Summer Waxing Woes: Here’s Why Your Clients Keep Getting Ingrown Hairs

Summer…the season of baring it all. Clients are showing more skin which means waxing more body parts—from their underarms to their bikini area and everything in between. It also means they could be encountering more skin issues thanks to the heat, sweat-clogged pores, and not following proper pre-and post-wax care. But what about those pesky ingrown hairs? Make sure they take your advice and potential issues such as breakouts and ingrown hairs can be easily be avoided.

  

Not Letting it Grow

Waxing takes patience—a willingness to let the hair grow long enough to cleanly pull it from the root during the wax procedure. This can be challenging for clients in the summer months when they are anxious for hair-free skin. Remind them that at least 1/4 inch length on their lady hairs (or three full weeks of growth) will make sure the wax can do its job and their skin will look its best.

 

Not Exfoliating Enough

Tell your clients the bottom line is exfoliating is crucial to the perfect wax. Preparing the skin with a soothing liquid body wash using exfoliating gloves on a regular basis ensures their skin is free of dead skin cells, and that the skin and hair are soft prior to waxing. Regular exfoliation also encourages proper hair growth and can eliminate ingrown hairs from popping up post-wax. Be sure to educate your clients by telling them they can begin exfoliating and moisturizing the skin 24-hours after any wax appointment, using the same body wash and exfoliating gloves, and focusing on waxed body parts. When the hair does start growing back, the exfoliating allows the hair to grow out and not get trapped under dead skin. 

 

Not Following Post-Wax Steps

As a wax professional, be sure your client care routine involves immediate post-wax care steps such as adding essential oil to calm and cool the skin, using a soothing cream to take the redness and heat out of the skin, and if you’re client is especially prone to breakouts, apply something specifically for blemish control. These steps will go a long way in keeping the hair follicle clear, suppress bacteria, and jump-start the healing process.

 

Finally remind them of simple tips such as waiting 24-hours to workout post-wax and to stay away from tight-fitting clothing for a few days. Just let the skin breathe for a day or two...no direct heat or sun, and avoid any friction, heavy lotions, or deodorants for maximum results. 

 

If They Get Them

Tell them to leave them alone. While so tempting, they shouldn’t pick, squeeze, pinch, or otherwise terrorize with tweezers those annoying ingrown hairs. This could lead to infection and make them look even worse. Instead remind them to continue using the blemish control gel to help with the healing process.