Few things are as satisfying as freshly waxed skin. Smooth, supple, and hair-free, you feel confident and ready to face the world. But occasionally, you’ll experience an unpleasant side effect of hair removal: ingrown hairs.
When we remove unwanted body hair through any method, the potential for ingrowns exists. As hair grows back, it sometimes gets stuck below the skin's surface and turns inward. If infection occurs, painful ingrown hair cysts can form, leaving painful, red bumps on your smooth skin.
Unfortunately, waxing doesn’t prevent ingrown hairs. They’re much less likely to pop up than with other hair removal methods, but you may still get them. There are many causes and just as many solutions for these unsightly blemishes.
Let’s go below the surface and discover all there is to know about treating and preventing ingrown hairs!
What are ingrown hairs?
Hair grows out of a root deep beneath the skin’s surface. Usually, your hair grows up through the layers of your skin before exiting through your pores. When pores are blocked, or hair is damaged, it can have a hard time breaking through the surface. In these cases, hair can curl and grow back towards the follicle.
While painful, they don’t always result in infection. If there are bacteria present, you’re likely to develop an ingrown hair cyst that could need outside intervention.
What causes ingrown hairs?
Typically, ingrown hairs result from ineffective hair removal methods. People with specific hair types are more likely to experience these painful bumps after shaving or depilation.
Shaving is more susceptible to ingrown hairs
Shaving is one of the biggest culprits behind ingrown hairs. Razors cut hair just below the surface of your skin. Sometimes, they can leave behind broken hairs and irritated skin that’s practically begging for ingrowns to occur.
Body areas and people with curly hair are more likely to have ingrowns
Before you head in for a Brazilian wax, consider this. Parts of the body, like intimate areas with coarse, curly hair, are more likely to develop ingrowns. Shaving is a bigger culprit, but waxing without the proper aftercare can lead to complications. The bikini line is one area where ingrowns pop up regularly. Working with a trusted wax tech can make all the difference before a big pool day.
Dry skin and buildup of dirt and debris blocking hair strands
Dry skin tends to have a higher concentration of dead skin cells on the surface, which can block pores. Couple that with higher oil production, and you’ve got a recipe for ingrown hairs. Oil glands under your skin try to compensate for dry skin through an overproduction of sebum. This oil attracts dirt and debris, blocking your hair strands from exiting your skin.
Poor quality of wax that breaks during hair removal
If your esthetician uses a low-quality wax during your sessions, it can cause ingrown hairs. A wax formula that doesn’t spread evenly or set properly can damage the skin when removed. Some even have harsh chemicals that irritate delicate areas, making you susceptible to ingrowns.
The best ways to prevent ingrown hairs
While there’s only so much you can control during your waxing session, you can take some steps to prevent them.
Always follow pre and post-wax care
Most estheticians provide information to clients about pre and post-wax care, and you should follow it!
Before your session, properly hydrate and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment, and don’t shave or tweeze 
between sessions. Tight-fitting clothing can cause ingrown hairs, so when you go in for your session, think loose and light. Wear comfortable clothes that won’t rub against your freshly waxed body.
Aftercare is equally important. Avoid the gym and swimming pools, and keep your hands off! Give your skin 48 hours to recover before returning to your regular activities. Moisturization is essential and paired with regular exfoliation, it can help head off ingrown hairs.
Maintain a routine of exfoliation at home
Exfoliation is one way to keep your skin feeling fresh and clean at home. Use an exfoliating scrub or mitt to remove dead skin cells and debris from the surface of your skin. This action can help to keep your pores open and let hair strands grow naturally without causing irritation.
Consider using an ingrown hair serum
Some of us are prone to ingrown hairs due to hair type or texture and other skin concerns. Ingrown hair serums can keep the top layer of your skin supple and dissolve dead skin cells before they become a problem.
Even if you have ingrown hair present, these serums can soften hardened skin and allow it to resolve naturally.
Go to a trusted professional for waxing
A good wax technician can go a long way toward preventing ingrown hairs before they happen. If you don’t have an existing relationship with an esthetician, look before you leap. Most professionals have websites or at least an Instagram where you can see examples of their work.
And don’t forget that you’re in control of your waxing experience. Salons and spas should be clean with a positive vibe. Even if you’ve already booked a session and are sitting in the waiting room, if you don’t like what you see in a new spa, take your business elsewhere!
Enso is your trusted source of quality wax and waxing tips!
At Enso, we believe waxing is one of the safest and most reliable ways to remove unwanted body hair. We provide high-quality waxing tools to help make your experience a great one! We’ve also dedicated time and effort to gather some of the best waxing tips to help you make informed decisions about your skincare.
Check out our website for more information about our revolutionary waxing products!
