Waxing is a common pubic hair removal method that involves the use of melted wax to uproot unwanted hair. I guess you choose the waxing hair removal method over shaving because its result lasts longer and you can't stand the numerous dramas of shaving; shave bumps and shave burns. If those are your reasons for choosing to wax, it's disappointing to discover waxing also exposes you to ingrown hairs, something similar to shave bumps
Despite the cost and additional stress of bikini waxing, why does it lead to pesky ingrown hairs?
Bikini waxing is likely to cause ingrown hairs when it's not done properly. You are at risk of post-waxing ingrown hairs if you skip necessary bikini waxing preparation and after care. Fortunately there several home remedies for ingrown hairs. It can also be prevented. If you take note of the lapses that can cause ingrown hairs, you can enjoy your bikini waxing without fear of any pesky bumps.
What is ingrown hair?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Ingrown hairs are flesh-toned bumps that appear on the skin after hair removal. Ingrown hairs appear like a tiny bump with or without visible hair at the middle of the bump. Ingrown hair occurs when hair grows beneath the skin instead of outside. Hair growing beneath the skin will be treated as a foreign object by the skin. This leads to skin irritation that manifests as tiny itchy bumps on its surface.
Symptoms of ingrown hair include;
- Tiny flesh or red tone bumps
- Skin redness and inflammation
- Swelling
- Itching
- Pain
What causes ingrown hairs?
According to dermatologists, several situations can cause ingrown hair after hair removal. Ingrown hair occurs when new hairs are trapped beneath the skin by dead skin cells. As a result, they start growing inward instead of outward. Ingrown hair can also appear when the hair removal method breaks hair instead of uprooting it. The sharp edge of the broken hair may pierce the skin and re-enter it. When this happens the hair will start growing beneath the skin instead of outside.
Experts also stated that people with curly hair are more prone to ingrown hair. Because it is easy for their hair to recoil back into the skin and start growing sideways or downward.
Now that we have a grasp of the cause of ingrown hair, why does it appear after bikini waxing?
Why ingrown hairs appear after waxing
Inadequate skin exfoliation
Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. When you fail to exfoliate before and after your waxing appointment, you are at greater risk of ingrown hairs. The waxing hair removal method uproots hair from its follicles instead of cutting them. However, the hair follicles are not destroyed. When these empty follicles get clogged by dead skin cells, new hairs will be blocked from growing out. When hairs start growing inward, you will notice tiny bumps on your bikini area.
Improper waxing procedure
Whether your waxing is done DIY or by a professional, if proper waxing procedures are not followed, you are prone to developing ingrown hairs. The goal of waxing is to uproot unwanted hairs from their follicles. However, if the wax is not properly applied or removed, the hair may be broken instead of being uprooted. Just like when you shave, a broken hair will have a sharp edge. This sharp-edged hair can pierce the skin and start growing inward.
What can cause hair breakage during waxing?
Hair may break if the wax is removed with excess force and in the wrong direction. Wax is supposed to be applied in the direction of hair growth and be removed in the opposite direction. However, when the wax is removed in the same direction as the hair growth, the hair may break instead of being uprooted. Also, wax shouldn't be removed with excessive force to avoid hair breakage.
Waxing on a dry skin
Dry skin can also cause hair breakage. If you fail to properly hydrate and moisturize your skin before your waxing appointment, your skin will be too dry for a smooth waxing process. Dry skin may not give way to properly uprooting the hair. Hence, the hair may break midway.
Choice of clothing after waxing
Putting on tight-fitting underwear will not only irritate your skin after waxing, but it can also condition your hair to grow in the wrong direction.
Follicle infection
Follicle infection is also known as folliculitis. It occurs when hair follicles are infected by bacteria. If you fail to take care of your pubic skin after waxing, bacteria may penetrate your empty follicles and infect them. Folliculitis can also occur when an existing ingrown hair is infected due to improper management. Visiting the gym, sauna, and public pools too soon after your hair removal can lead to infection.
How to treat ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs are minor skin conditions that can resolve after some days. However, if it is not properly managed, it may lead to infection. To ease the pain, fast track the healing process, and prevent infection, you can deploy the following home remedies;
Stop any form of hair removal
To avoid skin irritation and infection, don't remove hair around your pubes until the bumps disappear. Aside from that, don't pop, pick or squeeze the bumps. The pus can cause infection.
Apply cold compress
one of the symptoms of ingrown hairs is inflammation. This can be discomforting. To ease the pain, dip a washcloth inside cold water. Place it on the affected area for a while to soothe the inflammation and ease the pain. You can also use an ice pack instead of a washcloth.
Ease out the trapped hair with a warm compress
Instead of picking or digging into the ingrown hair, help the hair ease out on its own. A warm compress will soften the bump and gradually release the trapped hair. Once the hairs are freed, they can start growing normally.
To perform a warm compress, put a clean washcloth or flannel in warm water. You can also add some soothing ingredients like some salt moisturizing oil to the water. Drain the clothe and massage the ingrown hairs with the warm cloth for some minutes. Repeat this process twice or thrice a day, after the result.
Carefully exfoliate your pubic skin
To remove dead skin blocking your hair follicles, you have to exfoliate the affected area. The dead skin cells blocking the hair trapping hair in the follicles are a major reason you have ingrown hairs. You can exfoliate with homemade sugar or baking soda scrub. To save yourself the trouble of making your scrub, you can get a trusted exfoliating product. However, make sure the product is devoid of fragrance and harsh ingredients. OYO ``ingrown out" is a pubic skin exfoliator made specifically to combat ingrown hairs and achieve smooth skin. This mild scrub contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and toning ingredients such as witch hazel, almond oil, and oat silk oil. It can help you ease out ingrown hairs and prevent a future outbreak.
Moisturize the skin
Several natural oils such as coconut oil, Jojoba oil, castor oil, and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regular use of these oils can reduce the redness and swelling of ingrown hairs. Moisturizing regularly with oil will eventually suppress the bumps without leaving denting scars. Aside from that, these oils can prevent bacterial infection of the ingrown hair.
You can get any of these oils and apply them to the affected area daily.
To achieve better results, it is better to use a mixture of various kinds of natural oil. OYO 'final touch' is a pubic skin moisturizer that combines the power of jojoba oil, coconut oil, marula oil, and oat silk oil to soothe your skin and help you achieve an ageless bikini area.
To moisturize the affected area, apply any of the oil or OYO ' final touch' to warm water and dip cloth inside the mixture. Gently massage the ingrown hairs with the damp cloth for some minutes. You can also rub the oil directly on the affected area. However, be careful not to allow the oil to enter your vaginal. It can irritate it and affect your ph.
Use over the counter medications
To ameliorate the discomfort around the ingrown hair, you can also take over-the-counter medications. As stated by Dr. Alysa Dweck, a certified gynecologist, you can use anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as Advil, the ease the pains while you await the disappearance of the ingrown hairs. You can also get hydrocortisone topical.
Get Medical Attention
If after applying several home remedies and over-the-counter medication the symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
How to prevent post-waxing ingrown hairs
- Exfoliate your skin before and after your waxing appointment.
- Moisturize your skin regularly to soften it. This will make any form of hair removal easier. Also, moisturize your pubic skin after the waxing to soothe the skin.
- Get your waxing done by a professional. Investigate the spa and be sure of their expertise before you book an appointment. If you prefer to DIY, ensure you understand the process and follow it strictly.
- Avoid the gym, sauna, and public pools at least 48 hours after your waxing appointment.
- Let your pubes breathe. Avoid tight-fitting underwear and clothes. Choose cotton panties instead of synthetic fabrics.
- Maintain a pubic skincare routine. The best way to prevent ingrown hairs, shave bumps and any form of dents on your pubes is to have a pubic skincare routine. Clean, exfoliate and moisturize your skin in due time. To maintain a safe pubic skincare routine, choose OYO pubic skincare kit. It contains a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer made with natural ingredients.
To prevent ingrown hair after waxing, choose OYO pubic skincare kit and maintain a good routine.
