We all love being smooth and hair free but some can develop ingrown hairs from shaving and hair removal services such as waxing or sugaring.
How Do They Develop
Ingrown are caused with irritation and too much buildup of dead skin in the pore where the hair is trying to regrow and push back out of the pore. Some experience these from a bad razor or as the hair is starting to grow back after a wax so around 2 weeks post wax.
How Do I Prevent Them
EXFOLIATE! Exfoliation is going to be your best friend. I recommend two types of exfoliation; chemical and physical. Everyone should own a exfoliation glove (not a washcloth or sponge these harbor too much bacteria). Use this 3x a week in the shower this will help the hair grow back through and not get blocked by dead skin and causing an ingrown hair.
A chemical exfoliation would be a serum or product made to help with ingrown hairs. These usually contain an AHA (Glycolic acid or Salicylic) these work by going deep in the pore and cleaning it as the hair grows back through. I personally recommend Serious Serum - this product was produced by an esthetician and is calming while exfoliating containing glycolic acid, chamomile and willow tree bark.
Hydration & Body Washes
Sometimes we are looking to heal this on our own and learn some fun Ideas from Pinterest on at home care. Here are the ones that I typically hear of and please don’t do this to your skin, you will only make it worse;
- Any type of scrub created at home (sugar, coffee grounds, etc.) these are harsh and cause micro-tears in the skin causing more irritation
-Any hydration oil that can clog your pores or lotions that contain too much fragrance (coconut oil)
What Not To Do Post Wax
You can be causing more harm than good if you are doing the following after your wax:
working out (before 24 hours)
wearing tight clothing post-wax
wearing lacy underwear (if you are struggling with bikini line ingrowns this could be the culprit)
going to a hot tub or sitting in unclean water (24 hours)
In conclusion…
When getting waxed it does take some extra effort to keep your skin beautiful and smooth but it will work in the long run and keep your enjoying your wax without the painful and unsightly look of ingrown hairs.