How To Get A Bikini Wax, The Final Chapter: On Ingrowns

This may seem strange, so much information about a seemingly uncomplicated procedure. However, I have learned recently that ours is a city in which there is a lot of misinformation and lack of reliable guidance about all things aesthetics-related, especially below-the-belt waxing. So, stay with me here for another few minutes, and hopefully you will come away with a better understanding and comfort level with the subject.

After the wax is complete, your aesthetician will apply a soothing lotion to calm the skin and help discourage ingrown hairs. Ingrowns, also known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB, happen when one or more hairs become trapped inside the follicle or grow back into the follicle. Shaving is the primary culprit for ingrowns, but most people get them in some capacity. Regular waxing can dramatically improve the incidence of ingrowns, since the hair is removed completely, root and all, instead of whacking it off just at the surface.

Try to wear looser clothing to your waxing appointment. Ingrown hairs are often the result of tight clothing, especially denim jeans, since the fabric is heavy and substantial. You want to allow the area to breathe freely after hair removal, and tight jeans are just about the worst thing you can wear right after a bikini wax.

If you tend to get ingrown hairs, first of all, remember that this tendency is largely hereditary and not your fault, and that most folks get them. Using a product daily that contains salicylic, alpha or beta-hydroxy acids on the area really helps to keep follicles clear and not only prevent hairs from becoming ingrown, but also to prevent formation of new bumps. There are myriad products on the market that are great, and your aesthetician will happily recommend her favorite for you. Applied daily post-shower, when the skin is nice and open and the trapped hair is softest, these make a huge difference.

Should you be one of those rare birds among us that is too sensitive for salicylic or AHA/BHA treatments, another option is to apply any kaolin-based facial mask on the area after showering, and letting it sit for about fifteen minutes, then gently removing the mask with a warm, moist cotton towel. The kaolin, or clay, will draw out any impurities and blockages from the follicle, allowing the hair to find its way to the surface.

To remove ingrown hairs properly, make sure the area is well-prepared. Do it right after a nice hot shower, and apply a warm compress on the irritated area for several minutes if necessary. You should see the trapped hair just beneath the skin. GENTLY coax the hair out with a sterile (for personal use only, store implements in hospital-grade alcohol, which is at least 96% pure) tweezers, applying gentle pressure at the perimeter of the bump until a tiny bit of icky white stuff oozes from the open pore, followed by the culprit, that stubborn little hair. Phew! Isn't that better?