It’s completely normal to experience some redness and irritation after getting a Brazilian wax. The Brazilian wax process removes hair from the sensitive bikini area by pulling it out from the root, which can cause inflammation and make the skin turn red. The good news is that the redness is usually temporary and should go away within 24-48 hours. There are several reasons why your skin may become irritated and red after a Brazilian wax, as well as things you can do to soothe the skin and speed up recovery.
Reasons for Redness after a Brazilian Wax
Here are some of the main causes of redness after a Brazilian wax:
Removal of Hair Follicles
When hair is waxed from the root, it causes trauma to the hair follicle and surrounding skin tissues. This trauma triggers inflammation as part of the healing process, which makes the skin look red and feel sensitive or sore. The more hair that is removed, the more inflammation there will be. Brazilian waxes remove hair from multiple sensitive areas like the labia, bikini line, and anus, so there is a lot of skin disruption.
Skin Sensitivity
The skin around the bikini area is very thin and delicate. It has fewer oil glands compared to other parts of the body and is more prone to irritation. The constant friction from underwear rubbing against freshly waxed skin adds to the sensitivity. Smooth skin without the protection of hair follicles is also more vulnerable to inflammation.
Heat from Wax
The wax used for Brazilian waxes is applied at a temperature that allows it to smoothly coat the skin and adhere to hair. However, the heated wax can cause dilation of blood vessels beneath the skin, resulting in redness. The high temperature also provokes inflammation and sensitivity.
Pulling and Tugging of Skin
During a Brazilian wax treatment, the esthetician pulls the wax strips off in the direction of hair growth. This tugging motion can stress the surrounding tissues and break capillaries under the surface of the skin, causing redness. If the same area is waxed repeatedly, the irritation and inflammation will be greater.
Individual Skin Reactions
Everyone’s skin has a different level of sensitivity. Some people may experience severe redness after a Brazilian wax while others have a mild reaction. Age, ethnicity, hormonal fluctuations, and medications can increase susceptibility to irritation. Using harsh products or uncertified technicians can also worsen skin reactions.
Tips to Reduce Redness and Irritation
Here are some tips to help soothe skin and minimize redness after a Brazilian wax:
Avoid Tight Clothing
Wear loose, breathable underwear and clothing near the treated area. Tight elastic bands can cause friction and worsen inflammation. Avoid exercising or activities that cause rubbing on freshly waxed skin.
Use Cool Compresses
Apply a cool, wet cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the waxed areas. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Do this a few times a day for 5-10 minutes.
Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help decrease inflammation and provide pain relief if the area is very uncomfortable. Always follow dosage instructions.
Apply Soothing Creams
Look for topical creams containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, vitamin E, lavender oil, tea tree oil, or witch hazel. Gently smooth the cream onto the irritated skin a few times a day. Avoid heavily fragranced products.
Keep Skin Clean
Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water to gently clean the area once a day. Pat dry with a soft towel. This removes bacteria that can inflame the hair follicles. Avoid scrubbing or harsh chemicals.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated fluids to keep skin hydrated and help healing. Dehydration can increase irritation.
Wear Loose Cotton Underwear
Choose breathable cotton underwear styles that don’t rub against the bikini area. Avoid silky or lace fabrics that can irritate the skin. Also sleep without underwear at night.
Avoid Hot Showers or Baths
Hot water can aggravate skin sensitivity after waxing. Take lukewarm showers and don’t soak in a hot bath until redness and tenderness subside.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, the redness and discomfort after a Brazilian wax will resolve on its own within a couple days. However, see your doctor or dermatologist if you experience:
– Severe swelling, burning, oozing or bleeding
– Rashes, bumps or blisters
– Pus or skin infections
– Intense pain that won’t subside
– Allergic reaction signs like hives, itching or difficulty breathing
– Redness and irritation lasting beyond 3 days
These reactions may require examination, testing and medication to treat potential infections, cysts or other complications. Rare side effects like skin tearing or bruising may also need medical care. Notify your waxing technician as well.
Recovery Timeline and Tips
Here is an approximate timeline for what to expect during the healing process after a Brazilian wax:
Day of Waxing
– Redness, swelling, sensitivity lasting a few hours
– Soreness similar to plucking hairs
– Avoid friction with clothing
– Use cool compress and soothing cream
Day 1 After Waxing
– Redness and sensitivity may worsen
– Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed
– Continue using cold compresses and soothing creams
– Wear loose cotton underwear
Day 2 After Waxing
– Inflammation starts improving but skin may remain tender
– Redness should fade to a light pink
– Keep using creams and cool compresses if needed for comfort
– Skin may start peeling or flaking around hair follicles
Day 3 After Waxing
– Most redness and irritation resolves
– Any peeling skin disappears
– No more pain or tenderness
– Skin may look smoother and feel softer
– If symptoms persist, call your esthetician or doctor
Day 4+ After Waxing
– Skin returns to normal with no signs of irritation
– Ingrown hairs may start developing and can be minimized with proper exfoliation
– Hairs grow back finer and sparser over time with regular waxing
– Schedule next waxing session in 4-6 weeks
Home Remedies to Soothe Irritated Skin
In addition to creams, cool compresses and medication, you can try these natural home remedies to help soothe red, inflamed skin after waxing:
Oatmeal
Grind plain oatmeal into a fine powder and mix with water to make a paste. Apply to the affected area for 10-15 minutes then rinse. The starch in oats has anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea Bags
Moist tea bags can be gently pressed onto the waxed skin for 5 minutes. The tannins in black or green tea help reduce swelling and pain.
Coconut Oil
This moisturizing oil has soothing fatty acids and antimicrobial properties. Gently massage extra virgin coconut oil onto the irritated skin a few times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water. Dip a clean cloth into the liquid and apply to the inflamed areas for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat 2-3 times a day. The acetic acid helps restore skin pH and reduces redness.
Honey
Manuka honey has antioxidant and antibacterial benefits. Apply a thin layer to the waxed skin and let sit 10 minutes before rinsing. Use a bandage if needed to avoid sticky mess.
Cucumber Slices
Put sliced cucumbers in the fridge for an hour until chilled. Apply to the waxed skin for 10-15 minutes to soothe irritation and inflammation.
Preventing Irritation Before Brazilian Waxes
You can take steps before getting a Brazilian wax to help minimize redness and sensitivity afterwards:
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before waxing
– These can dehydrate skin and worsen irritation
Take over-the-counter pain medication
– Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation
No tanning before waxing
– This sensitizes skin and causes more irritation
Exfoliate gently 2-3 days before
– Removes dead skin cells but avoid abrasive scrubs
Don’t wax during your period
– Increased sensitivity makes irritation more likely
Trim longer hairs first
– Wax adheres better to shorter hairs and tugs less on skin
Choose an experienced esthetician
– Proper technique prevents skin damage and discomfort
Avoid retinol creams before waxing
– They make skin thinner and more prone to tearing
Clean skin before appointment
– Remove dirt, sweat and bacteria to minimize infection risk
Take a pain reliever prior to wax
– Helps limit inflammation and discomfort afterwards
Comparison of Redness After Shaving vs Waxing Pubic Hair
Shaving and waxing are common hair removal methods in the bikini area but have different side effects on the skin. Here is a comparison of potential redness after shaving versus waxing pubic hair:
Shaving
| Causes of Redness |
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| Redness Duration |
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| Tips to Prevent Redness |
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Waxing
| Causes of Redness |
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| Redness Duration |
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| Tips to Prevent Redness |
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When to Wax Again After Irritation
It’s important to allow the skin to fully heal before removing hair again by waxing to prevent irritation. Here are some tips on waxing frequency after irritation:
- If redness and sensitivity lasts more than 3 days, wait at least 1 week before waxing again
- For moderate irritation resolved within 48 hours, wait at least 72 hours before next wax
- If skin heals within 24 hours, waxing again in 4-5 days is usually fine
- Schedule the next wax according to your usual regrowth timing, but extend by a few days if needed
- Avoid waxing the same area more than once every 3-4 weeks
- Don’t wax irritated, peeling or broken skin as it can lead to infection
- If you regularly get ingrown hairs, allow 6 weeks between waxing sessions
- Exfoliate gently between waxes to prevent ingrown hairs
Listen to your skin – if it’s sensitive, hold off waxing until you’re back to normal. Forcing it can cause more irritation and inflammation. Proper healing between waxes prevents recurring redness.
How Long Does Pubic Area Redness Last After Waxing?
The duration of redness after waxing pubic hair depends on multiple factors, but it generally resolves within a few days:
- Mild redness may last only 12-24 hours
- Moderate redness usually fades after 48 hours
- Severe irritation can persist 3-5 days
- Skin tends to stay sensitive and tender longer than visible redness lasts
- Bikini lines often heal faster than sensitive genital areas like labia
- Repeated waxing leads to less redness as skin adapts over time
- Ethnicity, hormones and medications impact duration of irritation
- Proper aftercare reduces length of inflammation
While redness past 5 days is uncommon, see your doctor if it persists longer or you have signs of infection. Most clients can resume normal activities as the skin starts feeling less sensitive, usually by day 3 post-waxing.
Conclusion
It’s very common and expected to experience some redness, swelling and irritation after getting a Brazilian wax. The inflammation occurs due to trauma to the delicate tissues and hair follicles as hair is removed from the root. Proper aftercare like avoiding friction, applying soothing creams, anti-inflammatory medication and cool compresses helps minimize the discomfort. Most skin returns to normal within 2-3 days. See a doctor if severe symptoms last longer or any signs of infection develop. Over time, the skin will adapt to waxing and become less reactive to the process. Proper technique by an experienced esthetician can also help reduce irritation during Brazilian waxes.