08/17/2026
If you’re like me and prone to ingrown hairs, you’re gonna wanna give this one a read. So let’s talk about what actually happens after you wax or shave, and how you can stop the ingrowth before it happens! 🪒
Ingrown hairs are NOT usually from lack of exfoliation alone. It’s about exfoliation + lack of friction. Even with perfect exfoliation, friction is always there.
For around 48 hours after hair removal, you can think about every little follicle as an open wound; whether is wax pulling it from the root or a razor cutting at the surface, that follicle is left vulnerable. And how you treat your skin during this window determines if you’re gonna be Barbie smoothe, or fighting annoying ingrown hairs for the next few weeks.
The truth? Your underwear is usually the biggest problem. Tight, synthetic fabrics (like your favorite lace) create a ton of friction against those freshly opened follicles with every single move you make. That constant friction does two things:
1. It traps heat and moisture against the skin, creating the environment bacteria that naturally live on your skin to rapidly multiply inside those new empty follicles.
2. As the hair starts to regrow, it physically smothers the hair as it tries to grow back out - pushing it sideways or right back into the follicle instead of letting it grow up and out. This is precisely why most ingrowns happen - not just lack of exfoliation.
Going commando is the BEST thing you can do for ingrown hairs. And when you do need to wear underwear (you’re on your period, or wearing a dress) go for cotton only!
If you hate going commando usually, then do it at least for the first 48 hours after hair removal or the 48 hours when the skin gets itchy and the hair starts poking through the skin. These are the most pivotal times for when ingrowns occur.
Of course, one of the best things you can also do is come to me to get waxed so we can THIN and sparsen the hair growth. If the hair is thinner, it pokes out of the skin easier and is not as easily affected by friction!
Save this post for your next wax 🖤🪄
