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Let’s be honest: ingrowns are the worst. They show up uninvited, they hurt, they look angry, and they somehow manage to appear right before a beach day, date night, or important event—when the last thing you want to deal with is a painful bump. And here’s the kicker: no matter how diligent you are, as long as there’s hair growing, there’s always the potential for ingrowns. That’s just how it goes, but it’s not the end of the story.

Ingrown hairs happen when the hair curls back into the skin instead of breaking through the surface, causing redness, bumps, irritation, and sometimes even infection. Think of it like your hair taking a wrong turn on its way out – it gets trapped, and your skin isn’t happy about it.

Here’s the part most people don’t realize: ingrowns aren’t just a nuisance. Left unmanaged, they can scar, darken the skin, get infected, and make you dread the very thing that’s supposed to help foster confidence, healthy skin. That’s why caring for ingrowns isn’t just about vanity. It’s about comfort, confidence, and keeping your skin healthy for the long haul.

Why Ingrowns Happen in the First Place

I can’t tell you how many clients sit in my chair and whisper, “Is it just me?” when it comes to ingrowns. And every single time, my answer is the same: No, it’s not just you.

Ingrown hairs happen to everyone at some point. They don’t discriminate by skin type, age, or how long you’ve been waxing, sugaring or shaving. Some people are more prone than others, but if you’re dealing with them, you’re not doing anything “wrong.” Most of the time, it comes down to a mix of lifestyle, skin environment & skincare routine, and simple biology.

Here are the most common triggers I see:

  1. Tight clothing causing friction:
    Think leggings, skinny jeans, or any fabric that clings to your skin all day long. While these pieces may be staples in your closet, they create heat and friction that irritate hair follicles. When hair tries to grow back, it can’t always break through the surface and instead curls back into the skin. Some fabrics even break the hair, by pulling the hair and when it breaks and snaps back, it creates an ingrown hair.
  2. Hormonal imbalances
    Hormones affect everything – oil production, hair thickness, and how quickly your skin heals. Shifts from your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or birth control (yes, my IUD story could fill an entire blog on its own) can all influence how your skin reacts. For many clients, hormone changes mean more frequent flare-ups, even if their routine hasn’t changed.
  3. Excessive sweating and trapped moisture
    Your bikini line and underarms are naturally warm, high-friction areas. Add in sweat from workouts, hot summer days, menopause, or even just busy routines, and you’ve got the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When sweat sits on the skin too long, pores clog, and ingrowns become much more likely.
  4. Harsh products with alcohol, fragrance, or dyes
    This is a sneaky one. A lot of “everyday” shower gels and lotions aren’t designed for intimate or sensitive skin. Just because something is considered “safe” by dermatologist or OBGYN standards doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. If it contains chemicals, it can still cause irritation. Products with strong fragrances or drying alcohols strip away natural moisture and disrupt your pH balance. The result? Irritation, inflammation, and skin that’s more vulnerable to ingrowns.
  5. Skipping regular home care
    This one’s big. A professional hair removal sets you up for success, but your daily routine determines whether that success lasts. It is 80% of your results. Without gentle cleansing, light exfoliation, and proper moisturizing between appointments, dead skin (yes, it’s gross) and trapped oil make it harder for new hair to break through. Skipping home care almost always shows up later as irritation or bumps.

Why You Should Care About Ingrown Prevention

Here’s the thing: when you don’t manage ingrowns, it’s not just about a bump or two. Over time, repeated irritation can cause:

  • Hyperpigmentation (dark marks that linger after bumps fade) and hypopigmentation (complete loss of pigment that can happen to all skin colors)
  • Scarring, especially if you’re tempted to pick
  • Pain and discomfort
  • A drop in confidence that makes you avoid certain outfits, intimacy, or activities

You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin, not constantly worrying about what’s happening beneath the surface. And the best part? Caring for ingrowns doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. 

My Personal Routine for Managing Ingrowns

Here’s exactly what I do, and what I recommend for nearly all my clients:

Daily Cleanse + Maintenance Treatments (Plus Weekly Skincare)

Se-Brazil Personal Cleansing Bar
The Se-Brazil Personal Cleansing Bar is specifically designed for intimate and sensitive skin. Free from dyes and fragrance, it gently cleanses while keeping pH levels balanced. It provides hydration, helps reduce body odor naturally, and protects your skin barrier. This is a simple daily switch that makes a huge difference in how your skin feels.

Se-Brazil Bye-Bump Enzyme Mist
Se-Brazil Bye-Bump Enzyme Mist is formulated to gently exfoliate while calming irritation. Ingrowns can stem from sweat, friction, or natural sensitivity, and this spray helps keep pores clear and bacteria in check without harsh scrubbing. It’s light, effective, and ideal for daily use to keep bumps at bay.

Se-Brazil Ouch Balm
This all-natural balm is my personal must-have. Made with shea butter, beeswax, and lavender, it soothes, hydrates, and protects sensitive skin. It works on irritated or eczema-prone areas, sunburn, dry patches, or any place that needs extra care. I use it from head to toe, because it’s not just about managing ingrowns, it’s about keeping your whole body’s skin healthy and resilient.

Se-Brazil Bar In A Jar
My go-to for tackling ingrowns! This powerhouse combines chemical + physical exfoliation, making it a game-changer for smooth skin. Use it once a week (max!) to avoid over-exfoliating. I even use it to treat Keratosis Pilaris on my arms!

Se-Brazil Hydrating Bikini Mask
The only water hydration product I carry, this all-natural, hydrating cold gel mask is designed to hydrate your most intimate parts while nourishing and soothing your skin. I would consider this a non-negotiable in my clients’ skincare routine, weekly.

Monthly Professional Hair Removal
If you take away one thing, let it be this: consistency matters. Waxing once and expecting perfect results is like going to the gym once and expecting abs. When you stick to a schedule, your hair grows back softer and more predictable, which means fewer ingrowns over time. Your skin adapts to the rhythm, and when paired with consistent daily skincare, you’ll start to see the long-term results that professional hair removal can provide.

Why Even Care About Ingrowns?

Ingrowns aren’t something you cure and never think about again. They’re something you manage. The difference between skin that struggles with bumps and irritation, and skin that feels healthy and resilient, comes down to consistency, quality products and care.

So, why should you care about ingrowns? Because ignoring them only makes things worse – for your skin, your comfort, and your hair removal results. But when you take care of them? You get to enjoy smooth, clear, healthy skin that feels as good as it looks.

Smooth, healthy skin isn’t a miracle – it’s a lifestyle.

Brazilian Waxing and Sugaring in Richmond, Virginia

Whether you’re ready to book your first Brazilian wax or sugar, manage your ingrowns, revamp your intimate skincare routine, or finally stop guessing when it comes to intimate hygiene, I’d love to help.