Do and don'ts after waxing the underarm?

### Essential DO'S After Underarm Waxing **DO Keep the Area Clean** Wash your underarms gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap within 24 hours of waxing. Pat dry with a clean towel—don't rub vigorously. Clean skin prevents bacterial growth that could lead to irritation or breakouts in freshly waxed pores. **DO Moisturize Regularly** Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe skin and maintain hydration. Well-moisturized skin heals faster and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Choose products labeled "for sensitive skin" and avoid anything containing alcohol, which can sting and dry out skin. **DO Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing** For at least 24-48 hours post-waxing, opt for loose-fitting tops made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. Tight clothing causes friction on sensitive, newly-waxed skin, potentially leading to irritation, redness, or bumps. Natural fibers allow skin to breathe and reduce sweat build-up. **DO Exfoliate Gently (After 48 Hours)** Starting two days after waxing, gently exfoliate your underarms 2-3 times per week using a soft washcloth, gentle scrub, or exfoliating mitt. This prevents dead skin cells from trapping new hair growth beneath the surface, reducing ingrown hairs. Use circular motions and rinse thoroughly. **DO Apply Cool Compresses if Needed** If you experience unusual redness or sensitivity, apply a cool, damp cloth to your underarms for 5-10 minutes. This soothes skin and reduces inflammation. Never use ice directly on skin—always wrap in a cloth. **DO Stay Hydrated** Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin elasticity and supports the healing process. Hydrated skin is healthier skin, which contributes to better waxing results long-term. **DO Book Regular Appointments** Schedule your next underarm waxing for 4-5 weeks after your current appointment to maintain a consistent hair growth cycle. Regular waxing leads to finer, sparser regrowth over time. ### Critical DON'TS After Underarm Waxing **DON'T Use Deodorant or Antiperspirant (24 Hours)** Avoid all deodorants and antiperspirants for at least 24 hours after waxing. Freshly waxed pores are open and vulnerable to irritation from the aluminum compounds, fragrances, and alcohol commonly found in these products. If needed, use unscented talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb moisture instead. **DON'T Exercise Heavily (24-48 Hours)** Skip intense workouts, hot yoga, or activities causing excessive sweating for 24-48 hours post-waxing. Sweat contains salt and bacteria that can irritate open pores, and friction from movement can cause additional sensitivity. Gentle walks are fine; save high-intensity training for after the 48-hour mark. **DON'T Use Hot Water (24 Hours)** Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs for 24 hours. Heat can intensify redness, cause additional irritation, and potentially lead to infection in open pores. Stick to lukewarm water for cleansing during this initial period. **DON'T Apply Fragranced Products** For 48 hours after waxing, avoid perfumes, body sprays, scented lotions, or any fragranced products on or near your underarms. Fragrance ingredients can cause stinging, burning, or allergic reactions on newly-waxed sensitive skin. **DON'T Touch or Scratch** Resist the urge to touch, pick at, or scratch your underarms, even if they feel slightly itchy (a normal temporary sensation). Your hands carry bacteria that can cause infection, and scratching irritates sensitive skin and may cause damage. **DON'T Expose to Sun or Tanning Beds (48 Hours)** Freshly waxed skin is more susceptible to UV damage and hyperpigmentation. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 48 hours. If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (mineral-based formulas are gentler). **DON'T Shave Between Waxes** Even if you notice a few stray hairs before your next appointment, never shave! Shaving resets the waxing cycle, creates blunt stubble, and prevents the progressive thinning of hair that regular waxing provides. If absolutely necessary, use tweezers to remove individual hairs. **DON'T Use Harsh Exfoliants Immediately** While exfoliation is important (after 48 hours), don't use harsh scrubs, chemical exfoliants with AHAs/BHAs, or abrasive tools immediately after waxing. These can damage sensitized skin. Stick to gentle, physical exfoliation only after the 48-hour window. ### First 24 Hours: Hour-by-Hour Guide **Immediately After (0-2 Hours)** - Avoid touching the area - Let soothing products absorb naturally - Wear loose clothing - Avoid heat sources **2-12 Hours Post-Wax** - Cleanse gently with lukewarm water if needed - Apply fragrance-free moisturizer - Continue avoiding deodorant - Stay away from exercise **12-24 Hours Post-Wax** - Maintain loose clothing - Keep area clean and dry - Still no deodorant, hot water, or exercise - Any minor redness should be fading **After 24 Hours** - You may resume deodorant use (start with gentle, fragrance-free options if skin still feels sensitive) - Light exercise is acceptable - Lukewarm to cool showers are fine - Begin normal skin care routine **After 48 Hours** - Begin gentle exfoliation routine - Resume all normal activities - Hot water and heat exposure acceptable - Start applying makeup or self-tanner if desired ### Managing Common Post-Wax Concerns **Minor Redness**: Normal for 1-4 hours. Apply cool compress or aloe vera gel if it persists beyond 4 hours. **Small Red Bumps**: Often histamine reaction to waxing. Usually resolve within 24 hours. Avoid scratching; apply soothing gel. **Slight Tenderness**: Common for 6-12 hours. Avoid pressure or friction; wear very loose clothing. **A Few Stray Hairs**: Normal—some hairs were in resting phase during waxing. Avoid shaving; pluck with clean tweezers if they bother you. **Mild Itching** (After 48+ hours): May indicate beginning of regrowth or dry skin. Exfoliate gently and moisturize regularly.

**Available at our Newcastle location**: - **Newcastle City Centre**: Professional waxing with comprehensive aftercare instructions and support for optimal results **Our Underarm Waxing Service**: - Underarm Waxing: £10 | 10-15 minutes (includes detailed aftercare guidance) [Book Your Appointment](#booking)