Waxing is a great way to shape and maintain beautiful brows but can sometimes lead to ingrown hairs. These little buggers happen when hair grows back into the skin instead of out, causing skin irritation and discomfort. Knowing how to prevent ingrown eyebrow hairs after waxing can help prevent this and keep your brows flawless.
Many people get additional treatments like eyebrow tinting to enhance their brows. While these services can look amazing, they require aftercare to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation. Similarly brow lamination, a process that restructures brow hairs to keep them in shape, can sometimes cause sensitivity or clogged follicles if not maintained properly. Keeping your skin clean and exfoliated can help mitigate these risks and keep your brows looking their best.
Causes and Risk Factors
Ingrown hairs happen when a hair follicle gets trapped under the skin, either due to bad hair growth patterns, dead skin buildup or irritation from hair removal products. This is more common in people with curly or coarser hair as the natural curl of the hair can cause it to loop back into the skin instead of growing out. Certain skin types like sensitive skin and skin of color are also more prone to ingrown hairs.
Ingrown Hair Risk Factors
- Improper Waxing Technique – Not removing the entire hair can cause hairs to break below the surface and loop into the skin.
- Dead Skin Cells Buildup – A dead layer of skin can prevent hair from coming out properly and cause ingrown hairs.
- Tight Clothing and Headwear – Wearing tight clothes or headbands after waxing can cause friction and irritate the skin.
- Lack of Exfoliation – Exfoliating removes dead skin and keeps the follicles clear.
- Incorrect Hair Removal Method – Using an electric razor or other hair removal products incorrectly can cause ingrown hairs.
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliating the skin around your brows removes dead skin cells that can trap hair underneath. Use a body brush or a facial scrub with glycolic acid or salicylic acid a few times a week to keep your skin smooth and healthy. This also prevents additional breakouts from clogged pores.
2. Keep the Area Clean
After waxing your brows your skin is more prone to bacteria which can cause skin irritation and signs of infection. Clean skin is key to minimizing the risk of infection. Use a cotton swab with a gentle, alcohol free toner or antiseptic solution to keep your skin barrier healthy.
3. Don’t Touch or Pick
It’s tempting to touch freshly waxed brows but this can transfer bacteria to the skin and cause razor bumps and ingrown hairs. If you feel a foreign body sensation due to an ingrown hair don’t use your fingers to extract it. Instead use a sterile needle with caution and then antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
4. Moisturize Daily
Hydrated skin allows new hair to grow freely without obstruction. Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer or body oil to keep your skin soft, hydrated and free from dry skin buildup. Skin time spent on proper hydration means a smooth skin surface and hair can’t get trapped.
5. Choose the Right Waxing Technique
Professional waxing services ensure that the whole hair is removed properly and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. Over waxing the same area can irritate sensitive skin and increase the risk of irritation. If you have coarse hair or curly hair a brow expert can recommend the best technique for your hair type and skin type.
6. Soothe the Skin
To calm irritated skin and reduce the risk of infection, apply a post-wax treatment with ingredients like chamomile, witch hazel or tea tree oil. These everyday ingredients help with the healing process and prevent ingrown hairs.
7. Let Your Skin Breathe
Don’t apply heavy makeup or hair removal products around your brows for at least 24 hours after waxing. Choose loose clothing and avoid headbands around your face to prevent clogged hair follicles and unwanted hair growth.
8. Use a Warm Compress
If you see an ingrown hair loop forming, apply a wet cloth with warm water to the area for a few minutes. This will open up the hair follicle and let the trapped hair come out naturally. For extra relief, follow up with cold water or an ice pack to reduce swelling.
9. Follow a Skincare Routine
Following a consistent skincare routine for your skin type can prevent ingrown hairs. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin and keep the skin hydrated to avoid dryness which can cause ingrown hairs. For brown skin or skin of colour, extra attention to moisturizing and gentle exfoliation can reduce common skin conditions related to hair removal.
10. See a Doctor When Necessary
If an ingrown hair is painful, infected or a bunch of hair is trapped under the skin, see a doctor for treatment options. Medical treatments may include prescribed creams or minor procedures to remove the ingrown hair safely.
Extra Tips
- Don’t use hot water immediately after waxing as it can irritate the skin more.
- Use breathable pillowcases to reduce friction on the brows.
- Don’t apply active ingredients like retinol after the waxing process.
- Use an exfoliating body brush regularly to prevent dead skin buildup.
- Don’t use an electric razor for hair removal around the brows as it can cause uneven growth patterns.
- Choose clothing that minimises contact with the waxed area to prevent further irritation.
By following these tips and getting waxed professionally you can have beautifully shaped brows without the hassle of ingrown hairs. If you have persistent issues book an appointment online with a brow expert today.
FAQ
What causes ingrown eyebrow hairs after waxing?
Ingrown hairs happen when hair grows back into the skin instead of out. This can be from improper hair removal methods, dead skin buildup or a hair growth pattern that curls back into the skin.
How long should I wait before exfoliating after waxing?
Wait 48 hours before exfoliating to let the healing process start and reduce irritation.
Can I put makeup on after waxing my eyebrows?
Wait 24 hours before applying makeup to avoid clogged hair follicles and irritated skin.
What should I do if I get an ingrown eyebrow hair?
Put a warm water compress on it, exfoliate in circular motions and use a sterile needle if needed. If irritation persists, consult a brow tech or doctor for further advice.
How often should I wax my eyebrows to prevent ingrown hairs?
Wax every 3-4 weeks to allow hair to grow properly and minimize ingrown hairs. Over waxing can cause irritation and skin sensitivity.
