How Do Ingrown Hairs Occur? Causes, Prevention and Aftercare Tips

Ingrown hairs are a common and frustrating skin concern, especially after hair removal treatments like waxing or shaving. They occur when a hair that’s been removed starts to grow back but curls sideways or downward into the skin instead of rising straight up through the follicle opening. This can lead to red, itchy bumps, irritation, inflammation and, in some cases, painful infections or cysts.

Below, we break down the main reasons why ingrown hairs occur, what you can do to prevent them, and the best ways to care for your skin if they appear.

Who Is Prone to Ingrown Hairs?

Anyone can experience ingrown hairs, but some people are naturally more prone than others. People with coarse, curly or thick hair types are more likely to experience hairs curling back into the skin. Ingrown hairs are also more common in areas where hair is denser, such as the bikini line, underarms and beard area.

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

Friction from Tight Clothing:

Wearing tight-fitting clothes, such as skinny jeans, leggings or tight underwear, can cause constant friction and rubbing against freshly waxed or shaved areas. This irritation can force new hairs to grow back into the skin instead of growing outward naturally. Tight clothing also traps heat and sweat, which can further block hair follicles.

Excessive Sweating:

Sweating after hair removal can contribute to ingrown hairs. Sweat can mix with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, clogging the pores and creating an environment where hairs can easily get trapped under the skin. This is why it’s important to keep the area clean and dry whenever possible, especially in the days following a wax.

Picking or Squeezing Ingrown Hairs:

It can be tempting to pick at or squeeze bumps that appear after hair removal, but doing so often makes the problem worse. Picking can push the hair deeper under the skin, increase inflammation and sometimes cause an infection or scarring.

Lack of Proper Aftercare:

Skipping thorough aftercare is one of the biggest reasons people struggle with ingrown hairs. After hair removal, dead skin cells can build up and block the follicle opening, trapping new hairs underneath. Use a gentle exfoliator such as Prep Exfoliating Body Scrub & Mask, combined with targeted ingrown hair treatments like our Ingrostopper to help keep pores clear and reduce the risk of hairs becoming trapped.

How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin smooth and healthy after waxing or shaving:

Exfoliate Regularly
Use a gentle Prep Exfoliating Scrub Use a gentle Prep Exfoliating Scrub or chemical exfoliant two to three times a week to remove dead skin cells that can block hair follicles. Exfoliation helps hairs grow through the surface properly.

Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
In the first few days after waxing or shaving, wear loose clothing to avoid unnecessary friction that can irritate the skin and push hairs back under the surface.

Keep the Skin Clean and Hydrated
Clean the area with mild, fragrance-free products and follow up with hydrating aftercare products like our Soothe Hydrating & Cooling Serum or Nourish Body Moisturiser. This helps reduce irritation and supports healthy skin healing.

Use an Ingrown Hair Treatment
Specially formulated ingrown hair serums help soften the skin, prevent dead skin buildup and encourage trapped hairs to break through the surface. Ingrostopper is a specially formulated treatment designed to soften hair follicles. Using Tea Tree Oil & Vitamin A, Ingrostopper helps draw out the infection rapidly without causing any trauma to the skin.

Avoid Touching or Picking
Try not to touch or scratch the area, even if it feels irritated. Picking can worsen the problem and lead to more serious skin issues like infections or scarring. To help prevent picking use out Erase Ingrown hair treatment dots, which help draw moisture out of ingrown hairs but also provide a protective shield against irritation and infection.

What to Do If You Already Have Ingrown Hairs

If you notice an ingrown hair, resist the urge to squeeze it. Instead, apply a warm compress to soften the skin and gently exfoliate the area to help release the trapped hair. For persistent or severe ingrown hairs that become painful, swollen or infected, consult a professional or your beauty therapist for advice and treatment options.

If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, speak with your beauty therapist about recommended products and techniques to help keep your skin smooth, healthy and bump-free between appointments.

By understanding how ingrown hairs occur and taking steps to prevent them, you can enjoy longer-lasting, smoother results from your waxing or hair removal treatments.

Any Questions?

Our friendly team of Beauty Therapists are here to help! Give your local salon a call or visit them to learn more.

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