Itchy Hair Growth After Waxing

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

Waxing is the almost-perfect solution for achieving silky smooth skin with extended periods between hair removal.

Waxing removes the hair from the root, ensuring that your skin stays hair-free for longer.

However, waxing does come with some downfalls. It can be pretty painful for those not accustomed to it and may cause itchiness in the days and weeks following waxing.

What is the cause of itchy hair growth after waxing?

Two common issues that can occur after waxing are folliculitis and ingrown hairs. To prevent these, it’s recommended to exfoliate the area on a regular basis gently. If you are looking for relief, then apply a warm, damp compress. Do not pick at or pop folliculitis or ingrown hairs.

There are several ways to manage itchy hair growth, all of which can be done at home to prevent it from worsening.

Knowing how to deal with itchy hair growth after waxing will encourage you to continue waxing and maintain silky, smooth legs all year round.

What Causes Itchiness?

Woman Suffering From Itching — Skin Itchiness

There are two primary reasons why you might experience itchy hair growth after waxing, and both are treatable at home.

Folliculitis – Folliculitis causes small itchy bumps on the skin, often with a red ring around the bumps. The bumps can appear similar to acne.

This occurs after waxing, when the damaged hair follicles are vulnerable to irritation and bacterial infection. If bacteria enter the hair follicles, folliculitis can occur.

Ingrown hairs – Ingrown hairs appear on the skin, usually around a week after waxing.

This happens when the hair grows back and reinserts itself into the hair follicle. Ingrown hairs are itchy, sometimes painful, and can resemble pimples.

If untreated, ingrown hairs may become infected.

Tips To Prevent Itchiness After A Wax

If you find your skin is starting to become itchy following a wax, usually a few days in, here are a few quick fixes to reduce the irritation and pain if there is any:

Avoid wearing tight clothes. Choose loose-fitting clothes, as tight-fitting clothes can rub and irritate the skin further.
Apply a cool compress to the affected area to soothe it. An ice pack or a clean washcloth run under cold water can be applied to the area for up to 20 minutes to give a calming effect.
A warm compress can be used to draw out ingrown hairs. You can use a heating pad or a washcloth run under warm water to apply to the skin for 5 minutes.
Do not pick or pop the bumps. This can irritate the skin even further and introduce bacteria to the area, which increases the risk of infection.
You can use cortisone cream on the skin to relieve irritation, inflammation, and swelling.
Clean your skin with a gentle soap and warm water to minimize irritation. Pat your skin dry to avoid irritating it further by rubbing it with a towel.
You can apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the skin to soothe irritation and inflammation, such as an aloe vera gel.

How To Care For Skin After Waxing

Waxing does not stop once you have removed the last wax strip from your skin.

You need to care for your skin immediately and in the days following waxing to reduce the chances of irritation, itchiness, and inflammation.

Caring for your skin is the best prevention, and is much better than having to find remedies to reduce itchiness once it has set in.

Immediately following a wax.

Apply a cool compress to the waxed skin, or have a cool shower to reduce redness, irritation, and sensitivity.
Only wear loose-fitting clothing, as tight-fitting clothing can cause friction and irritation on already sensitive skin.
Avoid wearing perfumed products, such as creams and lotions, as they may further irritate the skin.
Do not exercise for 24 hours after a wax, as any sweat could clog pores or irritate the skin.

Two days following a wax

Still, only wear loose-fitting clothing.
Avoid using perfumes or perfumed creams. Instead, you can use soothing moisturizers, such as aloe vera or vitamin E, to nourish your skin.

Weeks following a wax

Cleanse and exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells and other impurities, as well as bacteria, from the surface.

Remedies For Itchy Hair Growth And Ingrown Hairs

Natural is always best, and there are natural remedies that can be used to soothe your skin after waxing, nourishing and protecting it while avoiding harsh chemicals that might irritate it further.

Sugar Scrub

You can mix half a cup of sugar and half a cup of olive oil or coconut oil to use as an exfoliator on your skin. Apply a small amount to the area and rub it in with small circular motions.

This helps to soothe the skin and prevent ingrown hairs from forming, as it removes excess dead skin cells that might trap the hairs within the follicles.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an excellent option to soothe waxed skin. Use this remedy a few days after waxing, as oils can clog pores immediately after waxing.

Dilute the tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, by mixing 10 drops of the carrier oil with one drop of tea tree oil.

Apply this to the affected area three times a day until the symptoms subside.

Remember to perform an allergy patch test in a small area and wait 24 hours to see if there is an adverse reaction. If not, you can use the tea tree oil as advised..

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is so soothing to the skin, and the best part is that you can use it in gel form or straight from the plant.

If you have aloe vera gel, you can gently rub it on your skin, and you will immediately feel the relief. It will also provide your skin with excellent nourishment and hydration.

If you are lucky enough to have an aloe vera plant, you can break off a leaf and squeeze some of the plant’s essence onto the affected area, massaging it in gently to soothe inflammation.

I also love this aloe vera lotion for daily use.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic. To soothe your skin, soak a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the irritated area.

You can do this three times a day to prevent infection and promote skin healing.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel also acts as an antiseptic and has astringent properties, which help to calm and prevent bumps and rashes.

You just need to soak a cotton pad in witch hazel extract and apply it to the skin, up to three times a day. My absolute favorite witch hazel is this toner from Mario Badescu.

How To Prevent Future Itchy Hair Growth

The best way to prevent itchy hair growth after future waxing is to continue practicing routine exfoliation and cleansing of the skin.

This will help to remove bumps that form after waxing by removing dead skin cells and any impurities that might cause an infection.

You should adhere to your waxing schedule carefully, as it is designed to align with your natural hair growth cycle. Hair should be long enough to wax off properly.

If you do not stick to your schedule, you risk irritation and ingrown hairs.

Caring for your skin should be a daily practice, not just when it is time to wax or when irritation occurs from waxing.

Yes, waxing is fantastic and provides an easy solution to achieving gorgeously silky smooth legs, but it does come with its downsides.

Unfortunately, most people who wax will experience itchy hair growth, and it can be a learning curve.

Dealing with itchy hair growth as it starts is not tricky, and it is essential to prevent the skin from becoming infected or further inflamed.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to manage this condition.

Using natural remedies should be your first option, and they are often highly effective.

Learn how to deal with itchy hair growth and prevent it altogether to enjoy silky smooth, hair-free legs!

Does Waxing Cause Sagging Skin?

Waxing After Spray Tan – Everything You Need To Know

The 5 Best Oils To Use After Waxing

Itchy Hair Growth After Waxing – What To Do