Ingrown hairs after waxing or shaving are not only uncomfortable but also unsightly and can easily be treated or prevented with correct hair removal techniques.

What is an ingrown hair?

It’s a “new’ hair which starts to grow back after waxing, shaving or tweezing and grows back under the skin. Symptoms vary and can include redness, itchiness, bumps with hair or black spot in middle and pain.

Remember - Any hair removal with wax, sugar, or an electric depilator makes the hair thin and weak, which can lead to the ingrown hairs appearance.

Ingrown Hair Types-

• Superficial (usually appear on the legs or hands) - the hair grows in the upper layer of the horny layer. It can be seen on the skin surface, but it is impossible to pick it.
• Deep (in the underarms and bikini area) - the hair grows under the skin, spins into a spiral, forming a knobble on the skin surface, which often reddens and inflames.

 What causes ingrown hairs?

• New hair grows from follicles and most of the time these ingrown hairs are ripped from the surface of the skin instead of removing the entre hair.
• Incorrect waxing technique – Rather opt for smaller sections and ensure you remove hair in the correct direction. Cold Wax and traditional Hot Wax should always be applied in the direction of the hair growth and removed in the opposite direction. Did you know that Film wax is the only wax where one applies and removes wax without taking hair growth in consideration?  And it will not cause ingrown hairs! 
• Some people are genetically pre-disposed to getting ingrown hairs. People with curly hair might find their hair never grow out straight and tend to suffer from ingrown hairs regularly. 
• Clogged pores and dry skin – we all “shed” dead skin and without proper exfoliation this leads to clogged pores which block the hair from coming through.

 How to prevent ingrown hairs?

• Exfoliate – advise your client to exfoliate regularly either using a Body Exfoliating Sponge or a Sugar Scrub.
• Moisturize – Educate your clients and explain the need of regular moisturization as skin that is hydrated will allow easier hair removal easier due to softened follicles.
• Apply Italwax Ingrown Hair Lotion after waxing to areas or clients prone to ingrown hair. This will prevent and slow down ingrown hairs, moisturize soothe and reduce any inflammation.
• Avoid tight clothing directly after a wax treatment which can cause irritation and ingrown to waxed area.
• Keep on moisturizing - Suggest clients prone to ingrown hairs use Italwax Ingrown Hair Paste at home. This will prevent and eliminate ingrown hairs and bumps on the face, bikini line, legs and underarms while it smooths and hydrates the skin. How to use - Massage a small portion daily for 7-10 day onto area.  For ingrown hair elimination apply twice a day.  Once visible improvement, apply only once a day.
• Only let your client start at home exfoliating 3-4 days after wax treatment.
• Encourage clients to regularly book for waxing treatments – Hair growth will slow down, and hair will become softer which will also aid in eliminating ingrown hairs.

The key to preventing ingrown hair is to educate your clients and by making small changes, you and your clients will experience less ingrown hair or the occurrence thereof.