Does shaving or waxing trigger herpes outbreaks?

Why hair removal can trigger herpes outbreaks

The herpes virus lives dormant in nerve ganglia near the base of the spine. When it reactivates, it travels along nerve pathways to the skin’s surface. Anything that irritates the skin or nerve endings in the genital area can potentially trigger this reactivation.

Hair removal methods do exactly that:

• Shaving creates micro-abrasions (tiny cuts) in the skin, causes friction, and can irritate nerve endings
• Waxing causes more significant skin trauma by ripping hair from the follicle, along with inflammation and nerve stimulation
• Depilatory creams contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive genital skin

All of these can weaken the local skin barrier and signal to the virus that it’s time to wake up. The resulting inflammation and nerve irritation is like sounding an alarm that the virus responds to.

How long to wait to shave after a herpes outbreak

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is straightforward: wait until the outbreak has completely healed.

• First outbreak: Wait 2–4 weeks until all sores are fully healed and the skin looks normal
• Recurrent outbreaks: Wait 7–10 days, until all lesions have crusted over and healed
• If you feel prodrome: Wait until the tingling or burning has completely subsided, even if no sores appeared

Shaving over active sores or healing skin carries two risks: spreading the virus to adjacent areas through the razor (called autoinoculation, though this is rare after your first outbreak), and irritating the healing tissue, which can delay recovery and cause scarring.

Safe shaving tips for people with herpes

You don’t have to give up shaving, you just need to be smart about it:

1. Use a fresh, sharp razor every time. Dull blades require more pressure and cause more irritation.
2. Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. This minimizes razor burn and micro-cuts.
3. Use a gentle, fragrance-free shaving cream or gel. Avoid products with alcohol or harsh chemicals.
4. Don’t shave too closely. Using an electric trimmer to keep hair short (rather than a razor for bare skin) dramatically reduces irritation.
5. Moisturize after shaving with a gentle, unscented lotion to soothe the skin.
6. Never shave during prodrome or an active outbreak. Wait until everything has fully healed.
7. Consider taking antivirals preventively if shaving consistently triggers outbreaks for you. Some people take a dose before and after shaving.

Waxing and herpes: What to know

Waxing is a more aggressive form of hair removal and carries a higher risk of triggering outbreaks than shaving. The trauma to the skin is more significant:

• Hair is ripped from the follicle, causing inflammation
• The wax itself can irritate sensitive skin
• The process stimulates nerve endings in the area

If you get regular waxes and have herpes:

• Talk to your waxing professional, you don’t have to disclose your herpes status, but you should mention that you have sensitive skin
• Ask your doctor about taking antivirals before and after waxing appointments as a preventive measure
• Never get waxed during an active outbreak or prodrome, any reputable waxing professional should refuse service if they see active lesions
• Watch for prodrome symptoms in the days after waxing and have medication ready

Laser hair removal and herpes

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to destroy hair follicles. For people with herpes, there’s an important consideration: laser treatments can trigger outbreaks because the heat and light energy stimulate nerves in the treated area.

If you’re considering laser hair removal:

• Tell your laser technician that you have herpes in the treatment area. This is important for your care.
• Most clinics will prescribe antiviral medication to take before and after the treatment to prevent outbreaks. This is standard practice.
• The long-term benefit is that once hair is permanently removed, you eliminate the ongoing trigger of shaving or waxing. Many people with herpes find laser to be worth it for this reason.

Electric trimmers: The lower-risk alternative

If shaving and waxing consistently trigger outbreaks, an electric trimmer may be your best option. Trimmers cut hair above the skin surface rather than at or below it, which means:

• No micro-cuts or razor burn
• Minimal skin contact and friction
• Much less nerve stimulation than waxing
• Quick, easy, and inexpensive

The trade-off is that you won’t get perfectly smooth skin, but for many people with herpes, that’s a worthwhile compromise to avoid triggering outbreaks.

The bottom line

Hair removal can trigger herpes outbreaks, but it’s very manageable with the right approach. The key is being gentle with your skin, waiting until outbreaks are fully healed, and having antiviral medication on hand for times when you know you’ll be irritating the area.

Everyone’s triggers are different. Pay attention to what your body tells you and adjust your routine accordingly. You don’t have to give up grooming, you just need to be a little more intentional about it. Be careful, but don't be paranoid about it. ;)

For more on taking care of yourself with herpes, download our free e-book or check out coaching.