Shaving recently waxed skin causes damage to your skin's surface and increases the likelihood of ingrown hair. Even still, it can be a hard habit to stop if you think the benefit outweighs the risk.
Our advice is to wait 24 to 48 hours so your skin has time to heal and hair follicles can close. Doing so will prevent any further skin irritation.
Everyone has different hair and growth cycles. The first wax will usually leave a little stubble left over. If you consistently get it done every 4-6 weeks, there will most likely be less and less stubble. I recommend going to a place where they use soft wax with the strips. It will get more hairs out by the root.
DON'TS: THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR WAX:
Avoid direct sunlight or sunbathing (or artificial tanning). Avoid saunas or steam baths. Don't swim. Don't wear tight or non-breathing clothes to avoid infection: waxed skin needs air.
Wait at least two weeks before waxing after shaving.
This gives your hair enough time to grow to the optimal length for waxing, which is between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. If your hair is too short, the wax won't be able to grip it properly, and you'll be more likely to experience ingrown hairs.
Your hair should be at least 1/4 inch in length (which makes it long enough to lay flat on your skin). Please don't shave for at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment to ensure that your hair is long enough!
Using Cold Water to Tighten Pores
Ice therapy is a simple and effective way to achieve pore minimization and skin benefits post-waxing. The cold water constricts the blood vessels, reducing redness and swelling. It also helps to soothe the skin, making it less prone to reactions.
Can I go workout afterwards? It's not recommended, as the area can be tender and you will want to avoid any additional irritation for a bit. If you are an avid runner and just beginning to wax, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to minimize irritation.
Skin Healing Time
Waiting at least 2 hours before showering is recommended to prevent irritation and sensitivity. Giving your skin this time allows it to start the healing process naturally. For best skin hydration and to avoid disrupting the freshly waxed area, it's best to wait 24 hours before showering.
So, next time you're tempted to reach for the razor, remember that a quick shave can undo all the progress you've made with waxing. Trust the process, and you'll love the results.
The contrast between smooth, waxed skin and initial regrowth creates an illusion of darker, thicker hair. However, there is no actual change in hair properties. Hair regrowth after waxing has a blunt end, making it appear thicker and coarser than it is, contributing to the misconception.
Stubborn, short hairs left behind after waxing aren't much of a problem on areas like the eyebrows, upper lip and face. By giving hair a quick tweeze, any stragglers will be removed from the root of the skin ready to grow out for the next session.
Many people who get their first wax after shaving feel disappointed immediately after the wax, or a few days later, as they can experience stubbly and sharp hairs. This is not a part of the regrowth cycle from a wax; it is merely some of your shaved hairs breaking through the skin.
While some women shave every day to keep their bikini area smooth, we do not recommend it. Shaving every day can lead to ingrown hairs. It's best to give your skin a chance to recover and heal between shaving days. To keep the area smooth, aim to shave every two to three days.
Avoid hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 24 to 48 hours post-wax. Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothes can rub against your sensitive skin, causing irritation or ingrown hairs. Stick to loose, breathable fabrics like cotton for the first few days after waxing.
What the experts say: "Immediately cleanse the affected area with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and apply an antibacterial cream (bacitracin or mupirocin), oral NSAIDs for pain, a topical barrier like Aquaphor," Levin suggests. She also warns against using any scented products which could further irritate the skin.
This also means that the hair's regrowth cycle is disrupted, with the waxed hairs growing at a different rate than the shaved hairs. Shaving often leaves the skin dry and irritated, and this is not ideal for an area that's already delicate post-wax.
Why aren't my legs smooth after my wax? Dry skin and/or hair breakage. SO much of this can be prevented or reduced with exfoliating and moisturizing. When you wax an area of your body that has dry skin, when the hair gets pulled out, the dry, dead skin around that follicle gets disrupted and feels like a bump.
Yes, a Brazilian wax does include the inner lips. After doing a Brazilian wax ourselves, we can confirm that a true Brazilian wax aims to remove all hair from the front, back, and everything in between. This includes the more delicate areas like the inner lips.
Keep your waxing appointments consistent, ditch the razors, find a good moisturizer and exfoliate once per week. If you stick to these tips you'll find yourself hair free and happy between your appointments.
For most people, a bit of stubble begins to grow back after a few days. Shaving does not remove the hair from the root; it cuts hair close to the skin's surface.