Post Wax Aftercare| Amala Studio Lynnwood, WA
After Your Wax
What to do (and not do) in the 24 hours after, plus the weekly routine that keeps your skin smooth between visits.
For the first 24 hours:
No working out. Sweat irritates freshly-waxed skin. If you have to choose, exercise before your appointment, not after.
No hot showers or hot tubs. Cool to lukewarm only. The pores are open and heat aggravates them.
No saunas, steam rooms, or sun exposure. Same reason as above: your skin is more reactive than usual.
Sex is fine, but clean up immediately after. Bacteria can settle into open pores and cause the bumps people often blame on the wax itself.
Wear loose clothing. Tight underwear or jeans rub on the freshly-cleared area. Soft cotton is your friend.
Skip scented lotions or body sprays. Fragrance on inflamed skin is asking for a reaction. Plain moisturizer is fine.
Seeing Bumps?
Some people get small red or white bumps for a day or two after a wax.
That's usually a histamine reaction — your body responding to having the hair pulled, not a sign anything went wrong.
Two options:
Wait it out. Most reactions clear on their own within 24–48 hours.
Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone (a thin layer, once or twice). It calms the skin quickly.
If it doesn't clear within a few days, send us a photo and we'll help you figure out what's happening.
What you do between visits matters more than the wax itself.
Your Weekly Routine
Step 1 — Exfoliate three times a week Use a hand loofah, exfoliating mitt, or gentle scrub. Skip the day of your appointment and the day after. Otherwise it's the single most important thing you can do.
Step 2 — Moisturize after every shower Apply a light oil (coconut, grapeseed, or jojoba) or plain lotion to the waxed area. Moisturized skin doesn't trap hair the way dry skin does.
Step 3 — Weekly salt soak (optional but recommended) A 10-minute soak in Dead Sea salt followed by a nourishing oil keeps the area calm and ingrown-resistant. Once a week is plenty.
Q&A
Can I shave between waxes?
We'd rather you didn't. Shaving resets the hair cycle and makes the next wax less effective. If you absolutely have to, wait at least a week before your next appointment.
How long until I can work out again?
24 hours. Cardio, weights, yoga, anything that makes you sweat.
Why am I getting more bumps than I used to?
Usually one of two reasons: either you've been exfoliating less, or your skin is reacting to a product change (soap, lotion, laundry detergent). Try simplifying for a week and see if it improves.
What if I'm prone to ingrown hairs?
Sugaring tends to cause fewer ingrowns than wax because it removes hair in the direction of growth. If you're regularly fighting ingrowns, ask about switching some or all of your services to sugar.
I forgot the aftercare card you gave me. Can I get another?
This page covers everything that's on the card. Bookmark it and you're set.
Ready for your Next Appointment?
Book online any time.
New clients welcome.
Amala Studio · 16825 48th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98037 · (206) 406-4645