Ingrown hairs after waxing
Waxing is one of the most popular, fast and effective treatments for removing unwanted hair in a beauty salon. One of the most common problems clients report after waxing is ingrown hairs and perifollicular irritation.
In this article, you will learn:
➤ Why do hairs become ingrown?
➤ How can ingrown hairs be prevented?
➤ Stylist essentials
➤ At-home care
Why do hairs become ingrown after waxing? Understand the mechanism
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair growing back after depilation is unable to break through the stratum corneum of the epidermis and begins to grow under the skin, curling up or growing along the hair follicle. This often causes inflammation, slight redness and even itchy bumps.
The main causes of ingrown hairs after waxing include:
- Weakened and thinner hair regrowth: Regular waxing weakens the hair roots. The regrowing hair becomes thinner and more delicate, making it more difficult for it to break through the epidermis.
- Excessive keratinisation of the epidermis (hyperkeratosis): Dead skin cells block the openings of the hair follicles, creating a plug that prevents the hair from reaching the surface.
- Incorrect removal technique: Hair breaks off close to the skin surface instead of being removed together with the root due to an incorrect wax removal angle or the use of a product that is not flexible enough.
- Insufficient skin preparation and protection: Skipping the degreasing and exfoliation stages before the treatment and failing to soothe the skin properly afterwards.
How to prevent ingrown hairs during eyebrow waxing? Treatment procedure
As a professional, you have a direct influence on how your client’s skin behaves after she leaves your treatment chair. Implementing a reliable, 4-step work protocol reduces the risk of ingrown hairs almost to zero.
1. Thorough cleansing and degreasing (Preparation)
Before applying wax, the skin must be perfectly clean and free from sebum, make-up and impurities. For this purpose, use the special Noble Lashes Pre-Wax Lotion. The product not only gently degreases the skin but, thanks to its soothing ingredients, also minimises the risk of irritation and optimises the adhesion of the wax exclusively to the hairs rather than to the epidermis.
2. Choose the right wax – opt for stripless hard waxes
For delicate facial skin and the eyebrow area, traditional soft waxes (used with strips) can be too aggressive and may cause microdamage to the epidermis. An indispensable solution for stylists is Noble Lashes hard wax granules (e.g. the honey or aloe vera version).
Why does Noble Lashes hard wax help protect against ingrown hairs?
Hard wax coats only the hair and does not adhere strongly to living skin. It is exceptionally flexible, which helps prevent hairs from breaking at the root. The entire hair is removed together with the root, reducing the risk of improper regrowth under the skin later on.
3. Correct application and removal technique
Apply the wax in the direction of hair growth using precise, narrow Noble Lashes wooden spatulas. Remove it with a firm movement in the opposite direction to hair growth, remembering to keep the skin perfectly taut with your other hand. After removing the wax, any individual remaining hairs should be removed with precise Noble Lashes eyebrow tweezers.
4. Soothing the skin and regenerating the follicles
After completing the waxing treatment, apply Noble Lashes After-Wax Oil. It effectively removes any wax residue, has a soothing and antiseptic effect and restores comfort to the skin, helping to prevent inflammation of the hair follicles.
Stylist Essentials – Noble Lashes Products for Waxing and Eyebrow Shaping
Safe and flexible hard wax, ideal for sensitive facial skin. It does not require non-woven waxing strips. Aloe vera extract soothes redness, while the honey formula ensures gentle and precise removal of even the shortest hairs.
A duo that perfectly prepares the skin for the treatment and completes it afterwards. The lotion gently degreases and disinfects, while the rich oil regenerates the epidermis, helps close the pores and prevents perifollicular irritation.
Tools that ensure hygiene, the right temperature and unrivalled precision when creating eyebrow geometry.
At-home care – What should you recommend to your client?
Even the best-performed salon treatment requires support from the client at home. To keep the eyebrows looking flawless and prevent the problem of ingrown hairs from returning, give your client the following recommendations:
- Regular eyebrow exfoliation: 2-3 days after the treatment, the client should start using a gentle Noble Brow Eyebrow Scrub (1-2 times a week). This helps remove dead skin cells and unblock the openings of the hair follicles.
- Moisturising the skin around the eyebrows: Dry skin becomes harder, making it more difficult for delicate hairs to break through. A light moisturising cream or a dedicated oil (e.g. Noble Brow castor oil) will help maintain skin elasticity.
- Avoid scratching and squeezing: If a small bump appears, the client should not squeeze or scratch it, so as not to introduce bacteria or cause scarring.
- Hygiene after the treatment: For the first 24h after waxing, the client should avoid swimming pools, saunas, intense exercise and heavy make-up on the waxed area.