What to Avoid Before Eyebrow Waxing for Best Results

Waxing your eyebrows with strips can give you clean, sharp lines that last weeks - but only if you do it right. Too many people skip the prep and end up with redness, breakouts, or even broken hairs that grow back faster. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about avoiding the simple mistakes that ruin the whole process.

Don’t apply makeup or skincare products before waxing

Your skin needs to be clean, dry, and free of anything that creates a barrier. Lotions, oils, serums, sunscreen, or even foundation can make the wax stick to your skin instead of the hair. That means more pain, less hair removed, and a higher chance of irritation or ingrown hairs.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser 30 to 60 minutes before waxing. Pat it dry with a clean towel. No moisturizer. No toner. No primer. Even if your skin feels dry, skip it. The wax needs direct contact with the hair follicle to pull it out cleanly.

Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours before

Sunburned or even just tanned skin is more sensitive. UV rays weaken the skin’s barrier and make it prone to blistering, peeling, or severe redness during waxing. If you’ve been out in the sun - even for a short walk - wait at least a full day before waxing.

And don’t think just because you’re wearing sunglasses or a hat, you’re safe. UV rays still affect the skin under your brows. If you’re planning a beach day or a hike, reschedule your waxing for the next day.

Stop using retinoids and exfoliants 3 days before

Products with retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or any chemical exfoliant thin out the top layer of your skin. That sounds good for acne, but it’s a disaster for waxing. Thinner skin means the wax pulls more than just hair - it can lift away live skin cells, causing raw patches or scabbing.

If you use tretinoin, adapalene, or even over-the-counter retinoid creams, stop them at least 72 hours before waxing. Same goes for scrubs, chemical peels, or acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide. Your skin will thank you with less pain and zero peeling afterward.

Don’t shave right before waxing

Shaving and waxing don’t mix. If you shaved your brows recently, the hair is too short for the wax to grip. Wax strips need at least 1/4 inch of hair (about the length of a grain of rice) to work. Anything shorter and you’re just tugging on nothing.

Wait at least two weeks after shaving before trying wax strips. If you’ve been tweezing or threading, that’s fine - those methods leave hair long enough. But if you’ve been using an eyebrow trimmer or razor, you’ll need to wait. Patience here saves you from a wasted strip and a lot of frustration.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol the day before

This one surprises people. But caffeine and alcohol both increase blood flow and make your skin more reactive. If you drink coffee, energy drinks, or alcohol the day before waxing, your brows might swell more, sting longer, and take longer to calm down.

It’s not a hard rule - but if you’ve ever had a wax that felt like it burned for hours, chances are you had a latte at 8 a.m. that morning. Skip the espresso and the wine the night before. Water and herbal tea are better choices.

Don’t wax if you’re on acne medication like Accutane

Isotretinoin (Accutane) and similar oral acne drugs make your skin extremely fragile. Even mild waxing can cause scarring, deep tearing, or permanent damage. If you’re taking any prescription acne treatment, talk to your dermatologist before waxing.

Most dermatologists recommend avoiding waxing entirely while on Accutane and for at least six months after stopping. Use tweezers or trimmers instead. It’s slower, but it’s safe. Your skin will thank you years down the line.

Avoid waxing during your period

Hormones shift during your menstrual cycle. In the days leading up to and during your period, your pain tolerance drops. Your skin becomes more sensitive. Waxing can feel twice as painful and leave you more red and swollen than usual.

If you can, plan your waxing for the week after your period ends. That’s when your skin is least reactive and most resilient. If you’re stuck with timing, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen 30 minutes before - but don’t rely on it as a fix. Prevention is better than painkillers.

Don’t touch or pick at your brows after waxing

This isn’t before - but it’s so common it’s worth mentioning. Right after waxing, your pores are open and your skin is vulnerable. Touching your brows with dirty hands introduces bacteria. Picking at stray hairs or red bumps can cause infection or scarring.

Keep your hands away. Avoid sweating, saunas, or hot showers for at least 4 hours. If your skin feels itchy, use a cool compress. No alcohol-based toners. No astringents. Just let it calm down.

Check the expiration date on your wax strips

Wax strips don’t last forever. Over time, the adhesive loses stickiness. Expired strips won’t grip hair properly. You’ll end up pulling half the hair out, leaving the rest behind - and it’ll hurt more because you’re trying harder.

Look for the expiration date on the packaging. Most brands last 12 to 18 months unopened. Once opened, use them within 6 months. If the strip feels dry, stiff, or doesn’t stick to your skin when you peel it back - toss it. Don’t risk a bad wax on old strips.

Don’t wax if your skin is broken or irritated

Eczema flare-up? Acne breakout? Cut or scrape near your brow? Don’t wax over it. Waxing over damaged skin can tear it further, cause infection, or leave scars. Even a tiny pimple under the brow line is enough reason to wait.

Wait until the area is fully healed - no redness, no pus, no flaking. If you’re unsure, skip it. You can always tweeze the stray hairs later. Better to wait than to ruin your skin.

What to do instead

Instead of making these mistakes, follow this simple checklist:

• Wash your face with mild cleanser 1 hour before
• Pat skin completely dry
• Stop retinoids and exfoliants 3 days prior
• Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours
• Wait 2 weeks after shaving
• Skip caffeine and alcohol the day before
• Use fresh, unexpired wax strips
• Don’t wax if skin is broken or inflamed

Do this, and you’ll get clean, smooth brows that last. No burning, no peeling, no regrets.