How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
The elusive ingrown hair is forever waiting for its chance to strike. It’s inconsiderate, and it definitely has an attitude problem. The good news is, we don’t have to weather the storm of ingrown hairs and inflamed hair follicles. And we can reduce inflammation while creating the smooth skin we’ve always dreamed of!
What causes ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs are the classic culprit. Everyone agrees they are the common enemy that must be eradicated. Whether you suffer from dry skin, are coming in for a Brazilian wax, or you’re addressing sensitive skin issues, knowing what causes ingrowns is the key to battling them.
Is it an ingrown hair or a pimple?
Ingrown hairs can present in 3 ways. First, they can grow slanted under the surface of the skin. You can see them but they are trapped under layers of dead skin cells and there may or may not be redness around the area.
The second way is like a pimple or whitehead. When an ingrown hair gets trapped under dead skin cells or clients do not follow proper aftercare that allows bacteria to get trapped in the follicle, the body can react like it does to a foreign body. Pus and infection ensues. These ingrown hairs respond best to chemical exfoliants and should only be lanced by a licensed waxer. Clients should not squeeze, pick, or lance these ingrowns themselves as they can get larger and much worse. If they get large enough, lancing by a medical professional may be necessary.
The third type of ingrown hair presents like a blackhead. Oil and sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle (especially if a client doesn’t follow aftercare instructions) or a client may be using a soap or product that has comedogenic ingredients that clog the pore. Once the follicle is clogged, the hair gets trapped underneath.
How your skin type and hair factors in
Ingrown hairs are common enough that there are multiple methods of treatment and even surgical removal of them if it becomes an escalated issue. But, our skin type and hair also factor into how susceptible we are. Even though they can affect everyone, if you have coarse hair especially if it’s curly, you are more at risk than someone with straight hair that is fine in texture.
Your hair removal aftercare routine
After your hair removal appointment, it’s important to take care of your skin and be careful of what you are subject to. Avoiding sun exposure, hard exfoliation and keeping sweat at bay for 48 hours is a must. Loose-fitting clothing can facilitate a nice open space for your skin to breathe.
The best tips to prevent ingrown hairs post-wax
Preventing ingrown hairs doesn’t have to be a magic mystery puzzle that never gets solved. In fact, if you’re still reading, you’re about to crack the code.
Always go to a professional waxing salon
If you want the results of a professional waxing salon, you need to go to a professional waxing salon to get the results you desire. Just because a business offers hair removal services doesn’t mean that they are specialists in the way that estheticians are. Estheticians have the experience and know-how to give you personalized care, and the best information about hair removal, caring for your skin, and more!
Use an esthetician recommended ingrown hair serum
The Naked Cupcake doesn't offer blanket products for every client. Our niche is that we customize a client's routine to their skin needs and lifestyle. We have ingrown serums and treatments, but we want to get clients on an exfoliating and moisturizing product as a foundation to prevent ingrown hairs. Serums and treatments products are a good addition to an established regimen.
Exfoliate regularly after waiting 48 hours
Your skin is a living organism that has needs just like your internal organs. If you exfoliate gently about 48 hours after your appointment, you’ll set your skin up for success and minimize the chance of any ingrown hairs forming. Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week after to get rid of dead skin cell buildup and encourage smooth skin.
Get a hydrojelly mask add-on after your wax
If you’ve never given your skin the gift of a Hydrojelly mask after your wax appointment, don’t rob yourself of absolute silky, smooth, and hydrated skin you’ll have after. After the wax, your skin craves moisture. Especially after all of the dead skin cells and debris were just removed from your skin’s surface.
Keep the freshly waxed skin moisturized
Freshly waxed skin is in the middle of growing a flush new layer of healthy, happy growth. Keep your skin moisturized daily starting immediately 48 hours after your appointment. This ensures that your skin has its proper level of hydration, creating a well-oiled machine for your hair to grow from.
Follow your esthetician’s aftercare guidelines
Your esthetician knows best. And their feedback isn’t based on suggestions, it’s built from best practices and tried and true methods. Your aftercare is just as much a part of your appointment as the actual hair removal process. And the way you go about your aftercare determines how well your skin will recover, sans ingrowns.
The Naked Cupcake offers the best waxing experience in Houston
With waxing, it’s truly all about the experience. At The Naked Cupcake, we feel so passionately that person-centered care delivers the best possible outcome. We’re so ready to offer you precision hair removal in a warm, welcoming environment. Book your first appointment with us on our website!
