When NOT to Wax


Your safety — and your skin — come first. Before booking or coming in, please read through the information below. Some conditions and medications are absolute contraindications, meaning waxing isn't safe and we won't be able to proceed. Others just mean we need to have a conversation first. When in doubt, reach out — I'd rather talk it through than have you leave worse off than when you arrived.

Absolute contraindications — we cannot wax
Medications — hard stop
These medications mean no waxing, full stop

The following medications alter how skin heals, regenerates, or responds to trauma. Waxing while on these can cause serious skin lifting, tearing, scarring, or infection.

  • Accutane / Isotretinoin — must be off for a minimum of 1 year before waxing
  • Prescription retinoids (Retin-A / Tretinoin, Tazorac / Tazarotene, Differin / Adapalene) — must be off for a minimum of 3 months before waxing
  • Chemotherapy or radiation — no waxing during active treatment
Skin conditions — hard stop
Active skin conditions we cannot wax over

Waxing over active or compromised skin risks spreading infection, worsening the condition, or causing serious damage. Please disclose any of the following:

  • Active acne, open breakouts, or pustules in the area to be waxed
  • Active cold sores or herpes outbreaks (in or near the wax area)
  • Open cuts, wounds, abrasions, or irritated skin
  • Sunburned skin
  • Active eczema or psoriasis flare-ups in the wax area
  • Active rosacea flare-ups (facial waxing)
  • Warts, skin infections, or contagious skin conditions
  • Recent surgery or broken skin in the wax area
Diseases & disorders — hard stop
Medical conditions requiring doctor's clearance or full avoidance
  • Lupus or other active autoimmune disorders
  • HIV/AIDS (consult your physician first)
  • Uncontrolled diabetes — impaired healing increases infection risk significantly
  • Phlebitis or active blood clots in the area to be waxed
  • Keloid scarring history — waxing may trigger further keloid formation
Proceed with caution — let's talk first
Medications — heads up required
These medications increase sensitivity or healing risk

Please disclose if you're taking any of the following. Waxing may still be possible, but we'll assess your skin on the day and adjust accordingly.

  • Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, aspirin therapy) — increased bruising and bleeding risk
  • Topical corticosteroids / steroid creams — skin thinning; discontinue on the wax area for at least 2 weeks prior
  • Oral antibiotics — increased photosensitivity and skin fragility
  • Hormone medications, HRT, or birth control — may increase skin sensitivity
  • Antidepressants or medications causing water retention — can soften skin and increase tear risk
  • Topical antibiotics (e.g. clindamycin) — avoid waxing over treated areas
  • OTC retinol — discontinue on the wax area for at least 7 days prior
  • Prescription acne medications not listed above — please disclose
Topical products — heads up required
Skincare actives that affect waxing safety

Using these on the area to be waxed? Pause them at least 48–72 hours before your appointment. For stronger formulas or prescription-strength products, give it a full week.

  • AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid)
  • BHAs (salicylic acid)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Hydroquinone or skin-lightening treatments
  • Strong chemical exfoliants or enzyme peels
  • White willow bark extract
Conditions & circumstances — heads up required
Things worth mentioning before we start
  • Diabetes (well-managed) — healing may be slower; extra aftercare recommended
  • Eczema or psoriasis (in remission) — waxing may be possible; we'll assess the area
  • Rosacea (not in active flare) — facial waxing may be possible with caution
  • Varicose veins — we won't wax directly over them
  • Skin tags or raised moles — we work around these, not over them
  • Recent chemical peel or microdermabrasion — wait at least 7 days
  • Recent laser resurfacing — wait at least 1 year
  • Recent piercings — we won't wax directly over or around the area
  • Pregnancy — waxing is generally safe but skin may be more sensitive; please disclose
Not sure if something applies to you? Please reach out before your appointment — I'd much rather have a quick conversation upfront than discover a contraindication on the day. This list is designed to keep you safe, not scare you off. Most conditions are manageable with a bit of communication and planning. When in doubt, ask. That's what I'm here for. 🌿