Eyebrow Waxing Aftercare: What Do You Need to Do?

A beautifully shaped brow can change everything, it frames your features, opens the eyes, and brings subtle symmetry to the face. But achieving that clean, polished result isn’t only about the waxing itself. What you do after your appointment matters just as much.

Freshly waxed skin is more delicate than it looks. The hair follicles are open, the skin is sensitised, and even the gentlest touch can cause irritation if the area isn’t cared for properly. With the right aftercare, your brows stay smooth longer, heal faster, and look effortlessly refined.

As cosmetic brow specialists, here’s exactly what we recommend for keeping your skin calm, clean, and beautifully cared for after your eyebrow wax.

Why Eyebrow Waxing Aftercare Matters

Eyebrow waxing removes hair from the root, which temporarily leaves the follicles open and the surrounding skin more vulnerable. This is normal, but it also means the area is more sensitive to:

• heat
• friction
• bacteria
• perfumed or active skincare ingredients
• UV exposure

Proper aftercare minimises redness, prevents breakouts, and keeps the skin around the brows smooth and healthy. It also helps preserve the crispness of your brow shape, allowing the results of your wax to last longer.

In the First 24 - 48 Hours: Protect and Soothe

This early window is crucial. Your skin needs calm, cool, gentle care.

1. Hands Off the Brow Area

It’s tempting to touch the area - especially when the skin feels smooth - but try not to. Freshly waxed follicles are open, and the natural bacteria on your fingertips can cause:

• small pimples
• irritation
• clogged pores
• inflammation

Keep the area clean and avoid rubbing, scratching, or resting sunglasses directly on the brow line.

2. Avoid Heat, Steam and Sweat

For the next one to two days, skip:

• hot showers
• saunas
• steam rooms
• hot yoga
• intense cardio
• swimming pools or spas

Heat and humidity dilate the pores further, increasing the chance of breakouts or sensitivity. Chlorine and saltwater can also sting freshly waxed skin.

Opt for cool or lukewarm showers and light movement instead of a heavy workout.

3. Keep the Skin Cool

If you notice warmth or redness, soothe the area with:

• a cold compress
• an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth
• a cooling gel like aloe vera

This calms the skin and reduces redness without interfering with the brow shape.

4. Avoid Makeup and Perfumed Products

Freshly waxed brows should remain free from:

• foundation
• brow products
• perfumed skincare
• strong cleansers
• exfoliants

Makeup can clog open follicles, and fragrances may cause irritation. Allow the skin time to settle before applying anything to the area.

The Days Following: Nurture and Strengthen the Skin

Once the initial sensitivity eases, your focus shifts to hydration and protection.

5. Gentle Moisture Only

Choose minimal, fragrance-free hydration to keep the skin soft and calm. Good options include:

• pure aloe vera gel
• a gentle, unscented moisturiser
• a lightweight, hypoallergenic cream

Avoid anything heavy, occlusive, or scented near the brow area until the skin fully recovers.

6. Avoid Active Skincare Ingredients

For at least two to three days, skip products containing:

• retinoids
• AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid)
• BHAs (like salicylic acid)
• vitamin C
• scrubs or exfoliating cleansers

These powerful formulas can irritate freshly waxed skin and lead to flaking or increased redness.

Instead, stick to a simple, soothing routine until the skin barrier settles.

7. Protect Your Brows From the Sun

Waxing removes the top layer of dead skin, making the area more prone to sun sensitivity. For the next few days:

• avoid direct UV exposure
• skip tanning beds
• wear a hat if outdoors
• apply a gentle facial sunscreen around the brows (not on them immediately after waxing)

Sunburn on sensitised skin can cause pigmentation or prolonged redness so protection is key.

After 48 Hours: Gentle Exfoliation (Optional but Helpful)

Once the skin is calm and no longer tender, you can begin very gentle exfoliation to prevent ingrown hairs.

This may include:

• a soft, warm washcloth
• a mild chemical exfoliant (like low-percentage salicylic acid)
• a gentle exfoliating toner applied around the brow area

The goal is not to scrub aggressively, just to remove dead skin so new brow hairs can emerge smoothly.

How Eyebrow Waxing Interacts With Tinting

Many clients choose to tint and wax their brows in the same appointment - and the two treatments complement each other beautifully when done correctly.

Here’s what you should know:

Wax Before Tinting, Not After

Waxing first creates a clean outline and removes dead skin, allowing tint to adhere more evenly to the hairs. Tinting after waxing ensures a more polished, defined result.

Why Tinting Shouldn’t Follow Waxing Too Closely at Home

If you’re tinting brows outside the salon, applying tint too soon after waxing can irritate freshly sensitised skin. In-salon tint formulas are chosen carefully and applied by professionals trained to work with delicate skin.

Timing Matters

A professional brow specialist will assess the skin’s sensitivity on the day and adjust the tinting technique accordingly, ensuring your skin stays calm while your brows stay beautifully defined.

Long-Term Brow Care for Beautiful Results

Waxing is just one part of maintaining healthy, well-shaped brows. Here’s how to keep them looking their best between appointments:

Stick to a Regular Waxing Schedule

For most clients, every 3 - 4 weeks is ideal. This helps:

• train the hairs to grow in the same direction
• make each waxing session quicker and more comfortable
• maintain a consistent brow shape
• reduce the amount of stray regrowth

Avoid Tweezing Between Appointments

It’s tempting to pluck stray hairs, but removing the wrong ones can disrupt the shape. Light tweezing is fine, but try not to reshape the arch at home.

Be Mindful With Skincare Near the Brows

Retinoids and exfoliants can thin the skin over time, increasing sensitivity before waxing. Let your brow specialist know if you use active skincare so they can adjust your treatment safely.

Nourish Your Brow Hairs

A simple brow serum or nourishing oil (like castor oil) can keep brow hairs soft, shiny and conditioned - especially helpful if your brows are naturally coarse.

With the right aftercare, eyebrow waxing is one of the simplest ways to maintain a clean, refined, beautifully structured brow. Treat the area gently, protect it from heat and irritation, and follow a simple skincare routine for the first few days. The result? Smooth skin, crisp lines, and brows that look effortlessly polished well beyond your appointment.

At Tanya Beauty Care, you’ll never leave wondering what to do next. Each brow appointment comes with tailored aftercare advice designed to protect your skin and keep your brows looking their absolute best between visits. Book your appointment today.