When it comes to hair removal, many folks wonder, "Does waxing cause ingrown hairs?" While waxing may cause ingrown hairs in some people, you can take steps to prevent bumps and irritation as your hair grows back. Learn what you need to know about ingrown hairs after waxing and how the right skincare practices help you avoid them.
Does waxing cause more ingrown hairs than shaving?
No. In fact, waxing is less likely to cause ingrown hairs than shaving. Let’s explore the mechanisms of both methods to better understand why.
With shaving
Each time you shave, your razor slices existing hairs, leaving a blunt tip at (or just below) the skin’s surface. As these thick, coarse strands grow, they’re more prone to becoming trapped within the follicle, especially if you don’t exfoliate regularly.
With waxing
Waxing removes hair roots from the follicles, so each strand must regenerate entirely from scratch. In turn, hairs are thinner, finer, and tapered, making it easy to emerge from the skin without interference. However, if dead skin cells and other impurities are clogging the follicles, you may see a pimple or two appear in the area.
Other considerations
People with thicker, curlier hair are more likely to experience ingrown hairs after waxing. These blemishes tend to appear in spots like:
- The face
- The legs
- The bikini line and Brazilian area
Related: Folliculitis After Waxing: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
How do you prevent ingrown hairs after waxing?
Now that you know why waxing and shaving cause ingrown hairs, let’s talk about the best ways to prevent these bumps, pimples, and cysts.
Keep skin moisturized
Soft, supple, hydrated skin on the face and body allows for easy emergence of new hairs as they grow. To maintain optimal moisture, drink plenty of water, use a gentle cleanser, and apply a soothing, fragrance-free cream moisturizer after you shower.
Consider a hydration booster like a hyaluronic acid serum or a non-comedogenic oil like jojoba or grapeseed to lock in moisture without clogging pores.
Exfoliate regularly
Before and after waxing, it’s essential to remove dead skin cells with a mild scrub or exfoliating acid to prevent ingrown hairs. Exfoliate about 24 hours before a wax, and every two to three days once any redness and inflammation subside.
Avoid tight clothing and friction
Freshly waxed skin is more susceptible to irritation. Tight clothes that create constant friction can elicit an inflammatory response, trapping hairs below the skin’s surface.
In the days after waxing, opt for loose, breathable clothing and skip the gym to prevent ingrown hairs. Instead of tight jeans, leggings, or synthetic fibers that trap heat and bacteria, stick with breathable cotton or linen as your skin heals.
Consider post-wax treatments
Your skin may need a little more care than usual following a wax. Use pure aloe vera gel to soothe inflammation and tea tree oil to prevent infection. It’s also worth it to have a dedicated ingrown hair paste to stop bumps in their tracks.
Related: How To Prevent and Treat a Histamine Reaction After Waxing
How to treat ingrowns after waxing?
Sometimes, avoiding ingrown hairs after waxing isn’t possible. If you notice red, painful bumps appearing in the treatment area, use the following tactics to gently eliminate them from your skin:
Cleanse your skin
Keeping your skin clean can help remove the debris blocking your hair follicles and the harmful bacteria that can cause ingrown hairs to become infected. Gently wash the area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid scrubbing and rubbing, which may damage the skin and increase inflammation, making it even more difficult for hairs to emerge.
Use cold and warm compresses
Immediately after waxing, a cool compress will soothe the skin and combat inflammation. But once your skin recovers, a warm compress can soften the skin and open the pores. This helps release the trapped strand before it can develop into a painful cyst.
If waxing causes ingrown hairs, tweezers are not the answer. Digging around in your skin will increase the risks of infection, damage, and long-lasting scars and discoloration.
Apply cortisone cream
Cortisone cream isn’t just for bug bites! A 1% hydrocortisone cream can calm inflammation, itching, and redness around an ingrown hair, helping the skin release the trapped strand. Use it as directed or once or twice each day, as it may thin the skin if applied too frequently.
Related: How Do You Prevent Pimples After Waxing?
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