Ingrown Hair SOS: How to Treat Them Like a Pro (Not a Pimple-Popper)
We love waxing. We love smooth skin. But what we don’t love? That annoying red bump that shows up like an uninvited guest a few days later.
Let’s talk about how to actually treat ingrown hairs — the right way — so you’re not stuck Googling “can I pop this” at 11PM.
❓Wait… Is That Even an Ingrown?
If you’re noticing:
A red or dark bump (maybe a little tender)
A hair trapped just under the surface
Some minor itching or inflammation
Congrats! You’ve got yourself a classic ingrown hair. The good news? We can fix it. The bad news? Picking at it like a teenager in a zit spiral is NOT the move.
🛑 Step 1: Stop Touching It (Seriously)
No poking. No squeezing. No tweezing. We know it’s tempting, but digging at an ingrown can cause:
Scarring
Infection
That bump sticking around way longer than it needs to
Let’s not make things worse, babe.
🧖♀️ Step 2: Exfoliate Gently
Ingrowns happen when dead skin traps the hair under the surface. Light exfoliation helps free the hair — no violence needed.
Use:
A chemical exfoliant (like salicylic or glycolic acid)
A gentle scrub (nothing that feels like crushed gravel)
A dry brush or exfoliating mitt if your skin isn't already irritated
How Often?
2–3x per week is plenty. If you’re red or raw, skip until the area calms down.
🧴 Step 3: Apply Ingrown-Fighting Serum
Let the ingredients do the heavy lifting. Look for products with:
Salicylic acid – reduces inflammation and unclogs skin
Tea tree oil – antibacterial and soothing
Witch hazel – calms irritation and tightens pores
We carry some seriously powerful aftercare options in-studio — just ask us what we recommend. We don’t gatekeep.
💨 Step 4: Let It Breathe
Tight clothing traps sweat and bacteria and rubs against the skin, irritating the area more. After waxing or treating ingrowns:
Opt for loose-fitting undies or go commando at home (freedom, baby)
Skip workouts for a day or two if the area’s inflamed
No hot tubs, saunas, or long baths until it clears up
🚫 What Not to Do
Let’s run through the red flags real quick:
❌ Don’t pop it with tweezers or needles
❌ Don’t use super hot compresses or scrub until you’re raw
❌ Don’t apply random home remedies like toothpaste (we see you, TikTok)
🗓️ When to Call in Backup
If your ingrown is:
Super painful
Looks infected (pus, swelling, warmth)
Not improving after a few days of TLC
Book a visit. We’ve seen it all and we’ve got professional tricks (and products) that work fast — no shame.
💬 Final Thoughts
Ingrowns are annoying, but treatable. The key is patience, proper aftercare, and zero self-surgery. We’re always here to help, whether you need the right serum or just someone to confirm that yes, it’s just a bump and no, you don’t need to panic.
💖 Stay exfoliated, hydrated, and calm — your skin (and your wax lady) will thank you.
