How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs on Your Bikini Line After Waxing

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: January 8, 2022 References

When you get a bikini wax, you're hoping for perfectly smooth skin so it's really frustrating to see bumpy ingrown hairs! Ingrown hairs happen when the hairs curve down as they grow back. This makes them grow down into the skin so it looks red and irritated. The easiest way to prevent ingrown hairs is through regular cleansing and exfoliating so your hair follicles don't get clogged. We'll give you specific tips to make prevention part of your skincare routine. Your bikini line will thank you!

1

Keep your skin hydrated.

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Dry skin can cause dead skin cells to clog your hair follicles. This can lead to ingrown hairs so try to moisturize your skin frequently—before it ever feels dry or itchy.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Always apply a moisturizer after you shower or bathe to help your skin retain moisture.^{[2]
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- If you've got really dry skin, look for a thick moisturizer or a moisturizing cream. If you have eczema, skip products with fragrances since these can irritate your skin.
- Although you should usually moisturize your skin after getting out of the bath or shower, don't use a moisturizer right before you wax, or the product will have trouble sticking to your skin.

2

Dry brush your skin to exfoliate it.

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Use a natural bristle brush and gently brush along your bikini line. Dry brushing just means you don't use lotions, cleansers, or water to exfoliate. Instead, gently brush your skin with dry, natural bristles. This does a great job of loosening dead skin cells so they don't trap hair follicles when you wax.^{[3]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Don't have a natural bristle brush? You could use a dry terry washcloth for a similar effect.

3

Take a steamy shower to cleanse your pores before you wax.

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While this isn't totally true—you can't open and close your pores—the steam can help to cleanse away dead skin cells that may clog them. Try to take a steamy shower before you wax your bikini line.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}

4

Wash your skin with warm water and a mild cleanser.

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Take a moment to massage mild cleanser or soap along your bikini line. You don't have to scrub vigorously since this could actually irritate the skin. Instead, just rub the cleanser or bar of soap onto your wet skin and rinse it off.^{[5]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Again, cleanser just helps to wash away dead skin cells that can block your pores and cause ingrown hairs. Washing might seem overly simplistic, but it really helps you achieve a smooth bikini line!

5

Exfoliate along your bikini line to remove dead skin before you wax.

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Use an exfoliator with salicylic acid or beta hydroxyl. Yes, you already used a dry brush to physically exfoliate your skin, but chemical exfoliation is also important to prevent ingrown hairs. Massage an exfoliating product onto your bikini line and rinse it away. Chemical exfoliators dissolve the protein bonds in dead skin cells so they won't clog your pores.^{[6]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Read product labels and choose an exfoliator with salicylic acid if you've got really oily skin. Beta hydroxyls are also in most exfoliators since they cleanse your pores and help slough off dead skin cells.
- You can use an exfoliator before or after washing your bikini line. Either way, plan on washing and exfoliating before you wax the area.

6

Press a warm compress along your bikini line for a few minutes.

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Soak a clean cloth in hot water and squeeze it out to make a compress.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Press the cloth on your bikini line and hold it there to soften the skin. Sure, it won't open your pores, but it does soften the hair so waxing is more effective.^{[8]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Don't rub your skin with the cloth—just hold it along your bikini line so it soothes your skin.

7

Wax the hair when it's around ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) long.

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Your hair length should be just right so the wax can grip it. However, if it's too long, more than ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm), you may break some of the hairs as you pull off the wax. This can cause ingrown hairs. If the hair along your bikini line is long, just trim it down so it's around ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) long.^{[9]
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- Don't apply moisturizers or skincare products before you wax or the wax might have trouble adhering to your bikini line.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}

8

Moisturize your bikini line immediately after waxing.

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Massage a gentle moisturizer on the area to soothe your skin. It's completely normal for your bikini line to look red and a little irritated right after waxing. Moisturizer is your friend! Use a non-comedogenic or oil-free moisturizer that won't clog your pores and apply it after waxing to keep your skin soft and supple.^{[11]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- Moisturizing your bikini line will keep the hairs soft when they eventually grow in. This can prevent them from becoming ingrown.

9

Soothe your bikini line with cool compresses or aloe vera gel.

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It's totally normal for your skin to look red or feel warm for a little while. ^{[12]
X
Research source} To calm your skin, press a cool compress, like a cold, wet towel, on your bikini line. Then, gently massage aloe vera gel onto your skin—it can make your skin feel more comfortable and hydrated.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- Your bikini line will probably be sensitive for a few days after waxing, so avoid strong cleansers and fragrances that could irritate your skin.

10

Wear loose clothes that don't rub against your bikini line.

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Skip tight-fitting underwear or pants that will irritate your skin. The area's going to be sensitive for a while, so wear comfortable clothes that are gentle on your bikini line. Choose fabrics that breathe like cotton instead of polyester that traps moisture.^{[14]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- Try to avoid doing anything that irritates your skin. For instance, you might skip hot showers for a few days.
- If your bikini line feels tender or painful right after waxing, take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and press a cold cloth on the area to soothe your skin.

11

Avoid picking or scratching the area.

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You might feel a few bumps immediately after waxing but don't poke them. It's normal to have some minor bumps and irritation which should go away on their own. In the meantime, leave the ingrown hairs alone—don't pick or use tweezers to try to pull the hair out.^{[15]
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- If you scratch or tweeze, you can introduce bacteria into the hair follicle that can cause an infection.

12

Talk with a dermatologist if you frequently get ingrown hairs.

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A dermatologist can also look at ingrown hairs that look infected. If ingrown hairs are painful or look like they're filled with pus, the dermatologist may prescribe antibiotic creams or pills. If ingrown hairs are a common problem for you, the dermatologist might recommend antibacterial cleansers and topical retinoids to treat the skin along your bikini line.^{[16]
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- You might consider getting professionally waxed instead of doing it yourself if you frequently get ingrown hairs.