Pubic hair removal has been linked to a possible increased risk for contracting it, though newer research suggests pubic hair removal does not increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea or chlamydia.Īvoiding infection starts with the proper skin preparation mentioned above, but you should also take precautions to wax yourself in a clean space and use clean equipment. This viral infection, which can be transmitted through sexual contact, causes benign bumps in the pubic region. Not all ingrown hair cysts are infected, but taking precautions to prevent ingrown hairs from developing and treating them properly can reduce the chance of infection. If it becomes inflamed, it may result in a cyst. Instead of growing toward the surface, the hair grows into the skin, causing a bump. These can occur when your waxed hair starts to grow back. Also called abscesses, boils result when a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle creates a raised red bump that may rupture. Folliculitis may cause a whitehead, but try not to pop it. This inflammation or infection of the hair follicles usually looks like pimples or a rash. It may lead to one of the following infections: So you can’t totally avoid germs.īacteria, sweat, and friction on exposed follicles can all lead to irritation or, in some cases, infection.Ī case of itchy bumps or a painful swollen spot is the last thing you might want when going fuzz-free, but it can happen during or after a waxing session. Plus, household surfaces hold germs, too, no matter how much you like to clean.
If you’re prone to waxing pain, you can apply a lidocaine product like Plum Smooth Plumb Numb about 30 minutes before waxing.Įveryone naturally has bacteria on their skin. Then place a hand on the just-waxed skin to calm it. To minimize the sting, take a deep breath and exhale as you pull fast. Then, use the other hand to pull off the strip or wax in the opposite direction in one fast, swift motion. When you’re ready to pull, hold your skin taut with one hand by pulling it slightly in the direction of hair growth. Some waxes require time to harden, while others can be pulled almost immediately. Follow specific instructions for your particular wax. Avoid double-dipping your applicator in your wax container, as this can introduce bacteria to your wax. Whether you’re using wax with strips or a stripless wax, always smooth wax onto the skin following the grain.
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Applying a small patch to your outer wrist can help you gauge if the heated wax is too hot to proceed. It also helps protect the skin during the pull. Powder can help sop up moisture if you’re sweating from heat, humidity, or because you’re nervous about waxing.
So dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.Īdd a little powder - cornstarch is a safe alternative to talcum powder, if you’re concerned about talc’s potential link to cancer. Grime increases your chance of incurring infected bumps, and oily skin and hair can prevent wax from sticking. Scrub up with a mild soap to remove any germs, sweat, oil, makeup, dirt, or other residue.
CleanseĪlways start your waxing session with freshly washed skin. Just make sure to be gentle - if you scrub too hard you could irritate your skin, which isn’t ideal for waxing. ExfoliateĪ day or two before you wax, gently exfoliate with a mild scrub, brush, mitt, or loofah to remove dead skin cells that surround the hair follicles.Įxfoliating helps loosen existing ingrown hairs and improves your waxing results. Trim hair using a clean personal grooming tool, such as an electronic trimmer or safety scissors. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends trimming hair to three-quarters of an inch. Cut hair first if necessaryĪlthough your hair needs to be at least a quarter inch to be waxed, hair that’s too long can make waxing more complicated and painful. That’s why proper skin prep and aftercare, combined with good waxing practices, play an essential role in avoiding issues that could derail the smooth skin you’re after.Īs long as you follow these steps, you should be able to safely remove your hair and enjoy the results for weeks. Simply put, there’s a lot that can go wrong. And heated wax has the potential to burn. This leaves your skin smoother, sure, but also more vulnerable to irritation. In many cases, waxing also removes the top layer of dry, dead skin cells. Waxing removes the hair by the follicle - meaning it pulls your body hair out by the root - giving germs an invitation to the opened hair follicles.
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