Waxing is a game-changer for glowing results, but even with a stellar skincare routine — hello, exfoliation, hydration, and moisturizer — you might encounter the occasional stubborn ingrown hair. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Knowing why ingrown hairs show up, how to prevent them, and how to tackle them like a pro will level up your whole-body skincare routine. Check out our expert guide to managing ingrown hairs, post-wax bumps, and more below, so you can get back to the smooth, happy skin you know and love.
How to stop ingrown hairs before they start
While it’s not possible to avoid every ingrown hair before they appear (we wish!), there are ways to soothe the skin and help prevent them. If you’re wondering how to stop ingrown hairs, first keep in mind that if your hair is naturally coarse or tightly curled, it can increase the likelihood. If you shave as part of your whole-body skincare routine, it might be making matters worse. Shaving can leave hair with sharp, pointy ends that sneak back under the skin instead of growing out. Yikes!
Here’s the good news: gentle care is your BFF. When removing hair, go with the grain of your hair pattern, avoid any tugging, and follow up with a skin-loving moisturizer featuring salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps to soften your skin barrier, making it harder for hairs to get trapped and can prevent bumps after waxing.
Does waxing cause ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs can sometimes crash the party after a hair removal process. When new hairs start to grow, they can take a detour under the skin or go askew, instead of growing straight out. The result? Bumps and irritation that no one invited. Because the skin can be slightly agitated after hair removal, post-wax bumps, hair bumps, and ingrown hairs can show up briefly.
Folliculitis after waxing can also show up as a small patch of irritated skin a few days after and might include ingrown hairs hanging out together. While ingrown hairs are a normal part of hair removal, they typically go away on their own fairly quickly. If you’re wondering how to prevent ingrown hairs from overstaying their welcome, stick around. We’ve got simple, expert-approved tips to help keep skin smooth, happy, and bump-free.
How to prevent ingrown hairs post-wax
To prevent bumps after waxing, it all starts with a shower that checks all the boxes. Adding exfoliation as a regular step can help keep skin clear and healthy, while removing dead skin cells. Think: a body polish or body scrub. This will keep skin visibly smooth to complement your wax, and it also makes it easier for hair to grow through the skin without getting trapped, or ingrown. Generally, 2-3 times per week is the sweet spot for most skin types. If you have sensitive skin, start with once a week and gradually adjust as needed. Timing is everything when it comes to waxing: exfoliate 24-48 hours before your appointment to help wax stick to hair more effectively. After waxing, give your skin at least 48 hours to recover to avoid irritation. Preventing ingrown hairs doesn’t stop there! Make sure you’re using moisturizer on your skin every day. We recommend a rich lotion for all-day hydration after showering, or right before bed.
Here’s what to know about different types of hair bumps:
Ingrown hairs after waxing
While ingrown hairs after waxing can happen from time to time, waxing offers some serious advantages over shaving. For starters, waxing removes hair at the root, meaning you’ll enjoy longer stretches of smooth skin with fewer removal sessions. Less frequent hair removal equals less skin irritation. Plus, over time, waxing can cause hair to grow back finer and sparser than before. With fewer hair removal sessions and finer hair, ingrown hairs can be less of an issue compared to other hair removal methods.
Bikini wax ingrown hairs
A bikini wax is a great way to remove some hair, based on your personal preference, such as a basic bikini wax. Waxing the City Cerologists use a custom-formulated hard wax that’s gentle on skin while delivering seriously effective results. Bikini wax ingrown hairs and hair bumps can also be kept to a minimum with proper preparation by moisturizing consistently. Because the waxing process also exfoliates the skin, it removes dead skin cells to keep the skin looking and feeling healthy.
Brazilian wax ingrown hairs
Brazilian waxing has plenty of benefits for those looking for less hair from the pubic area to the inner back side. Unlike shaving, waxing significantly reduces irritation and hair bumps while giving you more time to enjoy the results between appointments. If you get this type of wax treatment regularly, your hair will tend to grow back finer and slower, making maintenance a breeze. With fewer waxing appointments over time, Brazilian wax ingrown hairs are far less likely to make an appearance than other hair removal methods for this area.
How to treat ingrown hairs and hair bumps post-wax
The first thing to remember when treating an ingrown hair is to be hands off! Avoid plucking, pulling, or disrupting the area to prevent more irritation. Post-wax, if you do notice hair bumps or ingrown hairs around the area of hair removal, be sure to keep the area clean using a gentle, mild soap. We recommend Fur All Body Wash, formulated with cleaning, nourishing ingredients that are safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Easy ways to stay comfortable post-wax and pamper your skin
1. Wear loose clothing you feel good in
When your skin is feeling sensitive, opt for loose, comfy clothing that lets it breathe. This helps minimize friction and reduces body heat, giving your freshly waxed skin the space it needs to recover.
2. Take a day off from high-intensity workouts
Right after waxing, your skin will need a little bit of time to breathe and recover. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, give high-intensity workouts a rest day. Instead, choose gentler activities like walking or yoga to prevent inflamed skin from your workout.
3. Soothe ingrown hairs with a warm compress
If you spot an ingrown hair in the days following your wax, a warm compress is your best go-to for gentle relief. Simply relax and place a warm washcloth on the area for about 15 minutes. This helps calm the skin and opens the pores, encouraging the ingrown hair to release naturally. Our Cerologists can also work with your specific skincare needs to provide product recommendations for ingrown hairs, such as our Post-wax Serum, which soothes and heals skin.
4. Maintain your skincare routine and moisturize
Whether you’re tackling an ingrown hair or just giving your skin some extra TLC post-wax, sticking to a solid skincare routine is key. Prioritize the basics: cleanse regularly (especially after workouts), exfoliate, moisturize, and stay consistent with your waxing schedule. These simple steps work together to keep your skin smooth and glowing consistently.
More tips for happy, glowing skin
Whatever your skin needs may look like, we’ve got you covered! Find your nearest Waxing the City and let our experts help you achieve your best skin yet.
