Waxing Aftercare A to Z: 8 Ways to Care for Your Skin Before and After

Waxing is a quick way to tidy up hair, but how you prepare and look after your skin changes how it turns out. “My skin felt rough a few days after waxing” is often a care issue. This guide from Linh Lan Waxing in District 1, Saigon covers eight things: preparation, care right after waxing, everyday care, preventing ingrown hairs and the right interval. Skin reacts differently from person to person, so if anything feels wrong, contact the salon that treated you.

Before waxing

Your skin condition on the day and the day before affects how well wax grips the hair and how your skin reacts afterwards.

① Gently exfoliate a day or two before

Lightly removing dead skin with a fine scrub or exfoliating pad helps wax reach the hair cleanly. Use light pressure and avoid harsh scrubs.

② No moisturiser or oil on the day

A layer of moisturiser or oil can stop wax from sticking to the hair. If your skin is dry, moisturise up to the day before, then skip it on the day of your treatment. Your therapist will advise on moisturising afterwards.

Right after waxing

If your skin is irritated right after treatment, Linh Lan finishes with cooling air (about -30°C). At home, keep these in mind.

• Day of treatment: Avoid saunas, hot baths and intense exercise.
• Sun: Do not expose the area to strong sun for long.
• Friction: Avoid tight clothing or clothes that trap sweat for now.
• Do not rub or scrub the area.

Everyday care

③ Gentle exfoliation: Once the skin has settled, lightly exfoliating with a soft scrub or exfoliating glove can help reduce the chance of ingrown hairs (hairs that grow back into the skin). Adjust how often to suit your skin, and avoid scrubbing hard under very hot water.

④ Moisturise daily: Dry skin builds up dead cells, which makes it easier for fine hair to curl back under the skin. Apply lotion or body oil when skin is still slightly damp after a shower for better absorption.

⑤ Avoid harsh products: Products with a lot of alcohol or fragrance (including body mists) can sting or redden freshly waxed skin. Choose low-irritation, fragrance-light products.

Preventing and managing ingrown hairs

If your hair is coarse or your skin builds up dead cells easily, ingrown hairs may appear more often.

⑥ Use an ingrown hair serum: Products with salicylic or glycolic acid soften dead skin and help trapped hair come out. Use after a shower or after exfoliating. If your skin is sensitive, ask before using.

⑦ Do not pull or pick at hairs: Digging out a hair with fingers or a needle can cause infection or scarring. Gentle exfoliation and regular moisturising are safer.

When should you wax again?

⑧ Follow your hair growth cycle: Hair grows at different speeds by area and by person, but usually after a few weeks it reaches about 0.5 cm again, which is a good length to wax. Waxing at regular intervals makes it easier to understand your hair, so talk to your therapist to find the interval that suits you.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I moisturise on the day of waxing?

It can stop wax from sticking to hair, so we recommend not applying it on the day.

When can I shower or swim after waxing?

A normal shower is fine, but avoid hot water and saunas on the day. Wait at least a day before pools or the sea, then decide based on your skin.

What if I get an ingrown hair?

Do not pick or pull it. Keep up gentle exfoliation and moisturising. If it becomes inflamed, see a doctor.

How do I book?

Walk-ins are welcome at Linh Lan, but you may need to wait if we are fully booked. Booking ahead is the surest way to get your preferred time. Message us on KakaoTalk (ID: linhlanwaxing), Zalo or WhatsApp.