Everything you need to know about ingrown hairs.

What is an ingrown hair?

   An ingrown hair is a hair that has been trapped under the skin.  

How do ingrown hairs happen?

   It starts off as a normal hair growing in an unsightly place. It grows at a normal pace, it is an average thickness and lives a pretty boring life. In the process of hair removal by  waxing this hair is pulled out at the root. This shocks the follicle and the growth of a new hair is a bit delayed. When a new baby hair forms it’s soft and thin. This hair must crawl before it walks so its quite slow to surface. Your dead skin cells have since collected over the usual exit door creating a barricade that this baby hair just cant push out of the way; thus causing the ingrown hair. 

What does an ingrown hair look like?

   Sometimes you can see the trapped hair at the center of a bump. Other times an ingrown hair can be just under a layer of skin and look like a splinter. Red or pink bumps, itchiness and inflammation are all signs of ingrown hairs. It is also possible for ingrown hairs to be trapped with bacteria which can result in a pimple. Everyone will get an ingrown hair at some point in their life. There are people that get them only a few times and people who have been struggling with them since puberty. 

How do I prevent ingrown hairs?

   Choose a waxing salon that specializes in Hard Wax, which is less likely to break hairs than traditional Soft Wax also known as Speed Wax. Settle for nothing less than the highest standards in sterility. An antiseptic ointment should be applied immediately after a wax to prevent bacteria from entering open pores. In the shower use an exfoliating towel or loofa to slough dead skin cells and prevent them from collecting. If you already know that your skin regularly produces ingrown hairs you can apply an ingrown treatment. YES, there are products that have been created for this very situation! You can find those products here at BOX. We are here to help.

How to choose a bikini waxing salon.

Do some research.

   Find out about different salons in your area. Ask friends about their experiences and don't be afraid to call around. Before you make your appointment ask questions. Salon workers should be eager to educate you about the kind of waxes they use, the services they provide and the training they've had. Another good tip is to read client reviews on sites like CitySearch and YELP. Every Esthetician should be licensed with your state's Board of Cosmetology and have specialized training in Brazilian Waxing using a Hard Wax. If you don't feel absolutely confident, move on. 

White glove the facility.

   I'm not kidding. Cleanliness is an enormous part of where your money is going. Bargain hunting may land you in a chop shop. All of the tools used including tweezers, spatulas and scissors should be sterile. The bed you lay on should be perfectly clean. The beds in bikini waxing salons are used all day long and need to have a clean sheet and table paper for every client. Just imagine laying on someone else's pubic hair! Ick! 'Double dipping' is also an industry no-no.  Your Esthetician should use fresh gloves and a brand new wax stick every time wax touches your skin. It was once thought to transfer bacteria from client to client through the wax pot. If you want to know more about a salons efforts to stay sterile just call up and ask. During a service if you see something that makes you uneasy, speak up and be sure to write a review to save others from that experience.

Use Hard Wax.

   Hard Wax is recognized as a less abrasive and less painful form of waxing. Hard Wax only adheres to your hair and not your sensitive skin. This makes it a perfect alternative for people who are easily irritated by razors and shaving. A traditional Soft Wax also known as Speed Wax is sticky and can be applied with a roll on. This kind of wax sticks to your skin which is more painful and is more likely to cause tears.  Be weary of salons that offer your choice of Hard or Soft Wax, Estheticians may not have much experience in the hard wax method. Though there are claims that Soft Wax is a quicker method, I know first hand that a Hard Wax by a skilled Esthetician is very fast.