How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
One of the most troublesome and annoying byproducts of hair removal is ingrown hair. Painful and unsightly ingrown hairs are incredibly preventable. Other hair removal methods cause them too. Razor burns can turn into ingrown hairs quickly.
Little red bumps are the first sign of ingrown hairs. They’ll likely become infected if left alone and cause painful, pimple-like cysts. Ingrown hairs are easy to prevent and treat at home. Even if you’re prone to this type of skin concern, you can enjoy the benefits of regular waxing.
We’re taking time today to examine the tips for treating and preventing ingrown hairs. Now that we’re warmed up, let’s go!
The necessities to avoid ingrown hairs after waxing
Especially with intimate waxing, ingrown hairs are a problem. Because we're talking about coarse and curly hair, they’re prone to growing in the wrong direction. While we love the results of Brazilian and bikini waxing, the fear of ingrown pubic hair can keep us away.
Ingrown hair treatment is usually simple and done at home, but if you can avoid it, that’s best.
Through a few simple steps, you can deal with post-waxing concerns. If you follow these tips and tricks, you’ll hopefully always enjoy smooth sailing!
Wear loose fitting clothes
Preparing for your appointment is the first step to avoiding ingrown hairs. Wear loose fitting clothing to your session, so you’re prepared. Leave the leggings and yoga pants at home!
After your treatment, wear loose-fitting garb for a few days to avoid irritating your skin.
Keep to a proper exfoliating and moisturizing routine after a wax
Give yourself a break from exfoliating treatments for the first three days after your session. Then, you can begin to work them back into your routine. Keeping your skin moisturized and exfoliated makes sure your pores stay open. As soon as your hair follicles begin pushing new hair out, it’ll have a clear path through the surface! Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week, and moisturize daily.
Avoid irritating the newly waxed area
Your freshly waxed skin is fragile for the first few days. Activities that wouldn’t usually cause a problem for your skin can be super painful.
Give your workouts a break for at least twenty-four hours after your session. Sweating and friction can cause serious irritation.
Avoid hot showers, too, since the temperature can irritate your skin. Instead, take showers with warm water and use unscented body wash. Make sure to moisturize the area after. Only use fragrance-free lotions since the chemicals will burn!
Swimming might seem like a great idea, but please stay out of the pool. Some bacteria could be floating around in there, and chlorine causes dry skin. Wait a few days before taking the plunge.
Tight-fitting clothing can rub against tender skin and irritate it. Loose-fitting garments are a better choice post-wax.
Always apply sunscreen, but especially right after a wax
We recommend avoiding sun exposure for the first day or so directly after your session. Waxing exfoliates your skin, and treating the new layer gently is best. After that first day, you should apply sunscreen to avoid burns. Use gentle products for sensitive skin to avoid a bad reaction.
Don’t use scented products like perfume or lotions
Scented products might be your go-to, but for post-wax skin care, they don’t make the cut. Many body lotions that are scented contain chemicals that may irritate your skin. Especially if you’re prone to ingrown hairs, keep it scent free!
Follow any recommendations from your esthetician
Your esthetician will have recommendations for aftercare. It’s in your best interest to listen because they’ve got the benefit of experience. They’ll give you many recommendations we’ve already discussed, but here are some extra tips.
If your bikini line is bumpy post-waxing, apply a warm compress to the area to reduce inflammation. You can use aloe vera gel after, too, to pull out some of the redness.
Use a lotion that contains alpha hydroxy or lactic acids to gently loosen dead skin that can cause ingrown hairs. Fur oil is a fantastic option for those struggling to prevent ingrown hairs after a wax. For those with sensitive skin, straight tea tree oil can cause really bad skin irritation.
How to prepare for a waxing appointment to avoid ingrown hairs
Preventing ingrown hairs is much better than treating them after the fact. Some simple steps will give you the best chance of avoiding the painful bumps.
Exfoliate 24 hours before waxing
Use an exfoliating scrub or mitt to remove dead skin cells before you head in. Removing the cells makes it easier for the wax to do its job. You should even exfoliate your bikini area for the best results.
Research salicylic or glycolic acid products
Many waxing pros won’t touch skin that’s been treated by salicylic acid or glycolic acid and for good reason. These chemicals do an admirable job of combating acne and tightening up pores. But they also cause the skin to lift during waxing, something we want to avoid.
Give yourself at least a week off from salicylic or glycolic acid products for best results. And once you’ve recovered, ease back into them.
Stick to a regular schedule to get all the benefits from waxing!
Regular waxing has so many benefits! After three or four treatments, your hair growth will be sparser than before. Instead of the painful first sessions, you’ll soon enjoy the smoothness nearly pain-free.
Committing to waxing means you can leave other hair removal methods behind. No more razor bumps from shaving, no chemical burns from hair removal creams. And you’ll save money on disposable razors and shaving cream!
Lux Wax is here to help your skin be smooth and ingrown hair free!
At Lux Wax, we celebrate different types of skin and all bodies! We love bringing healthy skin education to our clients. Because we specialize in Brazilian and bikini waxes, we want to ensure you have the right aftercare information. Preventing ingrown hairs is easy. You’ve just got to take the proper steps.
Check out our full range of services on our website and book your first session today!
