Ingrown Hairs After Waxing: Why They Happen (and How to Stop Them for Good)
If you’ve ever Googled “how to stop ingrown hairs” while aggressively inspecting your skin in the mirror — welcome. You are not alone.
Ingrown hairs are one of the most common concerns with hair removal by waxing, and the good news is this:
They are not inevitable, and they are very preventable with the right routine.
Let’s break it down without the fear-mongering.
What Is an Ingrown Hair, Anyway?
An ingrown hair happens when a hair:
Grows sideways instead of straight out
Gets trapped under dead skin
Curls back into the skin
Your body sees this as a tiny invader and responds with redness, bumps, or inflammation. Fun.
Ingrowns can happen with shaving and waxing — but they’re usually more common with shaving, especially when hair is cut bluntly at the surface.
Why Ingrown Hairs Happen After Waxing
Contrary to popular belief, waxing itself isn’t the villain.
Most ingrowns happen because of aftercare mistakes, not the wax.
Common causes include:
Dead skin buildup blocking new hair growth
Wearing tight clothing too soon after waxing
Shaving between waxes (please don’t)
Skipping exfoliation entirely
Over-exfoliating too aggressively
Yes, there is such a thing as trying too hard.
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing (This Actually Works)
If you want smoother skin and fewer bumps, consistency matters more than perfection.
1️⃣ Exfoliate — But Not Immediately
Start exfoliating 48 hours after your wax, not the same day.
Aim for:
2–3 times per week
A gentle exfoliant (physical or chemical)
This removes dead skin so new hairs can grow out properly instead of getting trapped.
2️⃣ Moisturize Like It’s Your Job
Dry skin = higher chance of ingrowns.
Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly to keep skin soft and flexible so hair can break through the surface.
3️⃣ Wear Loose Clothing After Waxing
Skin is more sensitive right after a wax.
Tight clothing can:
Trap sweat
Cause friction
Push hairs back into the skin
Loose clothes for the first 24 hours = fewer regrets later.
4️⃣ Do NOT Shave Between Waxes
This is a big one.
Shaving between waxing appointments:
Disrupts hair growth cycles
Increases irritation
Makes ingrowns more likely
If you’re waxing, commit to waxing. Your skin will thank you.
What NOT to Do (Learn From Others’ Mistakes)
Let’s be clear:
Don’t pick at ingrowns
Don’t exfoliate aggressively every day
Don’t use harsh products right after waxing
More force does not equal better results.
The Truth No One Tells You
Here’s the plot twist:
Regular waxing actually reduces ingrown hairs over time.
When hair is removed from the root consistently:
It grows back finer
It’s less likely to get trapped
Skin texture improves
Most clients see fewer ingrowns the longer they stay consistent with waxing and aftercare.
Final Thoughts
Ingrown hairs aren’t a sign that waxing “doesn’t work for you.”
They’re usually just a sign that your skin needs a little guidance.
With the right routine — exfoliation, hydration, and patience — waxing can actually give you smoother skin with fewer bumps than shaving ever did.
And yes… it really does get better.
