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.
Does Waxing Cause Ingrown Hairs? 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.
You can prevent bumps by regularly cleansing and gently exfoliating your skin. Exfoliating before waxing can reduce dead skin cell buildup. It's essential to use a gentle exfoliator, like a washcloth or mild scrub, to prevent further irritation.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing is to keep your skin moisturized. Dry skin can cause hair to grow back unevenly, which can increase the risk of ingrown hair. Use a gentle moisturizer regularly, especially after waxing, to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
According to Karp, “Exfoliating with a glycolic or salicylic acid solution or pads will help prevent ingrown hairs after waxing/sugaring by removing dead skin cells that are blocking the hair from coming out.” There's always a more permanent option if you're sick of dealing with post-shave or -wax irritation.
Some bumps are a result of post wax irritation and will go away on their own within a few hours to a few days.
Don't tweeze ingrown hairs. Before shaving wash the affected area using a warm washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a circular motion for a few minutes. Apply a warm, damp cloth for a few more minutes.
Some people may develop a rash, which may actually be a case of folliculitis or allergic contact dermatitis. To prevent a rash after your next bikini wax appointment, wear loose clothing, avoid swimming or hot showers for at least 24 hours, and apply a cool compress or gentle moisturizer to the affected area.
Start by applying a warm compress to the area, since the heat will soften the skin, says Dr. Solomon. Then, very gently, exfoliate the skin trapping the hair. “Move a washcloth or clean, soft-bristled toothbrush over the area in a circular motion for several minutes,” she suggests.
If you've ever waxed, chances are you've had to deal with ingrown hairs. They're not only unattractive, but they can also be painful. An ingrown hair after waxing happens when the hair never breaks the skin's surface as it grows or does come out of skin first and then grows back into the skin.
Yes, you can still get waxing done if you have bumps and ingrown hairs. These problems are common, and ingrown hairs can happen anywhere on the body. To deal with this issue, you can try exfoliating these problem areas before you go, but they wouldn't prohibit a waxing.
"Complications from any waxing can include irritation, burns, cuts, abrasions, scars, bruising, rashes, contact dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs, and folliculitis," adds Dr. Jerath. Another physical response from the "harmless" bikini wax? You could develop an infection in the hair follicles themselves.
Hydrocortisone is a steroid-based cream that helps stop pubic hair itching when growing back. Apply as directed and make sure to avoid this solution to your itching if you have sores, bleeding or signs of infection.
Raised welts or bumps on the surface of the skin. The bumps can be paler than your natural skin colour, the same colour as your skin or pink/red. Sometimes they come along with what looks like a blotchy rash.
Temporary methods like shaving can help you remove hair for a few days quickly and painlessly, but you risk irritation like razor burn. Using a hair removal cream will last just about as long as shaving. Waxing is more painful and has more infection risks, but it will last for weeks.
Some hair removal methods, such as shaving and plucking, can cause further irritation and increase the likelihood of infection. Washing the affected area with soap and warm water. Rubbing the ingrown hair in a circular motion for 10 to 15 seconds with light pressure can soften skin and encourage the hair to pop out.
An ingrown hair may appear about a week after waxing. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows and reinserts itself into the hair follicle. Ingrown hairs can cause itchy and sometimes painful bumps that often look like pimples on the skin. Without treatment, ingrown hairs can become infected.
"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.
Brazilian waxing also reduces skin hyperpigmentation that results from aging, while increasing your blood circulation, which helps drain built-up toxins from your skin and break up fatty tissues, resulting in healthy, glowing, beautiful skin. Because waxing removes hair from the root, re-growth is much slower.
While its natural to feel that the constant pulling that takes place during a wax session could add to these causes, the truth is that waxing does not make your skin saggy.
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.
Exfoliate Before and After Shaving
For ingrowns that have already cropped up around the bikini line, exfoliating can assist in alleviating them faster. Patel says to "gently scrub the area twice a day with an exfoliating glove or a washcloth with an exfoliating wash" to remove buildup of oils and dead skin cells.