss
