The Expert Guide To Ingrown Hairs

Have you ever left with smooth, glowing skin after a wax, only to notice bumps a few days or weeks later? These are most likely ingrown hairs. They’re common, but they’re not something you have to live with. With the right techniques during hair removal and consistent care at home, you can keep your skin looking and feeling clear and comfortable long after your wax.

What’s Happening Under The Skin

An ingrown hair is a hair that grows into the skin instead of out. When short, rough cuts, or shaven ends can lead to the sharp edges of a broken hair turning inward.

It can also happen when something physically blocks the hair from growing out of the skin. Products high in certain oils can leave a film, and dry, dead skin cells can also create a barrier, which is why exfoliation is so helpful.

Ingrown hairs are more common in areas with coarse or curly hair because these textures naturally curve as they grow.

The result is often a small, raised bump. Sometimes it stays just under the surface. Other times, it becomes red or irritated, especially if bacteria get into the follicle.

Why Professional Waxing Can Help Reduce Ingrown Hairs

At European Wax Center, the waxing process is designed to remove hair from the root in the direction of growth. Unlike other methods of hair removal, they work with your hair’s growth pattern, not against it. This helps prevent breakage, which is one of the main causes of ingrown hairs. When the hair is removed cleanly, it is more likely to grow back in the right direction.

European Wax Center also uses its Comfort Wax®, a stripless wax made with beeswax and other skin-conditioning ingredients. This formula clings to the hair, not the skin, which helps minimize irritation and leaves the follicle clear so new hair can grow through more easily.

Before every service, your skin is cleansed to remove lotion, makeup, and any other residue, then it’s prepped with a light oil to create a protective barrier. This step supports smoother removal and helps lower the chances of irritation that can contribute to ingrown hairs.

The Role Of At-Home Care

Trained professionals who use expert hair removal techniques make a big difference, but what you do between visits also matters. Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can block a hair’s growth path, forcing it to turn inward. A targeted serum can help keep the skin clear and calm.

Between waxes, exfoliate every two to three days using a product like the EWC TREAT® Get Smooth Skin Clearing Body Polish. This product combines physical exfoliation with chemical exfoliants, like glycolic and lactic acids, to gently remove built-up skin cells and help keep pores clear.

Another way to help treat and prevent ingrown hairs is by using a targeted, daily serum. The EWC TREAT® Ingrown Hair Serum is one of their bestsellers and a great option for all skin types.

Why Ingrown Hairs Show Up In Certain Areas

Ingrown hairs most often appear along the bikini line, underarms, chin, and legs. These areas either have thicker hair or experience more friction. Wearing tight clothing right after hair removal can cause irritation, so loose fabrics are recommended for at least 24 hours.

Sweat can also play a role. It mixes with natural skin oils and feeds bacteria, all of which can clog and irritate freshly-waxed pores. For the first 24 to 48 hours after waxing, avoid heavy workouts and any other activities that may cause excessive sweating.

The Prevention Mindset

As a general rule, prevention against ingrown hairs is most effective when a combination of professional intervention and sustained home care is maintained. Clients who are waxing every three to four weeks with exfoliation two to three times per week and who apply a serum every day and wear breathable fabric after their waxing tend to see fewer and fewer ingrown hairs over time.

Why does consistent waxing matter? Hair grows in a cycle of about 28 days. Staying on schedule with your waxes means hair is removed at a similar stage of regrowth each time. This keeps the length and texture more consistent, which lowers the chances of ingrown hairs forming.

When Ingrown Hairs Keep Coming Back

For some people, ongoing ingrown hairs are tied to their hair texture, skin type, or other personal factors. In those cases, long-term options like laser hair removal may help by greatly reducing regrowth.

Smooth, Comfortable Skin Every Time

Ingrown hairs may be a common skin concern, but with the right approach, they can be greatly reduced. Professional waxing, paired with gentle exfoliation and daily care, can help you enjoy skin that stays smoother for longer.

European Wax Center is here to make that tedious process easy. The Wax Specialists are properly trained to deliver smooth results while keeping your skin’s health as the main priority. Find a waxing center nearby, and let them handle all the details so you’ll leave confident, comfortable, and ready to conquer your day.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.