You finally get that silky-smooth wax — only to find annoying red bumps popping up a few days later.
Ingrown hairs can be stubborn, and if you’re not careful, they can even lead to irritation or infection.
The good news? With the right prep, aftercare, and a few smart habits, you can keep your skin smooth and bump-free after every wax.
What Are Ingrown Hairs — and Why Do They Happen After Waxing?
Ingrown hairs form when a strand grows sideways or curls back into the skin instead of emerging normally.
After waxing, this can happen because the process lifts hair from the root — and if a strand breaks or the skin heals too quickly over the follicle, the regrowing hair can get trapped underneath.
They often appear as small, red, or itchy bumps (sometimes with a white tip) and are most common in areas with coarse or curly hair, like the bikini line, legs, underarms, or face.
Dry or congested skin, friction from tight clothing, and even hormonal changes can all make ingrowns more likely.
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
Smooth, bump-free skin starts long before — and continues well after — your wax. Here’s how to prep, protect, and care for your skin at every stage.
Pre-Wax Preparation
Set your skin up for success before your appointment.
- Cleanse thoroughly to remove oil, sweat, and product buildup.
- Gently exfoliate 1–2 days before your wax to clear away dead skin that can trap new hairs.
- Tell your technician if you’re prone to ingrowns — they can adjust their technique or recommend post-wax care.
- Choose the right wax type (talk to our experts about our proprietary wax formula).
Waxing Best Practices
Proper technique makes all the difference.
- Wax in the direction of hair growth to reduce breakage and prevent trapped hairs.
- Trust a trained technician for even application and clean removal.
Post-Wax Aftercare
Your skin is most sensitive right after waxing — treat it gently.
- Apply a cool compress immediately to soothe and tighten pores.
- Avoid harsh products (like fragrance or strong acids) for the first 24 hours.
- Moisturise daily with a barrier-supporting lotion to keep skin soft and flexible.
- Skip tight clothing, saunas, and workouts for a day to minimise friction and irritation.
- Resume gentle exfoliation (salicylic or glycolic acid) a few days later — only once the skin has calmed.
- Use targeted ingrown-hair serums or wipes about 48 hours post-wax for ongoing prevention.
See our full guide on Brazilian Wax Aftercare 101
Long-Term Strategies & Alternatives
If ingrown hairs keep coming back, it might be time to rethink your routine.
Explore longer-term options
Consider semi-permanent or permanent hair removal methods like laser IPL hair removal to reduce regrowth and prevent recurring ingrowns.
Stay consistent
Maintain good waxing habits paired with regular exfoliation and moisturising — prevention works best when it’s routine. We recommend a rough timeframe of getting a wax every 4-6 weeks to get the best results.
Listen to your skin
Track how your skin responds over time and adjust your products or waxing frequency to suit its needs.
Talk To Our Team For The Best Results
Ingrown hairs are one of the few downsides to waxing — but they don’t have to be a regular part of your routine.
With the right prep, consistent aftercare, and a few small habit tweaks, you can enjoy smooth, clear skin after every appointment.
Talk to your local Brazilian Butterfly team — our waxing specialists can help tailor a care routine that keeps your skin calm, healthy, and beautifully smooth between visits.
