Almost always a dead skin problem rather than a hair problem — which is good news, because it makes them largely preventable.
An ingrown hair happens when new growth cannot break through the surface and curls back beneath it instead. The cause is usually not the hair at all — it is a layer of dead skin sitting over the follicle.
What makes them more likely
- Skipping exfoliation between appointments
- Tight clothing over a freshly waxed area
- Naturally coarse or curly hair
- Shaving between waxes, which leaves a blunt tip
- Dry skin, which thickens the surface layer
The prevention routine
Start exfoliating gently two to three days after your wax, never immediately. A soft mitt or a chemical exfoliant used two to three times a week is enough. Follow with a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser — hydrated skin stays soft and easier to grow through.
When to get it looked at
Occasional ingrowns are normal. Persistent clusters, anything painful and warm to the touch, or spots that darken and linger are worth mentioning at your next appointment so we can adjust technique or aftercare.
