Most clients leave a wax with smooth, calm skin. Very occasionally, tiny red bumps or pimples can appear around hair follicles in the days after treatment. This is called folliculitis—an inflammation of the hair follicle. In our clinic it’s rare, usually mild, and short-lived.
What actually causes folliculitis?
Folliculitis simply means the follicle becomes inflamed. The vast majority of cases after waxing happen when sweat, heat, and friction help your skin’s own resident bacteria get into freshly opened, slightly inflamed follicles. It is not a sign of poor hygiene or poor technique.
Why stress can make you more prone
Stress doesn’t directly “cause” folliculitis, but it can lower the skin’s natural defences and slow healing. Stressed skin is a little more vulnerable to minor infections and irritation.
Where we sometimes see it
In our experience, the only cases we tend to see are on men’s upper chests, and almost always on a first-time wax. Chest skin is warm and often covered, so post-treatment sweat and friction are common. For this reason, if we believe you fit the “folliculitis-prone” type on first assessment, we may suggest waxing the belly only on your first visit and moving up to the chest once we know your skin is happy.
Our hygiene and skin-prep standards
We maintain high clinical hygiene standards every single treatment. We cleanse the area with CliniSept+ Skin (a gentle, alcohol-free, hypochlorous-based skin cleanser) before and after waxing. We also recommend taking a bottle home and using it for a few days afterwards—it helps enormously in practice.
Simple steps to reduce your chances of folliculitis
- Keep cool and dry for 24–48 hours. Avoid heavy workouts, saunas, hot tubs and very hot showers.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing. Reduce friction over freshly waxed areas, especially chest and back.
- Cleanse (don’t scrub). Mist with CliniSept+ Skin or a gentle cleanser twice daily for 2–3 days; pat dry.
- Hands off. Don’t pick or squeeze bumps—this can push bacteria deeper.
- Pause further hair removal until skin has settled if you do get a few bumps.
If you do get bumps, what then?
Most mild cases settle by themselves within a few days using the measures above. If spots spread, become very tender, or you feel unwell, please seek medical advice. A clinician can confirm the cause and advise appropriate topical or oral treatment if needed.
Folliculitis vs ingrown hairs vs heat rash
Folliculitis produces red, sometimes pus-tipped bumps centred on follicles and can resemble an acne flare. Ingrown hairs are usually singular, itchy bumps where a hair has curled back into the skin. If you’re unsure, ask your therapist—we’re happy to guide you.
Short bibliography
• American Academy of Dermatology – Folliculitis overview
• MSD Manual Professional – Folliculitis (perspiration, friction, occlusion as factors)
• DermNet NZ – Folliculitis (clinical guidance)
• Patient.info (UK) – Folliculitis (self-care and when to see a GP)
• Mayo Clinic – Folliculitis: symptoms & causes
• CliniSept+ – Professional skin cleanser information
About the author
Your Therapist’s Name, professional waxologist at Banbury Waxing, specialising in advanced female and male waxing with a focus on comfort, hygiene, and skin health.
Acknowledgement
This article was drafted by the author and formatted with the help of ChatGPT to improve clarity and readability.