Those who go for waxing have many questions, like “Can you shower after wax strips?” and “How long should you wait to shower after waxing?
Waxing is among the best methods for achieving baby-soft skin.
Despite the fact that the process can be extremely painful, it is nevertheless an essential component of our regular beauty routine.
The problem is that many factors determine the results you achieve after waxing. And an important factor is how to time a shower after the procedure.
So, can I take shower after waxing, you may ask?
No, you can’t take a shower immediately after wax strips and wait for at least 5-8 hours before using any strips whatsoever.
Tip: Ensure the area to be waxed is always clean and dry because waxing is ineffective in wet areas.
Time to Shower Based on Waxing Methods
Body hair can be removed permanently via waxing, which entails applying wax and then peeling it off with strips.
However, there are a number of waxing techniques from which to choose. Waxing strips may or may not be included in these products.
Depending on their consistency, you can classify them as soft or hard wax.
Time to Shower after Hard Wax
It’s spread using a spatula while still warm and thicker. If you use hard wax, you won’t even need a strip to get it off.
Hard wax is the norm while waxing the face. It’s vital to wait at least 24 hours before you take a shower.
Time to Shower after Soft Wax
A muslin strip is used to remove the soft wax after it has been applied with a waxing spatula.
Larger body parts, such as the legs, arms, and armpits, are the ideal candidates for this wax.
It’s important to wait for at least 5 hours before you take a shower after this procedure.
Tip: Ensure your hair length is a quarter of an inch when you wax it to properly pull it out from the root.
Can You Shower after Wax Strips or Do it Before the Procedure?
When it comes to waxing and showering, you’ll find a lot of different opinions.
Some say it’s better to take a good shower before waxing. But, other experts think you should take a shower after waxing.
The truth is that both wax strips before or after shower have their pros and cons.
Taking a Shower Before Waxing
Many of us believe a refreshing shower before waxing is terrific, as it can help the skin and the waxing process.
It Opens Up Closed Pores
If you’re planning on waxing, it’s best to take a shower in warm or lukewarm water.
It has the potential to open up the pores of the skin, making it considerably simpler to remove hair.
Waxing will be easier, faster, and less painful if your pores are open.
What to Consider
Taking a shower in warm or lukewarm water tends to soften our skin.
Waxing following this may result in skin irritation, bruising, or even burns due to the high temperatures of the wax.
Therefore, you risk botching the entire procedure and injuring yourself.
If you shower before waxing, the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface will not peel off easily.
Softening skin prevents it from staying dry enough to shed dead cells.
How to Shower before Waxing
If you really want to do it before waxing, here’s what to keep in mind.
Avoid Hot Water
For 48 hours before your waxing appointment, avoid hot showers and saunas.
Use cold water instead of hot since it will help your skin retain moisture and prevent irritation and infections.
Using hot water right before a waxing session significantly increases the risk of skin injury.
If you soak your skin in hot water before waxing, you risk having it pulled off. Therefore, skip the steamy shower in favor of the wax spa.
Stay Away from a Body Scrub
To avoid irritation, do not exfoliate with a body scrub, brush, body mitt, or another tool.
You should exfoliate your skin around 48 hours before your waxing appointment so that the follicle has time to become soft.
If you exfoliate your skin right before you get a wax, it will be extra sensitive and your skin’s natural defenses will be weakened.
Although waxing is not a replacement for exfoliation, it does remove the skin’s surface layer, making a combination of the two treatments fairly harsh.
Avoid Any Lotion
Do not apply body products such as oil, lotion, or deodorant immediately following your bath or shower.
These products should be removed prior to waxing since they reduce the stickiness of the wax to the skin.
Before your consultation, try using a moisturizing soap bar or body wash to calm and relax your skin.
Don’t Wax Immediately after a Shower
Do not begin waxing immediately after getting out of the shower.
Waxing can be done after a shower, but you should wait at least two hours to enable your body temperature to return to normal.
If it isn’t an option, then wait at least 30 minutes.
Tip: Use wax only when it's cool because hot wax can damage your skin while you try to remove it.
Taking a Shower after Waxing
Now the question is, what happens if you shower after a waxing session? Is it preferable to always use this approach instead of the old one? Let’s find out:
Help Your Skin Feel Clean
A shower after waxing is a good idea because it facilitates cleanup considerably.
The procedure is untidy since the chemical used is quite sticky. Therefore, you should wash up with a shower afterward.
What to Consider?
Do not jump in the shower just after getting your wax done.
You can avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation by allowing your skin a long time to acclimate to room temperature.
How to Shower after Waxing?
If you feel more at ease or if you need to, you can take a shower after waxing as well.
Be mindful of the following precautions at all times:
No Need to Shower Right After Waxing
To avoid contaminating the wax, you shouldn’t shower straight away after getting it done.
Instead, your esthetician will apply a post-depilatory lotion to the waxed region, which will remove wax residue, calm the skin, and prolong the clean appearance.
Approximately two hours after waxing, use lukewarm water to help your body temperature return to normal and your skin regain some of its sensitivity.
Avoid a Hot Shower
Remember to wait at least 24 hours after waxing before taking a hot shower or visiting a sauna.
It’ll aggravate your delicate skin and cause severe pain. Instead, use warm or lukewarm water for this.
Avoid Body Products
Avoid using shower items like soap or gel that are extremely scented or colored.
No additional chemicals should be applied to your skin until you fully recover from waxing.
Perfumes, deodorants, body mists, and lotions are all included in this category.
No Exfoliation
Under no circumstances should you exfoliate immediately following a waxing session.
Since the pores are wide open, the skin is extra delicate and easily irritated. Sensitivity might increase after exfoliating.
What Else to Consider Other Than Shower after Wax Strips?
Your skin will be more sensitive after waxing, therefore it’s best to understand the dos and don’ts after waxing strips.
No Pool Day
Your pores open up after waxing, so avoid swimming in chlorinated pools. It’s possible to develop an infection if you don’t practice care.
Moisturize Properly
Regular use of a moisturizing product containing tea tree oil may be helpful.
Tea tree oil is traditionally thought to have antibacterial characteristics and may help calm sensitive skin.
Know What to Wear
If you have recently gotten your legs or bikini area waxed, it’s recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear.
This enables the waxed region to breathe, which reduces the likelihood of irritation.
No Sweating
Excessive sweating after using wax strips is not a good idea.
Perspiration can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to further skin problems like redness, irritation, rashes, and breakouts.
Wearing loose-fitting clothes after getting your wax done is a good idea.
Tip: Don't start waxing a large area when you're beginning, as it increases pain and prevents hair removal from the root.
Takeaway
Soft waxing, where you use waxing strips, is one of the most common hair removal methods, and knowing the answer to “can you shower after wax strips?” can make a big difference in proper aftercare.
It typically leaves us with the desired result—silky smooth, hair-free skin.
But, we must take adequate care of the treated areas to avoid pain, lumps, and even infection.
Give your body enough break after a waxing session to feel rejuvenated after a shower.
