Breaking the Myth: Debunking the Truth About Working Out After a Wax

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

So you’ve just had a wax and your skin is feeling smooth and hair-free. But now you’re wondering – can you hit the gym without risking any discomfort or irritation? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think. In this article, we’ll delve into the often-debated topic of working out after a wax. Whether you’re an avid gym-goer or a newbie to waxing, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts to ensure the best results for both your skin and your workout. Let’s uncover the truth behind whether you can really workout after a wax.

When it comes to fitting in a waxing appointment with your busy workout schedule, it can be tempting to hit the gym right after your session. However, is it safe to exercise after a wax? Many people wonder if they can still sweat it out and pump iron without any negative effects on their newly smooth skin. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of post-wax workouts and explore whether or not you can hit the gym after a wax.

Understanding the Waxing Process

Before we dive into the topic at hand, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the waxing process. Waxing involves applying hot or cold wax onto unwanted hair and then removing it quickly with a strip of cloth or paper. This method removes hair at the root level, providing longer-lasting results compared to shaving.

After a waxing session, your skin may experience some redness, minor irritation, and possible ingrown hairs. This is completely normal as your hair follicles adjust to being pulled out from the root. Your skin may also feel more sensitive than usual due to temporarily removing its outermost layer of protection.

The Effects of Exercise on Newly Waxed Skin

Now that we have an understanding of how waxing works, let’s discuss how exercise affects newly waxed skin. Sweating opens up your pores and increases blood flow in your body. This increased circulation can actually help reduce inflammation and promote healing for any minor irritation caused by waxing.

However, there is one potential downside – sweat contains salt which can irritate freshly waxed skin. If you have particularly sensitive skin or have just been through a vigorous wax session, you may experience discomfort if sweat comes into contact with irritated areas.

Furthermore, if you opt for intense exercise such as weightlifting or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the friction between your skin and clothing may also cause irritation and discomfort. This is especially true for areas that have just been waxed, such as the underarms or bikini area.

General Guidelines for Post-Wax Workouts

So, what should you do if you want to workout after a wax? Here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Wait at least 24 hours

It’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before participating in any intense exercise after a wax. This gives your skin time to calm down and reduces the risk of irritation from sweat and friction.

2. Avoid hot showers and saunas

Just like sweat, hot water or steam can also irritate freshly waxed skin. It’s best to avoid hot showers or saunas for at least 24 hours after a wax, as well.

3. Wear loose-fitting clothing

As mentioned earlier, friction from tight-fitting clothing can cause discomfort on newly waxed skin. To avoid this, opt for loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against your skin during your workout.

4. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizing is key to keeping your skin hydrated and reducing any potential irritation after waxing. Make sure to use a gentle moisturizer that won’t clog your pores and apply it at least twice a day after your session.

Specific Recommendations for Different Types of Waxing

Different areas of the body require different types of waxing techniques, and therefore may have different recommendations when it comes to exercising post-wax. Here are some specific recommendations for popular types of waxing:

Brazilian Wax

If you’ve just had a Brazilian wax, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24-48 hours. This area is known to be particularly sensitive and may experience more redness and discomfort after waxing.

Leg Waxing

For leg waxing, it’s generally safe to exercise after 24 hours. However, if you experience any discomfort or irritation, it’s best to wait an additional day before hitting the gym.

Underarm Waxing

With underarm waxing, it’s important to avoid tight-fitting clothing and intense exercise for at least 24 hours. The skin in this area is delicate and can easily become irritated from sweat and friction.

Tips for Reducing Post-Wax Irritation

If you do decide to exercise after a wax and experience some discomfort, there are a few things you can do to reduce irritation:

1. Use a soothing gel

Aloe vera gel or a soothing post-wax lotion can help reduce redness and irritation after a waxing session.

2. Apply cold compress

If you’re experiencing discomfort in a specific area, applying a cold compress can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

3. Take an anti-inflammatory medication

If the irritation is

Can You Workout After A Wax: Everything You Need To Know

If you are someone who regularly gets waxes, whether it’s for your eyebrows, arms, legs or any other part of your body, you may wonder if it is safe to workout after a waxing session. It’s a common question since exercise involves movement and sweating which can potentially affect the results of your wax. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about working out after a wax.

The Science Behind Waxing and Hair Growth

Before we delve into whether or not you can workout after a wax, let’s first understand how waxing works and how hair growth is affected by it. Waxing is a method of hair removal where warm or cold wax is applied to the skin in the direction of hair growth and then pulled off in the opposite direction, removing both hair and dead skin cells. This method removes hair from the root which makes it longer lasting compared to other hair removal methods such as shaving.

Hair growth is determined by various factors including genetics and hormones. When hair follicles are removed from the root through waxing, it takes some time for new hairs to grow back. The time varies from person to person but on an average, hair regrowth starts between two to six weeks after waxing.

The Effects of Working Out After A Wax

One of the main concerns people have about working out after a wax is whether sweating will affect the results. The answer is yes, it can potentially do so if proper precautions are not taken. Sweat contains bacteria and toxins that can enter pores that are open due to recent waxing. This can lead to irritations such as bumps, redness or breakouts on the freshly waxed area.

Apart from this, friction from workouts can also cause irritation or ingrown hairs on the treated area. This is especially common if you have just started waxing and your body is not used to it yet. However, the good news is that these effects can be minimized by following a few simple tips.

Tips For Working Out After A Wax

To ensure that your workout doesn’t affect the results of your wax, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Wait at least 24 hours before working out: It is recommended to wait for at least 24 hours after a wax before engaging in any physical activity. This gives the pores enough time to close and prevents bacteria from entering which can cause irritations.

2. Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing can cause friction and irritation on freshly waxed skin. Opt for loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to minimize discomfort.

3. Cleanse before and after: Before working out, make sure to cleanse the treated area with a mild cleanser or witch hazel to remove any dirt, sweat or bacteria that may have accumulated. After your workout, take a shower and use an antibacterial soap to cleanse the skin again.

4. Avoid touching or scratching: We know it’s tempting, but try not to touch or scratch the freshly waxed area during your workout as it can introduce bacteria and irritate the skin further.

5. Use natural cooling remedies: If you experience any redness or irritation post-workout, apply natural cooling remedies such as aloe vera gel or cucumber slices on the affected area.

The Best Time To Schedule A Wax Around Your Workout

If working out regularly is important for you and you don’t want it to interfere with your waxing schedule, here are some tips on when you can schedule your wax around your workouts:

1. Plan ahead: It’s always best to plan your workouts around your hair removal appointments rather than the other way round. Schedule your wax a day or two before a rest day or when you know your workout won’t be too intense.

2. Work with your body’s natural growth cycle: As mentioned earlier, hair regrowth starts between two to six weeks after waxing. Try to schedule your wax appointment around the 4th week mark so that any potential side effects from working out can be avoided.

To sum it up, the answer to the question “can you workout after a wax” is yes, but with proper precautions. Sweat and friction from working out can potentially affect the results of your wax, causing irritations and ingrown hairs. However, by following tips such as waiting for 24 hours after a wax before working out and cleansing before and after, you can minimize these effects and still enjoy your workouts without any worries. Remember, proper planning and taking care of your skin post-waxing are key to maintaining smooth and hair-free results.

Q: Can I exercise immediately after a waxing session?
A: It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before engaging in strenuous physical activities after a waxing session. This allows your skin to heal and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.

Q: Is it safe to workout after getting a bikini wax?
A A bikini wax can leave your skin more sensitive and prone to discomfort, therefore it is advisable to avoid working out or any other activities that may cause friction on the waxed area for at least 24 hours.

Q: What happens if I workout right after getting a leg wax?
A: Working out immediately after getting a leg wax can lead to irritation, redness, and even ingrown hairs. It is best to wait for at least 24 hours before resuming your regular exercise routine.

Q: Can I go for a swim or take a shower after a Brazilian wax?
A: It is not recommended to submerge yourself in water or take a shower immediately after getting a Brazilian wax. Wait for about 24 hours before taking a bath or going for a swim to allow the skin to heal properly.

Q: Is it okay to go for a run after an arm wax?
A: Similar to other areas of the body, it is best to avoid physical activities that may cause friction on the recently-waxed area. Wait at least 24 hours before running or doing any other strenuous arm exercises.

Q: How long should I wait before working out after an eyebrow wax?
A: Since the skin around the eyebrows can be more sensitive, it is recommended to wait at least 12-24 hours before working out after an eyebrow wax. This allows any redness or irritation to subside and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.

In conclusion, the question of whether you can workout after a wax has a complex answer. While it is generally safe to workout after a wax, there are certain precautions and considerations to keep in mind for optimal results and to avoid potential complications. These include ensuring that your skin has fully healed from the waxing procedure, avoiding excessive heat and friction on treated areas, and listening to your body’s signals to avoid overexertion. It is also important to maintain proper hygiene and skincare practices post-waxing to prevent irritation or infections. Ultimately, every individual’s experience with exercising after a wax may vary, so it is important to pay attention to how your body responds and make adjustments accordingly. With these tips in mind, you can confidently incorporate workouts into your post-waxing routine without compromising the results or your overall wellbeing. Remember that self-care is key in achieving the best outcomes from both waxing and workouts. So go ahead and break a sweat after a wax, but do it safely!

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.