Question
I have terrible ingrown hairs on my bikini line from waxing. They are very painful, not to mention unsightly. Are there any treatments to stop them?
Samantha Michelle, via e-mail.
Answer
If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, there’s nothing more frustrating than watching your beautiful, just-waxed bikini line erupting into a mass of red bumps a few days later. Emma Hobson, education manager, International Dermal Institute, explains what causes the bumps and how to minimise them.
“Ingrown hairs occur after waxing because the hair that grows back is restricted by a fine layer of skin that has grown over the hair follicle opening … so it becomes blocked! The hair then grows inside, causing the follicle to become irritated, resulting in a red spot.
The first step to stopping ingrown hairs is to ensure you go to a good therapist, as poor waxing methods can be a contributing factor. In between waxing treatments, exfoliate regularly with either a scrub or loofah or, if the area is sensitive, a hydroxyl-based exfoliant (salicylic acid is one of the best) that does not need friction to make it work. In addition, moisturise daily — the combination of exfoliation and moisturisation really reduces the chances of the follicles becoming blocked.”
If the bumps persist, consider laser hair removal for your bikini line, as this is a sure-fire way of eliminating ingrown hairs. Applying an anaesthetic cream will help to take the sting out of your first session and you’ll find the pain subsides with subsequent sessions, due to the lessening of hair. It may take up to six treatments to be totally hair free, depending on your particular pattern of hair growth.
The AWW Beauty Team
