How you care for your skin in the days following a wax is crucial. But, before we talk about aftercare, let's talk about why ingrown hairs crop up. "Ingrown hairs occur
when a hair starts to grow, but instead of growing out above the skin, it grows back down into the skin instead," King explains. "Ingrowns are more likely to happen with hairs that are curly, and if there is skin covering where the hair is growing."
Ingrown hairs can't be totally eradicated, but consistent, weekly exfoliation can make a difference long term. Before exfoliating post-wax, King emphasizes the importance of letting the skin heal and applying emollient-rich products to the waxed areas first because waxing can disrupt our skin barrier. If you find your skin is irritated, she also recommends using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Once your skin is looking and feeling like itself, it's time for a gentle scrub.