Waxing is a fast and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair—and it’s become a go-to method for smooth, long-lasting results. While it works wonders, any form of hair removal can sometimes lead to irritation. That’s because each hair on our body grows out of a tiny sac called a follicle, and when wax is applied and pulled off, it removes the hair straight from the root.
Sometimes, this process can cause folliculitis which is a common skin reaction that shows up as red, tender bumps. It happens when bacteria enters the hair follicle, leading to an infection that causes a pimple-like spot or pustule. Folliculitis can show up anywhere, but it’s most common in more sensitive areas like the chest, back, and bikini line.
Although it’s not always preventable, there are several steps you can take to help lower the risk.
Here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
1. Waxing Technique: Direction Matters
Proper wax application and removal are key to preventing irritation.
• With strip wax such as LYCON’s Azulene Wax, always apply the wax in the same direction as the hair growth. Press the strip
firmly, then remove it quickly against the direction of growth.
• For hot wax, apply it against the hair growth first to grip the hairs, then smooth it down in the
natural direction before removing it against the growth.
Pulling the wax directly against the growth ensures the hair is removed cleanly from the root. Pulling at an angle or sideways can cause the hair to snap or scrape the sides of the follicle, leading to irritation, ingrown hairs, or even folliculitis.
2. Cleanse Before and After Waxing
Using an antiseptic cleanser such as LYCOTANE Cleanser before waxing helps remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin’s surface. Waxing opens up the hair follicles, which makes it easier for bacteria to get in and cause an infection.
After waxing, cleanse the area again with LYCOTANE Cleanser to help close the follicles and further reduce the risk of bacteria entering. This simple step can go a long way in preventing post-wax breakouts or irritation.
3. Aftercare is Everything
Teaching your clients how to care for their skin after waxing is essential to a great experience. The right products can make a huge difference.
• Look for ingredients like Salicylic Acid, which helps prevent ingrown hairs. LYCON’s Ingrown-X-It line of products are designed for use in service and at-home.
• Tea Tree Oil is a superstar for its antibacterial and soothing properties—it helps calm the skin and reduce redness. LYCON’s Tea Tree Soothe and Tea Tree Perfect are excellent choices to apply after waxing.
Encourage your clients to follow an aftercare routine to keep their skin clear, smooth, and healthy. Exfoliating in between waxing services is essential in order to remove dead skin and allow the hair to break through the skin. LYCON offers a variety of sugar scrubs for at-home use.
4. What to Do if Folliculitis Occurs
If a client experiences redness or tender bumps after waxing, don’t panic—there are ways to help manage it.
• Applying a cold compress right after waxing can reduce redness and soothe the area.
• Recommend exfoliating regularly between treatments to keep follicles clear.
• Offer or suggest retail products made to reduce ingrown hairs and inflammation. LYCON Ingrown-X-It Spray is great for recommending use at-home to reduce and treat ingrowns.
Educating clients about folliculitis can help them feel more confident in handling any irritation and reassure them that you’re prepared to guide them through every step—even when the rare side effect shows up.
While folliculitis isn’t super common, it’s important to be aware of it and continue to stress the importance of proper home care. Helping your clients understand how to prevent and treat post-wax issues builds trust—and keeps them coming back for smoother, happier skin.
