Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Prevent Ingrown Hairs from Waxing?

Anna T.
Anna T.

If you want to prevent ingrown hairs from waxing, you should take care to exfoliate the area both before and after it is waxed. It might also be a good idea to avoid wearing clothes that are very tight after your wax has been done. If you are doing the wax yourself at home, be incredibly careful to follow all instructions so that the procedure is done properly. You might also want to take the advice of friends or relatives if you are looking for a waxing specialist so that you can feel confident that someone with lots of expertise and experience is performing your wax.

Exfoliation can help prevent ingrown hairs from waxing. When you exfoliate your skin, you are scrubbing away many of the dead skin cells that have built up on the surface. The process of exfoliation before a wax can help to ensure that the wax goes well and that there is less chance of ingrown hairs developing because you are starting with a smooth, even surface. Exfoliating every other day for a few weeks after a wax can also help to prevent ingrown hairs from waxing because dead skin cells won't be as likely to get down inside your hair follicles, which is something that occasionally contributes to ingrown hair development.

Wax.
Wax.

Tight clothing might also increase the likelihood that ingrown hairs from waxing will occur. When you wear clothes that are very tight over an area that has just been waxed, your skin probably can't breathe well. The friction from the tight clothes against your skin might cause irritation, which can ultimately make it much more likely that ingrown hairs will form. You should probably avoid tight clothing for at least a week after your wax to allow your skin to heal and receive the right amount of air circulation. Looser clothing made out of breathable cotton would probably be best just after your wax.

An ingrown hair.
An ingrown hair.

If you're doing the wax yourself, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and do everything exactly the way it is recommended before beginning. It is especially important that you follow the directions perfectly if this is the first time you've ever attempted a wax on your own. If you want to pay someone else to do your wax for you, you might want to get some recommendations from people you know on waxing specialists who generally do a good job. A person who has had lots of past waxing experience as well as many previous satisfied customers is probably your best option.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Wax.
      By: blueee
      Wax.
    • An ingrown hair.
      By: F.C.G.
      An ingrown hair.
    • A woman with waxed legs.
      By: Jacek Chabraszewski
      A woman with waxed legs.
    • Dead skin cells in a hair follicle can lead to ingrown hairs.
      By: turhanerbas
      Dead skin cells in a hair follicle can lead to ingrown hairs.
    • Exfoliating with a wet sponge may help prevent ingrown hairs.
      By: Africa Studio
      Exfoliating with a wet sponge may help prevent ingrown hairs.