Are there any negative effects of waxing?

Author: Hilma Kihn  |  Last update: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Negative side effects of waxing can include uncomfortable problems like pain, ingrown hairs, breakouts, and infected hair follicles. Even so, many people prefer waxing because of its longer-lasting results and because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to do.

Are there negative side effects to waxing?

``Complications from any waxing can include irritation, burns, cuts, abrasions, scars, bruising, rashes, contact dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs, and folliculitis,'' adds Dr. Jerath.

Is waxing bad for your skin long term?

Waxing can be rough on the skin, causing redness and irritation as it heals. Your skin might also be more prone to infections and, occasionally, bleeding, especially in areas with existing damage. If bleeding persists, consult a doctor.

Why is waxing not recommended?

Irritated or Sensitive Skin

Waxing is generally not advisable for those with skin that is affected by eczema, psoriasis, raised moles or areas of broken skin[4]. In these instances, it's important to speak to your doctor before exploring hair removal options.

Is it better to wax or shave down there?

Is it better to shave or wax pubic hair? 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. So, if you can handle the pain, waxing may be the way to go!

Great Tips to Combat the Side Effects of Waxing | Skin Care - Dr. Rasya Dixit | Doctors' Circle

Is it unhealthy to remove pubic hair?

This practice may result in adverse health consequences, including genital burns from waxing, severe skin irritation leading to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, vulvar and vaginal irritation and infection, and the spread or transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Do gynecologists recommend waxing?

When it comes to pubic hair, people groom it using a variety of methods including shaving, waxing, trimming, and laser removal. These methods can lead to ingrown hairs and infections though, so most gynecologists warn against them and recommend trimming or letting it be instead.

How many times do you have to wax before hair stops growing?

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.

Who should avoid waxing?

Smokers or those with Rosacea. Waxing can aggravate dilated capillaries which are regular with smokers or individuals with Rosacea. If the capillaries are extremely red, avoid waxing that zone. You take blood thinners, have diabetes, phlebitis or need post-cancer hair regrowth in the side- burn area removed.

At what age should you stop waxing?

There is No Age Limit on Waxing!

There are so many benefits for mature skin! When we wax thin and fragile skin the right way, it can become more supple-looking and radiant. Gentle Exfoliation keeps mature skin from flaking and helps promote blood flow and collagen production for firmer-looking skin!

Is it bad to wax your upper lip?

Waxing offers a long-lasting solution for upper lip hair removal, but be aware of the potential for discomfort and irritation. With proper aftercare and regular sessions, these can be effectively managed, leaving you with smooth and soft skin.

How to permanently remove pubic hair?

Electrolysis and laser hair removal can remove pubic hair long-term, however, there is a higher cost and discomfort to consider. Ultimately, how you choose to groom your pubic hair is your decision based on personal preferences, aesthetics, cleanliness, and comfort.

Is it better to shave or wax armpits?

In conclusion, both waxing and shaving have their merits when it comes to underarm hair removal. However, waxing offers distinct advantages – from long-lasting smoothness to improved skin health.

What is the disadvantage of Brazilian waxing?

Ingrown Hairs & Irritation: Brazilian waxes can come with some unpleasant (or even painful) side effects like ingrown hairs, skin redness and irritation without the proper preparation or after-care.

Is threading better than waxing?

There are many pros when it comes to threading your eyebrows but the main ones are that it can be slightly less painful than waxing, with the bonus that there is no risk of burning from the hot wax. Also, there are long-lasting results, which range between 4 to 5 weeks.

Should I wax my thighs?

Overall, it depends on how much money you're willing or able to spend, and if you don't mind doing the work at home. Either way, expect your results to last much longer than the typical shave. "Waxing can be painful or uncomfortable, though the effects of waxing last longer," says Dr. Marisa Garshick.

How to permanently stop hair growth?

Electrolysis. This method sends an electrical current through a hair follicle, which will damage the follicle and prevent hair from growing. Because hair grows in cycles, it takes several sessions to get permanent hair removal. You'll also find kits that allow you to perform electrolysis at home.

Why does waxing only last a week?

After your first professional wax appointment, expect your hair to start growing back a little quicker — after 1 to 2 weeks. There will be some hair under the skin that hasn't broken through yet, so it can't be removed from the root.

Is there a downside to waxing?

Cons of waxing

Depending on who you ask and their pain tolerance, waxing can be considered painful — kind of like getting a tattoo. Because hair is removed at the root, some people say waxing is more painful than shaving. The hot wax can also burn your skin if you're not careful (all the more reason to go to a pro).

Who is not a good candidate for waxing?

Because of this, individuals in the following categories are not good candidates for body waxing: Those taking blood thinners or corticosteroids. Those who have psoriasis, eczema or rosacea. Those with autoimmune diseases, like lupus.

Is it healthy to have no pubic hair?

Removing your pubic hair comes with the risk of getting cuts or ingrown hairs. You might also develop hyperpigmentation and inflammation of the hair follicles. Removing your pubic hair can also increase your risk of catching herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Do most girls shave down there?

Pubic hair grooming, described as partial or complete removal of pubic hair, is considered a prevalent practice in both men and women [1]. Notably, The prevalence of this practice is reportedly high in groomers with more than 80% of women actively engaging in it, as evidenced by multiple studies [1,2,3,4,5].

Do men prefer shaved pubic hair?

Most women (64.3%) and men (62.2%) preferred complete removal of female pubic hair, and this preference was more pronounced in younger women and men.

Does pubic hair turn gray?

Just like the hair on the head, the hair on the rest of the body, including the pubic area, is subject to graying. As people age, their skin produces less melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving skin and hair its color. The hair follicles contain melanin.

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