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June 10, 2025A waxer’s guide to knowing when it’s time to pause, pivot, or pass on hair removal
Let’s be real – hair removal? It’s a whole experience. Healthy, smooth skin, and that oddly satisfying “ripped it off and now I feel brand new” moment. But as much as I love giving you those results, there are times when waxing, sugaring, or any treatment just isn’t the move.
I’m not here to scare you, but I am here to protect your skin (even if that means telling you “no” sometimes). So today, we’re getting into it: the situations, medications, and health conditions where waxing is a no-go… and when you might want to consider sugaring instead.
Spoiler alert: your health history absolutely matters, and yes, I ask about it every single visit for a reason.
1. Going Through Chemo or Radiation
First and foremost, if you’re currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, waxing is a hard no. And I say that with so much love and respect for what your body is going through. These treatments are incredibly powerful, but they also come with side effects that affect your skin in major ways.
Chemo can make your skin thinner, more sensitive, and slower to heal. Your immune system is also compromised, which means any small irritation (like what can happen with waxing) could turn into a bigger issue like infection or tearing. Even if your skin looks okay on the surface, it’s what’s going on beneath that makes waxing too risky.
Radiation treatments bring their own set of precautions. If you’re receiving radiation, waxing is absolutely off-limits in any area that’s being treated. That includes underarms, legs, chest, wherever the radiation is directed. Your skin in those areas is often fragile, prone to burning, and easily irritated, and waxing will only add fuel to the fire.
That said, sugaring may be a gentler alternative, but only in areas not being treated, and only with written or verbal approval from your doctor. Sugaring is done at body temperature and doesn’t adhere to live skin cells, so it’s typically better tolerated, but even then, your body’s response to hair removal may be different during treatment.
If you’re currently in treatment or just recently completed it, let’s have a conversation. I’ll never pressure you into services that aren’t safe, and if that means skipping a few appointments, that’s completely okay. You’ve got enough on your plate already, your safety is the top priority.
2. Taking Topical Retinols or Antibiotics
If you’re using anything with retinol (like tretinoin), a topical steroid, or antibiotic cream, pause right there. These products speed up your skin cell turnover, which basically means your top layer of skin is extra thin and fragile.
Waxing over it? Think sunburn + sandpaper + regret. Even sugaring is off-limits unless you’ve stopped using those products for at least 5–7 days.
3. On Oral Antibiotics or Steroids
Now here’s the thing most people don’t know: oral antibiotics can make your skin sun-sensitive from the inside out. Yes, even if you’re not applying anything on your skin. The results? Burns. Lifting. Peeling. Scarring. (And yes, you will still be mad at me even if I warned you.)
You need to wait at least 14 days after your last dose of antibiotics or steroids before waxing. Sugaring might be a better option sooner, but again, always check with your doctor.
4. Using Prescription Pain Meds or Antihistamines
Anything that dulls your senses, like prescription painkillers, can also mask pain during waxing, which sounds like a good thing… until you realize your skin’s also reacting and you don’t notice until it’s too late.
Antihistamines and allergy meds can also dry out your skin, making waxing less effective and more irritating. When in doubt? Sugar. And hydrate like it’s your full-time job.
I cannot stress this enough: if you have a yeast infection, the bikini wax can wait. That area is already inflamed and irritated, waxing or sugaring can make it worse, spread bacteria, and just be a big ol’ NOPE. Wait until you’re fully healed, then come see me.
Totally okay to wax while you’re on your period! Just use a tampon or menstrual cup. Free-bleeding and/or sanitary napkins is a contraindication – not because we’re grossed out, but because open follicles + blood = unsanitary conditions for both of us.
You might feel a little more sensitive around that time, but if you’re good to go, so am I.
Let’s talk about the why behind all this. Waxing is done with heat. But if you’re on medications that compromise your skin, that same heat can mimic a sunburn. And when we remove the wax? Skin can come with it.
That’s how lifting happens. That’s how scarring happens. That’s how we both end up upset.
Sugaring, on the other hand, is applied at body temperature and is much gentler on the skin. It doesn’t cling to live skin cells the way wax does. It’s a great alternative most of the time, but even sugar isn’t magic. If your skin barrier is compromised, it’s better to pause hair removal entirely.
Every visit, I ask about your health history and medications, not because I am nosy, but because I can’t keep you safe if we don’t know what’s going on. That includes anything you’ve used in the past month, even if it was “just a few days” or “just on your chin.”
If you’re not honest about your meds, I can’t protect your skin. It’s that simple.
Here’s the deal: your skin is your largest organ, and it deserves to be treated with care. If you’re not sure whether you should wax or sugar, or skip it altogether…ask. I will always give you honest advice, even if it means saying, “Not today.”
So if you’re starting a new medication, trying a new skincare routine, or going through a health shift – don’t book first, ask first.
And if you’re ever unsure, remember this golden rule:
Smooth skin is a goal, but healthy skin is the priority.
Need help deciding what’s safe? Shoot me a message before booking. We’ll figure out the best plan for your skin – whether that’s wax, sugar, or waiting it out with a solid moisturizer and a little patience.
Because the glow-up? It’s only worth it if we’re keeping your skin happy along the way.
Got questions? Feel free to text me at (804) 625-8044. Ready to book your professional hair removal treatment? Click here to schedule your appointment. I can’t wait to see you!