How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
Painful bumps after waxing or shaving are all too common in men and women alike, but you don’t have to accept them as an unavoidable consequence of hair removal. Learn more about the causes of this issue and how to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing in this guide.
What causes ingrown hairs after waxing?
Many factors can increase the chances of ingrown hairs after waxing, including:
Hair growth direction
We often picture hair growing perpendicular to the skin’s surface, but that’s rarely the case. Most hair grows at an angle, which can cause some strands to become trapped in the follicle.
Curly or coarse hair
Thick, coarse hairs like those found in the pubic area are more likely to bend as they grow, leading to a higher incidence of ingrown hairs after waxing. Unlike the blunt ends left after a shave, the hairs that grow after waxing have a sharp, tapered shape that may pierce the surrounding skin, especially if the follicles are clogged.
Improper waxing technique
A skilled waxing specialist knows to remove wax parallel to the skin and in the opposite direction of hair growth, as failing to follow proper technique can result in breakage and ingrown hairs.
Friction and irritation
Tight clothing and repetitive movements can cause inflammation in a freshly waxed treatment area. This irritation may restrict the hair follicles and push growing hairs sideways or back into the skin.
Dead skin cells
Regular exfoliation before and after waxing can go a long way to prevent ingrown hairs. When you exfoliate throughout the hair growth cycle, you slough off dead skin cells and other debris that can clog follicles and trap growing facial and body hairs.
Infections
Both helpful and harmful bacteria live on the surface of your skin, but disaster can strike when they enter open hair follicles. As with friction, microorganisms cause infection and inflammation, ultimately leading to ingrown hairs after waxing.
Related: How To Prevent Folliculitis After Waxing
How to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing
Want to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing? Follow these tips to avoid painful bumps around the bikini line, legs, beard, eyebrows, and beyond:
Exfoliate regularly
Use a gentle scrub or mild acid every two to three days between waxes to reduce the risk of painful bumps. Be sure to take a break from exfoliation for 48 to 72 hours after each waxing session, as your sensitive skin heals from the hair removal process.
Keep skin moisturized
Hydrated skin is naturally more supple, making it easier for fresh hairs to emerge. Apply a nourishing cream or moisturizer to the treatment area every day and drink plenty of water to maintain that silky, touchable quality.
Wear loose, comfy clothing
In the first few days post-wax, opt for loose, breathable clothing that won’t create irritation or trap heat and bacteria against your skin.
Use the right aftercare products
Once your skin has returned to normal after waxing, consider applying a specialized serum containing ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid to help prevent ingrown hairs.
Follow your aftercare instructions
In addition to the above tips, your waxing artist may give you specific aftercare instructions to follow after your appointment. Listen to their guidance and reach out with any questions you have during recovery.
Read more: Waxing Aftercare Tips for Long-Lasting Results
How to treat ingrown hairs after waxing
Even when you take all the proper precautions to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing, you may still encounter the occasional trapped strand. Here’s how to get rid of an ingrown hair when it occurs:
Use warm compresses
Once your skin has fully healed from waxing, it’s safe to apply a warm compress to an ingrown hair a few times each day for five to 10 minutes at a time. This softens the surrounding skin, opens pores, and gently helps ingrown hairs work their way to the surface.
Exfoliate gently
Exfoliation isn’t just used to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing. It can also clear follicles of the impurities actively trapping strands below the skin’s surface. Again, wait until the skin is no longer tender to gently exfoliate the treatment area.
Apply antiseptic lotion or wash
Products containing tea tree oil, witch hazel, and chlorhexidine can help kill bacteria and soothe inflammation, correcting the root causes of many ingrown hairs.
Use soothing serums
When treating ingrown hairs after waxing, it’s important to balance acids and drying ingredients with nourishing topicals. Incorporate products like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula to show your skin a little love.
Don’t pick or pluck!
The urge to pick and pluck at ingrown hairs is real, but giving in to temptation can introduce harmful bacteria to your follicles, push trapped strands deeper into your skin, and lead to permanent scarring. Keep your hands off and find another way to get that sweet dopamine hit.
Consult with your provider
Persistent pain, swelling, and pus can indicate that a cyst has developed or an infection has formed. If you encounter these symptoms, reach out to your waxing specialist or dermatologist right away to avoid further complications.
Related: Does Waxing Reduce Hair Growth?
Experience your most comfortable wax yet at The Wax Studio!
It’s time to put down the razor and find a hair removal method that works for you! At The Wax Studio, we offer full-body waxing services and laser treatments to help you achieve silky-smooth skin on your terms. Book a consultation today to get started!
