The Truth About Ingrown Hairs (And How to Prevent Them)

Let’s be honest—ingrown hairs are the worst. They’re painful, frustrating, and can completely ruin the smooth, glowing skin you were going for. The good news? Ingrowns are totally preventable with the right waxing technique (we’ve got you covered there!), proper prep, and consistent aftercare. In this post, I’m breaking down what causes them, how to treat them, and what you can do to stop them from coming back.

1. What Exactly Is an Ingrown Hair?

An ingrown hair happens when the hair grows back into the skin instead of out of it. This can cause inflammation, redness, bumps, and even infection if picked or irritated. They’re especially common in areas with coarse, curly, or dry hair—which is why the bikini line, underarms, and back of the legs are high-risk zones.

2. The Top Causes of Ingrown Hairs After Waxing

There are a few reasons ingrowns pop up:

    •    Dry skin or lack of exfoliation (dead skin traps the hair)

    •    Tight clothing that causes friction post-wax

    •    Shaving between appointments (don’t do it!)

    •    Improper waxing technique—which is why going to a pro matters (aka Rebel Wax Studio)

At Rebel Wax Studio, we use our very own gentle hard wax and proper technique/patterns to reduce discomfort and help prevent ingrowns at the root (literally).

3. How to Prevent Ingrowns Like a Pro

Here’s what we recommend to all our clients:

Exfoliate 2–3x per week

Use a scrub glove, manual scrub, or chemical exfoliant to slough off dead skin and keep pores clear.

Tip: Avoid harsh scrubs right after waxing—wait 48 hours before your first exfoliation.

Moisturize daily

Dry skin = more ingrowns. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer or body oil daily to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.

Wear loose clothing for 24 hours post-wax

Let your skin breathe! Tight clothing can trap heat and friction, irritating follicles and causing hair to curl back in.

Avoid sweating, heat, and friction right after waxing

Skip saunas, workouts, hot tubs, and steamy showers for at least 24 hours. This gives your pores time to calm down and heal.

4. The Products We Recommend

We carry a few of our favorite ingrown-fighting products right here in the studio:

    •    Exfoliating Gloves – Perfect for gentle, regular exfoliation

    •    Ingrown Hair Serum – Targets bumps and inflammation with soothing ingredients

    •    Film Free Body Wash – Non-comedogenic and pH-balanced (no pore-clogging ingredients!)

Ask us during your appointment or send a message—we’ll help you build your custom post-wax routine.

5. Already Have Ingrowns? Here’s What to Do

Don’t pick! Picking or digging at ingrowns can lead to scarring and infection. Instead:

    •    Apply a warm compress to help the hair surface

    •    Use an ingrown treatment serum 2x a day

    •    Gently exfoliate the area every other day

    •    Book a professional wax so we can remove hair properly

Final Thoughts

Ingrowns might be common—but they don’t have to be your norm. With consistent care and a waxer who knows what they’re doing (hi, that’s us!), your skin can stay smooth, healthy, and bump-free.

Have questions or struggling with ingrowns right now?

Let us help you troubleshoot - click here to book an appointment or send us a message.