Bleeding After Waxing: Is It Normal? How to Stop it?

Most of the beginners choose waxing as their method of choice for hair removal. It is because it is easier, pocket-friendly, and can be done at home. But, there are also some downsides of waxing like itching, redness, and inflammation.  In addition, some people also complain of bleeding especially when they are waxing for the first time. Is bleeding after waxing normal? Not in every case! So, in this article, we will discuss all the possible associations of bleeding after waxing and some ways to stop it.  Table of Contents: Part 1: Subcutaneous Bleeding After Waxing Part 2: Bleeding After Waxing: Is It Normal? Part 3: Why Am I Bleeding After Waxing? Part 4: How to Stop Bleeding After Waxing? Part 5: A Safe Alternative: IPL Hair Removal Part 1: Subcutaneous Bleeding After Waxing Subcutaneous bleeding can occur during waxing due to different reasons. Before understanding those causes, let’s understand what subcutaneous bleeding is.  Subcutaneous bleeding, which occurs beneath the skin, may happen during waxing due to various factors, such as skin sensitivity or improper technique. Understanding this phenomenon can help in managing expectations. Understanding subcutaneous bleeding is essential as it can help you identify whether the bleeding is a cause for concern or simply a natural reaction to waxing. Subcutaneous bleeding occurs when small blood vessels under the skin break, resulting in bruising or minor bleeding. This can depend on various factors, including the sensitivity of your skin and the waxing technique used. Subcutaneous means “under the skin surface”. So, subcutaneous bleeding refers to the bleeding beneath the surface of the skin due to several causes. One of its causes is the waxing. Forced hair removal can cause trauma to your skin, underlying blood vessels, and hair follicles which leads to bleeding.  Part 2: Bleeding After Waxing: Is It Normal? Bleeding after waxing may or may not be normal. For instance, it is common for beginners to experience minor or pinpoint bleeding. This happens when the hair is forcefully removed from hair follicles. These hair follicles are closely connected with blood vessels that react when hair follicles are irritated. So, you will observe tiny blood droplets on the waxed area. It usually stops within an hour or two after waxing. However, if this continues even after a few hours of waxing or you see a pooling of blood beneath your skin then it is not normal. It may indicate a problem with the waxing technique or an underlying skin condition.  Related reading How to Stop Bleeding from Shaving? How to Stop a Shaving Cut from Bleeding What to Apply After Pubic Hair Waxing: After-Wax Care Tips Therefore, if you notice excessive bleeding after waxing, immediately consult a professional to prevent blood loss and find out the possible cause.  It's important to remember that professional assistance can provide insights into why excessive bleeding may occur, ensuring your safety and well-being. Immediate consultation is crucial if you experience excessive bleeding, as it can help identify underlying issues and prevent further complications. Excessive bleeding can indicate a more serious issue, so it's essential to seek professional advice promptly. Part 3: Why Am I Bleeding After Waxing? There can be multiple causes of bleeding after waxing or might increase the risk of subcutaneous bleeding. Let’s go through each one by one: Understanding the various causes of bleeding after waxing can help you take preventive measures and address any concerns with a qualified professional. Understanding the causes of bleeding can help you manage and prevent it in the future, ensuring a safer waxing experience. Recognizing the causes of bleeding is vital for proper care and can enhance your overall waxing experience. Formation of Micro-tears: When the skin is held too taut during the waxing or the wax is removed is extra pressure, it can cause micro-tears in the skin. This, in return, leads to minor bleeding Micro-tears can occur due to various factors, so it’s essential to ensure that the waxing technique is gentle to protect your skin. Micro-tears formation can lead to discomfort; thus, handling skin gently during waxing is important to minimize this risk. Hair follicle damage: When hair is removed from its roots, the hair follicles become irritated. The network of tiny blood vessels surrounding these hair follicles disrupts and causes pinpoint bleeding beneath your skin Understanding follicle damage can help you select appropriate waxing methods that minimize irritation and promote a smoother experience. Pinpoint bleeding from follicle damage is common; understanding this can help you choose the right waxing technique. Skin sensitivity: When your skin is extra sensitive, it is more highly prone to irritation. Even a minor trauma can disrupt the skin tissues and cause bleeding Managing skin sensitivity involves using soothing products or techniques that can help prepare your skin before waxing. Extra skin sensitivity can be managed with proper pre-waxing care, reducing the likelihood of irritation and bleeding. Underlying skin conditions: Underlying skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, weaken our skin’s protective barrier. These conditions make our skin sensitive and irritated. So, when it is waxed, you can possibly experience excessive bleeding  It's important to note that these conditions can exacerbate sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of bleeding during waxing sessions. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis may require special attention; consulting a dermatologist before waxing is advisable to avoid complications. Blood thinning medications: Blood thinning medications make the blood clotting process slower and increase the risk of heavy bleeding even on a slight trauma caused by hair removal methods like waxing Being on blood thinners may necessitate extra precautions, such as opting for gentler hair removal methods to minimize the risk of bleeding. Blood thinning medications can significantly impact your skin's reaction to waxing, so it's essential to inform your technician about any medications you are taking. You must have noticed that most of the causes of bleeding after waxing are related to personal carelessness and improper waxing techniques. We must be aware of our skin conditions and learn waxing techniques before performing hair removal at home. If we are getting it done by a professional, it is still our responsibility to give them our detailed health history. This can prevent excessive bleeding, redness, and skin irritation after waxing. Related reading Does Waxing Remove Hair Permanently? You Should Know Histamine Reaction After Waxing: Causes, Treatment, and More Also read: 10 Reasons to Stop Waxing  For more insights, consider exploring this article on the potential reasons for discontinuing waxing, which may provide additional context and alternatives. Part 4: How to Stop Bleeding After Waxing? Apply Gentle Pressure If you notice any bleeding after your waxing appointment, try applying gentle pressure on the particular area. Use a clean tissue, cloth, or a piece of gauze to apply pressure. This pressure acts as a plug to prevent the outflow of blood from your skin. It also facilitates clot formation thus stopping the bleeding.  Use Antiseptics Application of antiseptic cannot stop the bleeding but it can help in preventing the infections. For this purpose, first, clean the area and make sure there is no blood, and then apply a mild antiseptic. This ensures that no microorganisms enter the wound area and infect it.  Use Cold Compresses The application of cold compresses on the bleeding site can also help in controlling it. Cold therapy constricts the blood vessels, reduces the blood flow, and speeds up the process of clot formation. It also helps in reducing the pain, inflammation, and itching experienced after waxing.  Also, refrain from applying ice directly on the bleeding site. Wrap it in a clean cloth first and then apply it to the skin.  Using a clean cloth to wrap ice is crucial, as it prevents direct contact with the skin, reducing the risk of ice burns and ensuring safe application. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and soothe the skin after waxing, making it a useful step in managing post-waxing discomfort. Try Soothing Agents You can also try natural soothing agents like aloe vera gel on the affected area. Aloe vera gel acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-septic agent. It provides a cooling effect to the body and also helps the wound recover quickly.  When your skin is still in the recovery phase, avoid applying any harsh products on the skin. These agents can irritate your skin to a greater extent, affect the skin’s protective barrier, and slow down the natural healing response of the body.  Part 5: A Safe Alternative: IPL Hair Removal Redness, irritation, inflammation, and bleeding are common side effects of waxing, especially in beginners. A slight mistake on your end and any of these can happen. We recommend you try a safer alternative like IPL hair removal. The IPL technology does not forcefully remove your hair. Instead, it uses gentle light to target hair follicles and burn them.  It can be done at home or in clinics. The choice is all yours. Some at-home IPL devices like Ulike Air 10 also have ice cooling technology to minimize the pain sensation and make the experience pleasant for you. Let’s explore some more features of Ulike Air 10: It has built-in skin sensor technology that detects your skin tone automatically and adjusts the intensity settings suitable for your skin  The users can benefit from 4 treatment modes that can help them remove the finest to thickest hair easily These treatment modes allow for a customized experience, catering to different hair types and skin sensitivities, enhancing overall effectiveness. It is sleek, lightweight, and has an energy output of 26J/cm2. This makes the hair removal convenient, quicker, and more effective You can see visible results within just 2 weeks of use Visible results within just 2 weeks can be particularly appealing for those seeking quick hair removal solutions, showcasing the efficacy of this method. It has a wider surface area at the front with dual lights to cover the whole body in less time Conclusion Bleeding after waxing can be due to the wrong waxing technique, an inexperienced worker, or aunty underlying skin condition. Understanding the causes of bleeding after waxing can help you determine whether your case is normal or not.  It is important to note that proper technique and choosing an experienced practitioner can significantly reduce the risk of bleeding. Recognizing the underlying factors that lead to bleeding can be essential for avoiding future issues and ensuring a safe waxing experience. Being aware of these factors can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their waxing practices. Identifying the causes of bleeding can be crucial for ensuring safe waxing practices and determining when to seek professional advice. By understanding these causes, you can better protect your skin and enhance your overall waxing experience. It can also help you sort out all the possible ways to prevent bleeding or any other side effects of waxing. But, if you still do not feel comfortable with waxing, you can try IPL which is more reliable and long-lasting than waxing hair removal. Nancy H, PharmD I am Nancy a licensed pharmacist with extensive knowledge in the healthcare industry. I enjoy writing on a variety of topics including; disease management, dietary supplements, nutrition, fitness, functional medicine, and lifestyle changes for optimal health. Below is my Linkedin profile