So, you’re hair-free, having just finished your waxing session, but there’s still a waxy feeling on your skin. You’ve heard that you shouldn’t wash directly after waxing, but exactly how long after can you shower?
If you’re looking for the short answer, you should wait at least 24 hours before showering, as this gives your skin the time it needs to heal from the skin irritation caused; it means you don’t have to worry about bacteria getting into freshly opened pores and risk the chance of ingrown hairs.
Of course, there’s much more to it than that, so if you’re interested in delving deeper, read on!
Why Is It Important to Wait Before Showering?
You’ve already learned the short answer for why it’s important to wait, but here are the details. Showering too soon causes already irritated skin to become even more irritated.
The chemicals in body wash and soaps (even fragrance-free ones), as well as the hot water itself, disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Because the hair has been removed from the root, the hair follicles are open, making it easier for bacteria to get trapped there.
Showering too early can also make your skin dry, and you run a greater risk of ingrown hairs, redness, and even infection.
How Long After Waxing Can Your Shower?
24 hours is generally all your skin needs to recuperate after removing hair, but it can be ready in as little as 12 hours, depending on the level of irritation.
It also depends on the area of the body you’ve been waxing: it’s generally the case that gentler wax is used on the face, so with less irritation present, it’s usually acceptable to wash your face 12 hours after.
On the other hand, a Brazilian wax and those on delicate areas like the bikini area are particularly prone to infection. Here, 24 hours is a minimum to give your skin time to heal. Legs, arms, and underarms can vary, but generally, it’s best to give it 24 hours.
How long you wait before taking a shower also depends on the waxing service and the type of wax used. With a soft wax, you want to be more cautious and wait the full 24. You won't have as much wax residue with harder wax, however, as it doesn't adhere to the skin as well.
Depending on the body part, you may be ok with 12 hours in this case. Just keep an eye on your skin immediately after and err on the side of caution if you’re unsure.
What Type of Shower Is Best After Waxing?
There’s also the type of shower to consider, as this can make a surprisingly big difference. Given the fact that a hot shower can irritate the skin further, it’s best to wash with lukewarm water.
Then, there’s the pressure itself: if you can, switch to a lower-powered jet as high-pressure water can make the freshly waxed area sore. You should also keep your shower session as short as possible to avoid irritation. The less water hitting your skin post-wax, the better!
A low-pressure, short shower will get the job done – only spend as long in there as you really need to.
Should You Shower Before?
So, what about showering before your waxing appointment? Your wax technician will usually advise you to do so, as the cleaner the skin is, the better the wax will adhere to the surface, as excess oils are removed during the washing process.
While showering immediately after waxing isn’t recommended due to the sort of skin irritation described above, a medium-length, warm water shower using a mild body wash makes for a much better wax.
This sort of shower a day before your waxing session is ideal, and you could also exfoliate to help remove dead skin cells.
What Else to Avoid in the Shower After Waxing
This article has already touched on avoiding hot, high-pressure water when you have your post-wax shower, but what else? You should always steer clear of any sort of exfoliation with your first shower after waxing – whether mechanical or chemical – as this will only exacerbate irritation.
It’s also important to use as natural a soap as you can find, avoiding those containing harsh products and strong fragrances (Tandi’s Naturals are great). It’s also advisable to only use your hands – loofahs and washcloths are a no-go, given the fact that they’re abrasive on the skin’s surface and can cause rubbing.
Some Extra Tips for Caring for Your Skin
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here’s a quick, here are a few extra tips:
- Use a cold compress or a flannel soaked with cool water for a few seconds in each area of your freshly waxed skin, and apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel.
- Avoid tight clothing, opting for natural fabrics like cotton to help prevent friction and discomfort.
- As well as showers, avoid pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for the next 24 hours.
- Use a fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer on your skin to hydrate and soothe 24 hours after waxing.
- Avoid activities that make you sweat for the next 24 hours, such as working out, sports, and spending time in the sun.
Following this kind of routine helps keep your skin calm and healthy, and extends the results of your hair removal.
When Can You Exfoliate?
As has been explained above, it’s important to avoid exfoliating directly after your waxing session. Be sure to wait at least 48 hours before doing so, by which point, gentle exfoliation can actually help prevent ingrown hairs and lessen the risk of unwanted hair growing at the wrong angle.
Products like lactic acid or mild sugar scrubs work great for this and help make your skin smooth and remain hair-free.
Can a Shower Filter Help Protect Your Skin?
It’s also worth mentioning that hard water and chlorine can irritate already sensitive skin further, so using a shower filter will be of benefit to you.
An AquaBliss shower filter is a great choice here: they’re easy to install, and effectively reduce undesirable minerals and impurities in the water (they even infuse your water with healthy micronutrients to help keep your skin nourished).
Final Tips for Post-Wax Care
To wrap up, here are the key dos and don’ts of looking after your skin post-wax:
- After you remove unwanted hair, always wait at least 12–24 hours before showering after waxing.
- Only exfoliate 48 hours after.
- Use lukewarm, low-pressure water when you do shower, and remain in there for only a short duration.
- Only use mild, natural, fragrance-free bathing products to prevent discomfort.
- Gently pat dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
- Wear loose clothing and use aloe vera to soothe the skin.
- Use only lightweight moisturizers 24 hours after to keep your skin hydrated.
Maintaining Your Silky Smooth Skin
So long as you wait 12–24 hours before showering (and do so gently), you’re golden. Both in the meantime and after your post-wax shower, there’s plenty you can be doing to keep your skin healthy, smooth, and irritation-free by adhering to a proper skincare routine and using a shower filter (again, check out the AquaBliss homepage for more details here).
The waxing process doesn’t have to be complicated - it just requires a little foresight and a few key shower tips. Once you’ve assimilated the information above, you’ll have what you need to both enjoy your results and extend the benefits of the treatment while minimizing irritation.
