Waxing is a wonderfully effective method of hair removal for most individuals, however, there are a number of conditions or situations which may negatively affect its suitability for you.
When considering if waxing is the right option for you, there are a number of factors that come into play, and as a result, it is a good idea to talk with your salon or dermatologist if you have any concerns. They will be able to offer you a more individualized response, however, our research tells us that people should avoid waxing if they have one of the following conditions or ailments on the area that is being waxed;
- Areas with broken skin, cuts, or recent stitches
- Skin with existing rashes, irritations or conditions such as new scarring, cold sores, acne, warts or recent skin grafts. This also includes active HPV herpes flares or open sores in the area being waxed
- Sunburned areas
- Anywhere that has already been waxed in the last 24 hours,
- Legs with varicose veins,
- Anywhere injected with Botox or collagen in the week prior to treatment,
- Areas either recently treated, or currently undergoing dermatological treatments such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, or similar.
- Medications that target skin conditions, such as acne treatments, some antibiotics or topical/oral cortisone.
- Unhealed tattoos
- Diabetics
- People currently on blood thinners
- People with lupus or AIDS
- Individuals undergoing cancer therapy and having chemotherapy or radiation
If you are currently undergoing one of the above-listed treatments, or are experiencing one of these conditions, it is recommended that you do not proceed with waxing. This is because the treatment may aggravate your skin further, or result in heightened pain experience for you. In instances such as active HPV flares, this is also for the safety of the aesthetician, in addition to your own comfort.
If you find that waxing is not a suitable method of hair removal for you, there are still a varied range of alternative options. Shaving, depilatory creams, laser hair removal are other techniques that may be worth exploring or discussing with your dermatologist, doctor or aesthetician. While waxing is convenient for many people, the most important thing is to establish a hair removal schedule that works for your individual situation, and still delivers top-quality results.