Waxing Aftercare Tips for Melanated Skin: Essential Guide to Prevent Irritation and Hyperpigmentation

Our skin is magic, but it needs some extra love to stay looking fly. After waxing, melanated skin needs special care to avoid irritation and dark spots. It’s swimsuit season, and we want to be able to show off without the worry reminders of not taking care of our skin. In case you don’t know about the aftercare for waxing, the EBONY team has you covered. We chatted with the team at the European Wax Center and got good aftercare tips and what products to use.

Preventing Ingrown Hairs

Use a serum formulated to target the prevention of bacteria growth, with ingredients such as tea tree oil and lavender. Also, use glycolic acid, which is safe for melanated skin, to help brighten safely.

Exfoliate with a gentle polish, using ingredients such as pumice stone or biodegradable beads to buff the skin gently without creating microtears that can later cause infections.

Use body washes that are not heavily fragranced or comedogenic to prevent the follicles from clogging and trapping the hair underneath. Look for body washes with Aloe and jojoba beads that will gently polish the skin while getting you clean at the same time.

Exfoliation Timing

Exfoliation at least 48 hours after wax can maintain healthy skin cell turnover. Exfoliating two to three times a week consistently can also help, even if there is hair growth.

Special Precautions

You should always be aware that there will be a chance you will get ingrown hairs, especially if you have coarse, curly hair. However, preparing your skin by exfoliating consistently and continuing that routine post-waxing will help prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin healthy. This could be with a grainy scrub, an exfoliating glove or a chemical exfoliant charged with ingredients like glycolic acid or enzymes.

No matter what body part you are waxing, it is important to remember it is all skin! This means if you apply serums and moisturizers to your face, you should also be treating your body with the same care. When the skin is dehydrated due to lack of moisture, it means the hair may be dehydrated as well, and when waxing, it can potentially cause the hairs to break, leaving you with hair left behind. This can create the misconception that the waxer did something wrong, when really the skin and hair were not well equipped for the service.

Recommended Post-Waxing Treatments

Products containing gentle biodegradable beads, pumice stone, and jojoba beads, which are great for weekly exfoliation. Vitamin C/Azelaic Acid, for those looking to brighten hyperpigmentation. For those who say, “I don’t have time to add this into my routine…” Girl, shut up and make the time—the serums take two seconds to apply. Also, the exfoliation process can be done in the shower and adds less than a few minutes to your shower routine. A few minutes is worth it for healthy skin, while ingrown hairs will consume so much more than your time!

Optimal Waxing Schedule

This will depend on your hair growth. Everyone’s hair grows at a different pace. For those new to waxing, three to four weeks is typically suggested. After your first few sessions, you will notice how slowly or quickly your hair grows back. Your third wax is your BEST wax. When you are consistent, your hair will start to grow less coarse and, with the right product routine, less quickly.

Minimizing Risks

The top potential risks for melanated skin are ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation. Ingrown hairs can be a given with curly hair, and hyperpigmentation can typically follow after ingrown hairs, especially for those who like to pick at them. When you pick at your ingrown hairs, they could get bigger and more painful if you don’t get that hair completely out. Leave it to the experts and get yourself a great skin routine to help minimize both of those potential risks. 

Natural Remedies

Tea tree oil is that girl because it has so many beneficial properties. It is antibacterial, antifungal, and so much more. However, applying tea tree oil directly to the skin is not recommended. You should use a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil and apply five to 10 drops of tea tree oil, mix them together, and then apply to the skin. Aloe vera gel also goes a long way—it’s not just for sunburns but for any irritated skin!

Aftercare Protection

Avoid exfoliating less than 48 hrs post waxing, the skin will be extra sensitive.

Moisturize! Apply all over the skin, waxed or unwaxed. It will keep that skin hydrated. A healthy, hydrated follicle allows a clear passage for new hair to grow out of.

Long-Term Strategies

Consistently exfoliate two to three times a week for healthy maintenance and four to five times a week for anyone trying to treat an ingrown hair breakout. Stay on top of it, even if there is hair growth, because there is still dead skin trapped between the hairs.

Exfoliating 24 – 48 hours before your wax can ensure the skin around the hair follicle is clear, which helps your waxer get that hair out entirely. Keep your skin hydrated. That does not mean just drinking more water, it means hitting all of your skin with serums and moisturizers for optimal skin health!