Ingrown hairs are the single most common complaint we hear connected to waxing, and it is worth being upfront that they are a genuine, fairly common side effect of hair removal generally, not a sign something went wrong during your specific appointment. That said, most of what determines how often they show up is within your control between sittings, not the waxing itself.
This is why they actually happen and what genuinely reduces them.
Why hair grows back into the skin instead of out of it
- Dead skin blocks the follicle opening. When dead skin builds up over a hair follicle, regrowing hair can be forced to curl back under the skin rather than break through the surface cleanly, which is the direct mechanical cause of most ingrown hairs.
- Curly or coarse hair is more prone to this than fine, straight hair. Hair that naturally grows in a curved pattern is simply more likely to curl into the skin as it regrows, regardless of how it was removed. This is partly about hair type, not just technique.
- Tight clothing worn soon after waxing adds friction over healing follicles. Tight synthetic fabric against freshly waxed skin, particularly in areas like underarms and bikini line, increases irritation and can push regrowing hair sideways rather than straight out.
Where it shows up most, and why
Underarms and bikini line see this most often because the hair there is typically coarser and curlier, and clothing friction against these areas is higher than on arms or legs. This is not a sign anything different needs to happen during the appointment itself for these areas; it is simply where the underlying factors line up most.
What genuinely reduces ingrown hairs between sittings
- Gentle exfoliation two to three days before your next wax, not the day of.Exfoliating a few days ahead, rather than the same day, clears dead skin from over the follicles without irritating skin that is about to go through waxing. A soft body scrub or exfoliating glove works fine; nothing aggressive is needed.
- Loose, breathable clothing for the first day after waxing.Reducing friction over freshly waxed skin in the first 24 hours genuinely lowers the chance of hair curling back in as it starts to regrow.
- Moisturise regularly between sittings, not just right after waxing.Well-moisturised skin sheds dead cells more evenly, which keeps follicle openings clearer over the full gap between appointments, not just for the day after a wax.
When it is already there
If an area has visibly inflamed or infected-looking ingrown hairs, redness with swelling or discharge rather than just a small bump, that is worth checking with a doctor rather than continuing to wax over it. This is uncommon, but genuinely not something to push through.
Rica wax versus honey wax for ingrown-prone skin
Our separate comparison of Rica and honey wax goes into more detail, but for skin that is genuinely prone to ingrown hairs, Rica wax's cleaner pull from the root can help slightly more than honey wax, since it tends to leave less broken hair behind at skin level that can otherwise curl back in.
If ingrown hairs have been a recurring problem in a specific area, tell us when you book. We can suggest a wax type and pre-appointment routine suited to that area specifically, rather than a generic answer.
Common questions
Does waxing cause more ingrown hairs than shaving?
It can, particularly for curly or coarse hair, since waxing pulls hair from the root and the regrowth process is more prone to curling under skin covered by dead skin build-up. Regular gentle exfoliation between sittings reduces this significantly regardless of the removal method.
Why do I get ingrown hairs mainly in underarms and bikini area?
Hair in these areas is typically coarser and curlier, and clothing friction is higher, both of which increase the chance of regrowing hair curling back into the skin rather than growing straight out.
When should I exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs from waxing?
Two to three days before your next waxing appointment, not on the day itself. This clears dead skin from over follicles without irritating skin right before or after the actual waxing.
Should I wax over an area with an inflamed ingrown hair?
If it looks like a small bump, it is usually fine to continue as normal. If there is visible redness, swelling or discharge, it is worth checking with a doctor before waxing over that specific spot again.
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