Yes, waxing can and often causes ingrown hairs and it's because sometimes hairs break off just below the skin when they're waxed. But don't worry; preventing ingrown hair after waxing is possible.
Ingrown hairs appear when a strand of hair curls into the skin and grows in the wrong direction after waxing. Ingrown hairs can occur as a result of the hair is not completely being removed after you wax. The remaining hair reverts under the skin and starts to grow beneath the surface.
Waxing significantly reduces the chance of ingrowns due to hair being removed from the root instead of chopped at the surface, as it is with shaving.
There are a few reasons why ingrown hairs happen. Uni K Wax founder Noemi Grupenmager says that wax made with irritating chemicals, using hard wax that's too hot, and poor waxing techniques are all common causes of pesky ingrown hairs. Oh, and wearing tight clothing on the reg.
Waxing removes hair from the root, so the end of the follicle maintains a natural beveled edge when the hair grows back. But without proper technique, waxing can lead to ingrown hairs. That is why waxing causes ingrown hairs if not done properly. Done right, skin waxing will pull the hair right from the root.
First, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you stop shaving, tweezing, or waxing until things clear up. You'll need to wait for any bumps, irritation, pain, and other symptoms to heal before you carry on with hair removal. Unfortunately, that could take a while—anywhere from one to six months.
So what if you still get ingrown hairs even if you do prioritize exfoliation? Genetics might be to blame. "You may be perfectly following the exfoliating steps of your wax studio, but ingrown hairs are much more likely with coarse, curly hair," explains Dr. Palm.
Brazilian waxes last about three to six weeks. The best thing you can do for your skin is to wax regularly. The more you do it, the longer the results last. If you wait longer or only get waxed a couple times a year, it will be much more painful.
Whether you shave, wax, or tweeze, removing hair isn't always trouble-free. The process itself can cause swelling, which may irritate your skin and lead to razor bumps and cysts.
DO moisturize after waxing. Using gentle oil-based products, such as baby oil, can help to remove any wax residue while keeping the skin supple. If you prefer using a lotion-based after-wax care, try our 'Rub Me Down' lavender and chamomile moisturizer.
It can take up to 1-2 days after your waxing appointment to recover. Initially, you may experience inflammation and redness in the area. Some, but not all, clients will experience red bumps (which will go away in a day or two).
Dry, brittle hair could possibly have broken during your wax. Reduce this from happening by exfoliating (a couple to few times a week) and moisturizing (daily) between wax appointments.
Pubic hair needs to be at least the length of a grain of rice or ¼ of an inch long. Many people feel self-conscious about hair being too long before their Brazilian wax, but longer hair is grabbed by wax better. If you trim beforehand, you could cut it too short and forfeit the ability to wax.
"Patients tell me that the most painful areas for waxing are also the most overall sensitive areas, especially in the pubic area," Ciraldo says. Hair around the genitals and bikini line tends to be thicker than on other areas of the body, requiring more force to yank it and, thus, causing more pain.
Release visible ingrown hairs by inserting a sterile needle under each hair loop and gently lifting the tip that has grown back into the skin. Rinse your skin and apply a cool, wet cloth for a few minutes. Then use a soothing after-shave product.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
She recommends a 20-minute shower after a wax treatment, and while you're in the shower, use an in-shower oil. "Immediately follow with lotion," she says, "Applying oil and lotion on wet skin will allow the product to lock moisture in by trapping some of the water on the skin."
Dead skin removal
Every day, gently rub around the ingrown hair bumps in a circular motion. Use a wet washcloth or an exfoliating glove to help the ingrown hair return to the surface. Exfoliating can remove any dead skin cells, dirt, and oils that might be trapping the ingrown hair under the surface.
Waxing is, in fact, the method that produces less ingrown hairs because the hair roots are removed from the follicle too. Shaving or tweezing only removes the surface hair which means the root might develop more hair stems in the same follicle.
People who shave, wax, or use another method to remove pubic hair may be more prone to ingrown hairs. Ingrown pubic hairs can also be due to wearing tight clothing that rubs and irritates the skin. People with curlier or coarser pubic hair are also more likely to experience ingrown hairs.
Routine cleansing and exfoliating is the easiest and most effective way to prevent bumps from forming after you wax. Make sure you use a mild scrub or exfoliating cloth every other day, at a minimum, to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and other debris.
"For a bikini wax, those who frequent the beach benefit from waxing their bikini line every two weeks. But for a full bikini or Brazilian bikini service, you're recommended to come in every three to four weeks. This allows the proper amount of time for regrowth," Coba says.