Histamine Reaction After Waxing: Causes and Treatment

If your skin becomes red and itchy or breaks out in hives after waxing, you might assume you have an allergy to the ingredients in your wax, but the real issue could be more complex. Before you swear off waxing for good, you’ll want to understand what causes a histamine reaction after waxing and how to prevent these responses to your favorite hair removal method. 

What causes a histamine reaction after waxing?

A histamine reaction after waxing is an overheightened immune response to a perceived injury. Let’s explore how this process works: 

How does a histamine reaction occur?

When hair is pulled from the follicles during a facial, intimate, or body waxing session, the sensation can trigger mast cell activation, flooding the affected area with histamine to promote rapid healing. As blood vessels dilate, redness, irritation, and bumps appear. In most cases, a histamine reaction will clear up within 24 to 48 hours after waxing. 

Histamine reaction vs an allergic reaction

The symptoms of histamine reactions and allergic responses are similar, so it can be hard to distinguish between the two. However, the underlying causes are different. An allergic reaction (or contact dermatitis) is a response to a substance, such as the ingredients in various waxing products. On the other hand, a histamine reaction is a response to physical irritation, like hair removal. 

What can make a histamine reaction worse?

People with histamine intolerance or an overactive immune system are more likely to experience a histamine reaction after waxing. Other risk factors include: 

• Heat and sweating

• Tight clothing and friction

• Certain skin conditions like eczema or rosacea

• Caffeine and alcohol

• Scratching the skin

• Fragrances and harsh skincare products

How do you treat a histamine reaction after waxing?

When a post-wax immune response occurs, be prepared to soothe your sensitive skin using the following techniques: 

Apply a cold compress

Inflammation generates heat, so a cold compress can directly counteract the effects and calm the skin. Wrap a cold pack or a bag of ice in a clean cloth and apply it to the treatment area for five to ten minutes at a time, repeating the process as necessary. 

Take an antihistamine

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines, such as Claritin and Benadryl, block the action of histamine compounds to reduce redness, itching, and inflammation. A topical cortisone cream applied directly to the area can have a similar impact without side effects like drowsiness.

Use soothing products

Anti-inflammatory skincare products are great tools for your post-wax arsenal. Stock your medicine cabinet with: 

• Aloe vera gel

• Tea tree oil

• Calendula extract

• Chamomile

• Colloidal oatmeal

• Fragrance-free moisturizer or calming lotion

Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, as pure oils can cause irritation. 

Avoid heat, sweat, and friction

After waxing, keeping your body cool and comfortable is critical for minimizing histamine reactions. Stick to lukewarm showers and loose, breathable clothing that won’t chafe your skin. You’ll also need to skip the gym for at least 24 hours. 

Consult your provider

Most histamine responses are mild and resolve on their own, but you should reach out to your doctor or hair removal specialist if you experience the following: 

• A severe, spreading rash 

• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

• Bumps that persist beyond the 24-hour mark

How to prevent a histamine reaction after waxing

The last thing you want to see after waxing is a visible histamine reaction along your legs, bikini line, or other treatment area. Here are a few tips to help you minimize this common immune response: 

Exfoliate before waxing appointments

Exfoliation isn’t just necessary to prevent ingrown hairs. It can also reduce the release of histamine after waxing. By sloughing off dead skin cells about 24 hours before your session, you help the wax adhere more strongly to unwanted strands, which can minimize the strain on hair follicles. 

Avoid irritating products

Adopting a simple, soothing skincare routine for a couple of days before and after waxing will help you reduce the risk of a histamine reaction. Harsh acids, retinoids, alcohols, self-tanners, and scented topical products are off limits during this time.

Instead, focus on nourishing your skin with gentle creams and barrier-boosting serums. If you have sensitive skin, request a gentle hard wax and have your waxing artist perform a patch test before starting your session. 

Keep a consistent waxing routine

Over time, your skin can adapt to the “trauma” of waxing. Hair follicles weaken, and your skin becomes less sensitive to the sensation. But your body can’t build a tolerance to waxing without consistent exposure.

Maintaining a regular schedule of waxes every four to six weeks will fortify your skin and buffer your immune response. Of course, you’ll also enjoy reduced hair growth when you get into your new routine, so there’s really no reason not to embrace consistency. 

Experience the safest, smoothest wax at The Wax Studio!

At The Waxing Studio, we specialize in full-body waxing and laser hair removal services. Book a consultation today to begin your journey to silky-smooth skin!