How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing With A Simple Routine
TL;DR: How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
Ingrown hairs happen when new hair gets trapped under dead skin or curls back into the follicle, especially in areas with coarse, curly pubic hair.
For the first 24 hours, keep the area cool, clean, and free from heat, sweat, and friction to avoid irritation.
At 24–48 hours, start gentle exfoliation and introduce supportive products to keep dead skin from blocking new growth.
Days 2–7 are all about steady exfoliation and daily hydration; dry skin traps hair easily, so moisturizing is essential.
If you do get an ingrown, use warmth, gentle exfoliation, and soothing ingredients, and avoid picking, which only worsens inflammation.
Smooth skin shouldn’t come with a side of bumps, but ingrown hairs have a way of showing up when you least expect them. If you’ve ever wondered why those tiny red spots appear after a wax, or how to prevent ingrown hairs, we’ve got a simple routine that actually works.
At Ted D Bare, we’ve been waxing every skin type in San Jose since 2006 and know a thing or two about proper prep and aftercare. Keep reading to learn how to kick ingrown hairs to the curb!!!
Why Ingrown Hairs Happen After Waxing
Ingrown hairs form when a new strand curls sideways or gets trapped underneath dead skin instead of growing straight out. Waxing removes hair from the root, which gives you longer-lasting smoothness but also temporarily opens the follicle. As the follicle heals, the new hair has to push upward again. If the path is blocked or the strand is naturally curly, the hair may loop back into the skin.
Genetically, some people are simply more prone to ingrowns than others. If you naturally have coarse, curly, or tightly coiled hair, or if you tend to build up dead skin quickly, ingrowns can happen more often even with great aftercare.
The bikini area, Brazilian region, and pubic area are especially prone to this because the hair is thicker and the environment is warm, sweaty, and full of friction.
Can Ingrown Hairs Hurt?
Ingrown hairs can be painful, depending on how deep the hair gets trapped. Some bumps feel tender when touched, others itch, and some develop a white tip if inflammation collects near the surface. Areas with coarse hair tend to hurt more because the strand is thick and rigid.
Pain alone isn’t usually cause for concern. What you want to watch for is heat, swelling, significant redness, or pus, which are signs the skin is struggling. Most ingrowns respond well to warmth, gentle exfoliation, and time. A warm compress softens the skin and helps the trapped hair work its way out.
If you ever feel unsure, an esthetician or dermatologist can help you sort out what’s normal and what needs attention.
Is It Normal To Get Ingrown Hairs After A Brazilian Or Bikini Wax?
People often worry their skin is misbehaving after a Brazilian wax, but ingrown hairs in this region are extremely common.
Pubic hair is curled by nature, which makes it more likely to turn inward. The bikini line also experiences constant friction from underwear, leggings, tight clothing, and daily movement. Sweat adds another layer of irritation.
Questions like “how do I stop ingrown hairs in my pubic area” come up often because the area is simply more reactive. Even clients who wax regularly can develop occasional ingrowns, especially around hormonal shifts or when trying a new exfoliation product.
The important message is this: you’re not doing anything wrong. Your skin just needs a routine that supports how it heals and how your hair grows.
How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing: A Simple Routine
Preventing ingrown hairs is mostly about timing. Your skin goes through distinct phases in the first week after waxing, and each phase benefits from different types of care. These steps apply to any waxed area, but they’re especially helpful when dealing with bikini, Brazilian, or Manzilian waxes where the hair is coarse and the follicles are sensitive.
The First 24 Hours: Keep It Cool And Clean
Right after waxing, the skin is warm, fresh, and vulnerable. Follicles stay slightly open for several hours, and anything that irritates the area during this time can turn into a flare-up later.
Avoid heat. Hot showers, saunas, steam, and high-intensity workouts increase blood flow to the skin and make inflammation worse. Sweat also introduces bacteria, which is a common trigger for bumps.
Avoid friction. This is the time to avoid tight clothing after waxing and wear something that’s loose and breathable. Anything that rubs against the bikini area can force hairs sideways as they begin to regrow.
Keep the area clean and calm. A gentle cleanse with unscented body wash is enough. Some clients benefit from using a soft cool compress to settle redness and calm the skin after a Brazilian or bikini wax.
24–48 Hours: When To Start Gentle Exfoliation
Once the initial sensitivity fades, gentle exfoliation becomes one of the best ways to prevent trapped hairs. The goal is to lift away dead skin so the new hair can grow upward without obstruction.
Start small. Soft washcloths, exfoliating mitts, or mild chemical exfoliants (such as salicylic or lactic acid) are great options. They loosen buildup without irritating the skin. If you want something esthetician-tested, the 50 Grit Exfoliating Towel works beautifully as your physical exfoliator, and Agent 88 is a gentle chemical exfoliant designed for post-wax skin.
Body scrubs should be used carefully, especially in the pubic area. Many people assume scrubbing harder will prevent bumps, but aggressive exfoliation triggers inflammation and increases the risk of ingrowns. If your skin needs hydration instead of more exfoliation, a lightweight ingrown oil like Phantom Oil helps keep the area soft and less prone to trapped hairs.
Days 2–7: Exfoliation, Moisturizing, And Maintenance
As the days pass, hair starts to surface again, and this is when steady, consistent care really pays off. Exfoliating two or three times a week helps keep the path clear for new growth, and following up with a light, fragrance-free moisturizer keeps the skin flexible and resilient. Hydration is often overlooked, but it’s a major part of preventing ingrowns because dry, tight skin traps hair much more easily.
It’s also important to avoid shaving between waxes. Shaving sharpens the hair and makes it more likely to become trapped when it grows back. Sticking to a predictable waxing schedule gives the follicles time to weaken, which usually leads to fewer bumps over time.
What To Do If You Already Have Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
Even with great aftercare, ingrown hairs still happen. Try not to squeeze, pick, or dig at the skin, that usually pushes the hair deeper and makes the inflammation worse.
Start with warmth. A warm compress softens the skin, boosts circulation, and helps the trapped hair move closer to the surface.
Once the area feels calmer, gently exfoliate the bump. The goal is simply to encourage the surface to open enough for the hair to work its way out on its own.
Soothe the skin afterward. Aloe, chamomile, and lightweight moisturizers can help reduce redness and calm irritation.
If the bump becomes very painful, swollen, or visibly filled with pus, it’s worth having a dermatologist take a look. Ingrowns in the Brazilian area can sometimes resemble other types of irritation, and getting a professional opinion can prevent unnecessary scarring.
Can You Still Get A Brazilian Wax Or Manzilian If You Have Ingrown Hairs?
Yes, most people can still get waxed even if they have a few ingrown hairs. Licensed estheticians know how to work around them safely and will avoid any spots that look irritated or inflamed. The only time you should postpone your appointment is if the skin is actively infected or extremely sensitive.
Consistent waxing can actually reduce ingrowns over time, since the hair grows back softer and follows a more predictable pattern with each session.
Keep Learning About Waxing, Skin Health, And Ingrown Hair Prevention
Smooth skin becomes much easier to maintain once you understand how your hair grows and what your skin needs between appointments. Ingrowns tend to happen less often when you stick to a routine that works for your skin, and the real progress comes from adjusting your care as your skin changes.
If you’re looking for more tips about waxing in San Jose, explore the rest of our blog. You’ll find answers to all the questions you’ve probably wondered about before your next appointment.