Few things are more frustrating than finally achieving smooth skin after a wax only to develop painful bumps a few days later.

Many people assume ingrown hairs are simply part of waxing.

They’re not.

While no esthetician can promise you’ll never develop another ingrown hair, understanding why they happen and following a consistent skincare routine can significantly reduce your chances of getting them.

The goal isn’t perfect skin.

The goal is healthier follicles that allow new hair to grow through the skin normally.

Quick Answer

Ingrown hairs occur when a new hair becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin instead of growing outward.

The most effective ways to reduce ingrown hairs are:

• Stay on a consistent waxing schedule.
• Begin gentle exfoliation about 48 hours after waxing, unless your esthetician advises otherwise.
• Moisturize regularly to support healthy skin.
• Avoid picking or squeezing bumps.
• Reduce unnecessary friction from tight clothing.

Consistency, not aggressive treatments, is usually the key to long-term improvement.

What Is an Ingrown Hair?

An ingrown hair develops when a growing hair cannot exit the skin normally.

Instead of growing upward through the follicle opening, the hair:

• curls back into the skin,
• grows sideways beneath the surface,
• or becomes trapped under a layer of dead skin cells.

Because the body recognizes that trapped hair as a foreign object, inflammation can occur.

That’s why ingrown hairs often appear as:

• red bumps,
• tender spots,
• small pustules,
• or areas of discoloration after they heal.

Why Do Ingrown Hairs Happen?

There isn’t one single cause.

Usually, several factors work together.

Dead Skin Cells

Your skin naturally sheds dead skin every day.

If those cells build up around the follicle opening, they can create a barrier that makes it harder for new hair to emerge.

Curly or Coarse Hair

Curly hair naturally bends as it grows.

Instead of pushing straight through the skin, it may curl sideways into the follicle wall.

This doesn’t mean straight hair never becomes ingrown.

It simply means curly hair may be more prone to it.

Friction

Constant rubbing from:

• leggings,
• underwear,
• athletic clothing,
• cycling,
• or prolonged sitting

can irritate freshly waxed skin and contribute to ingrown hairs.

Inconsistent Waxing

Many people wait until their hair becomes very long before booking another appointment.

That inconsistency can make it harder to maintain healthy hair growth cycles.

Regular appointments generally produce more predictable regrowth.

Does Waxing Cause Ingrown Hairs?

Not exactly.

Waxing itself isn’t the cause.

Waxing simply changes how new hair begins growing back.

Most hairs grow through the skin normally.

Occasionally, one encounters resistance and becomes trapped.

Good aftercare helps reduce that risk.

How to Reduce Your Risk

1. Exfoliate Regularly

This is one of the most effective habits you can develop.

Once your skin has recovered from your wax—typically after about 48 hours—begin gentle exfoliation according to your esthetician’s recommendations.

The goal isn’t to scrub harder.

The goal is to consistently remove excess dead skin before it traps new hair.

💡 Honey Bare Tip

Aggressive scrubbing often irritates the skin more than it helps.

Gentle consistency almost always produces better long-term results.

2. Moisturize Your Skin

Healthy skin is flexible.

Dry skin tends to become rougher, making it more difficult for new hairs to emerge.

Living in Colorado presents an additional challenge.

Our low humidity, especially during winter, often leaves skin drier than clients realize.

Daily moisturizing supports the skin barrier and helps maintain healthier skin between appointments.

3. Stay on Schedule

Clients who wax every 4–6 weeks often experience more predictable hair growth than clients who wait several months between appointments.

Consistency allows your esthetician to work with hair at a more ideal stage of growth.

4. Don’t Pick

This is probably the hardest advice to follow.

It can be tempting to squeeze every bump.

Unfortunately, picking often causes:

• more inflammation,
• delayed healing,
• infection,
• and sometimes permanent discoloration or scarring.

If an ingrown hair becomes unusually painful or doesn’t improve, speak with your esthetician or healthcare provider instead of trying to dig it out yourself.

Are Some People More Prone to Ingrown Hairs?

Yes.

Certain factors increase the likelihood, including:

• naturally curly hair,
• coarse hair,
• previous ingrown hairs,
• dry skin,
• frequent friction,
• and certain hair growth patterns.

That doesn’t mean they’re unavoidable.

It simply means your skincare routine becomes even more important.

Common Mistakes

❌ Scrubbing too hard

Healthy exfoliation should never leave your skin raw.

❌ Picking every bump

This often creates a larger problem than the ingrown hair itself.

❌ Skipping moisturizer

Dry skin is not your friend after waxing.

❌ Waiting months between appointments

Irregular waxing often leads to less predictable regrowth.

❌ Expecting overnight improvement

Healthy skin habits work gradually.

Most clients notice improvement after several consistent waxing cycles.

From the Wax Room

One thing I’ve learned is that clients often blame themselves for every ingrown hair.

Please don’t.

Sometimes people do everything right and still develop one.

The goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is reducing frequency, severity, and inflammation over time.

The clients who see the biggest improvement aren’t usually the ones buying dozens of products.

They’re the ones who stick with a simple routine consistently.

Honey Bare Standard of Care

At Honey Bare Wax Bar, we don’t believe in selling products simply because every client should buy them.

If we recommend an exfoliant or an ingrown hair treatment, it’s because we believe it addresses a specific concern you’ve shared.

Our goal is healthy skin, not unnecessary products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I exfoliate every day?

Usually not.

Too much exfoliation can damage the skin barrier.

Your ideal routine depends on your skin type and the product you’re using.

Can ingrown hairs become infected?

They can if bacteria enter the area, particularly after repeated picking or squeezing.

If you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain, contact your healthcare provider.

Is shaving more likely to cause ingrown hairs than waxing?

Both shaving and waxing can be associated with ingrown hairs. The best method depends on your hair type, skin, technique, and aftercare routine.

Should I stop waxing if I get ingrown hairs?

Not necessarily.

Often, improving your skincare routine and maintaining a consistent schedule helps reduce future ingrown hairs.

Discuss recurring concerns with your esthetician so your routine can be adjusted.

Related Articles

• What Happens During Your First Brazilian Wax?
• Does a Brazilian Wax Hurt?
• Brazilian Wax Aftercare
• How Long Should Hair Be Before Waxing?
• Hard Wax vs. Soft Wax: What’s the Difference?

Ready for Smoother Skin?

Ingrown hairs can be frustrating, but they’re often manageable with the right combination of professional waxing, gentle skincare, and consistency.

If you’re struggling with recurring ingrown hairs, we’ll evaluate your skin, discuss your current routine, and help you build a personalized plan that supports healthier skin, not just smoother skin.