How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs Between Waxes (And Why It's Worth It)

 

If you're a regular at The Wax Factor, you already know the feeling of walking out with silky smooth skin. But if ingrown hairs have ever crept in between appointments, you'll also know how frustrating — and sometimes painful — they can be.

The good news? Ingrown hairs are almost always preventable with a simple, consistent aftercare routine. And getting this right doesn't just save you discomfort — it actually makes your waxing more effective and better value for money. Here's why, and exactly what to do.

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

An ingrown hair happens when a hair curls back on itself or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up and out through the follicle. This is usually caused by:

• Dead skin cells building up and blocking the follicle (the most common reason with my clients)
• Dry or dehydrated skin
• Tight clothing rubbing against freshly waxed areas (Post wax wear non tight clothing)
• Naturally curly or coarse hair, which is more prone to curling inward

The result is a small, sometimes red or inflamed bump — occasionally with a visible trapped hair underneath. Not fun, but very manageable.

Why Preventing Ingrown Hairs Matters for Your Wax

Here's something clients don't always realise: ingrown hairs don't just cause irritation — they actually interfere with your waxing results.

When a hair is trapped under the skin, it can't be removed at your next appointment. That means less hair available to wax, patchy regrowth, and a less satisfying result overall. Worse, if you develop a habit of ingrown hairs, you may find yourself needing more frequent top-up appointments just to deal with problem areas.

By keeping your skin clear and your follicles healthy between visits, every single hair gets the chance to grow out fully and get removed at the root during your next wax. That means:

• A smoother, more even result every time
• Fewer stray hairs left behind
• More hair actually available to wax — so you get full value from every appointment
• Longer-lasting smoothness overall

In short, good aftercare isn't just about avoiding bumps — it's about making sure your wax works as hard as it possibly can for you.

Your Simple Ingrown Hair Prevention Routine

The great news is that prevention really only comes down to two habits: exfoliating and moisturising. Here's how to do both properly.

1. Exfoliate Regularly (But Not Too Soon)

Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells that can trap hairs beneath the surface.

• Wait 24–48 hours after your wax before you start exfoliating, to give your skin time to settle
• Exfoliate 2–3 times per week using a gentle scrub, exfoliating mitt, I recommend and personally use this Berbers Treat Kessa Exfoliating Glove
• Focus on areas that are prone to ingrown hairs — often the bikini line, underarms, and legs
• Be gentle -Vigorous scrubbing can irritate freshly waxed skin rather than help it
• Circular motions and reverse circle ensures all the waxed area is exfoliated

2. Moisturise Daily

Hydrated skin is more supple, which makes it much easier for regrowing hairs to push through the surface rather than curling back under.

• Moisturise every day, not just after your appointment - I recommend and use Nivea Rich Moisturising Lotion - it can also be used by other members of the household and is affordable
• Look for lightweight, fragrance-free formulas if your skin is sensitive
• If going on holiday use your after sun instead to save travelling with two large bottles ;)
• Ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid can be especially helpful for ingrown-prone skin, as they gently keep pores clear - I use and recommend Skin Doctors Ingrown Lotion If your a client please text me for more info on glycolic products
• Keep it up right up until your next appointment — consistency is what makes the difference
• If your skin is always dry I recommend instroducing a moisturising shower product to help look in moisturiser - I recommend and use Nivea Coconut and Jojoba Oil shower Cream  - it really works and is great value that can be used in the household - Jojoba is a very absorbent old so highly recommend this product for reversing dry skin with the other suggestions above

3. A Few Extra Tips

• Wear loose clothing for the first day or two after waxing to reduce friction on the skin
• Avoid tight, restrictive fabrics in areas prone to ingrown hairs
• Don't pick or squeeze any bumps that do appear — this can lead to infection or scarring. Let your therapist know at your next visit if you have a persistent one
• Wear short pants for the first few days after waxing as traditional pants elastic can aggravate bikini area fold

The Bottom Line

A few minutes of exfoliating and moisturising daily is a small habit with a big payoff — smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs, and a more effective wax every time you visit me. Think of it as part of your treatment, not just an optional extra.

If you ever have questions about your aftercare routine or want product recommendations suited to your skin, just ask us at your next appointment or text me on 07825 884497. As you know Im  always happy to help you get the very best results between visits.

Book your next appointment with The Wax Factor today via the Ovatu You app and let's keep your skin smooth, healthy, and ingrown-free

Bring Your Own Towel - Ecological Goals of a Beauty Salon!

 

Two years ago a lovely client suggested I ask my clients to bring their own towel for the waxing treatment - they pointed out the strong ecological case for this change so I was delighted to take this on board.

 

Although it made sense in many logical ways I was still hesitant because I was not aware of any other salons with the Bring Your Own Towel policy.

 

After further feedback from regular clients on the proposed BYOT it was clear my client had come up with a very popular change of salon procedure  and not only did my clients think it  was a great idea it also helped involve clients in the eco goals  at The Wax Factor

 

At the start many clients did forget to BYOT but my clients are super busy and this was a change that would take a little time 😛

 

So in January 2020 I started to heavily publicise this new way forward and future reward and incentives for clients to join in - all was going very well til Covid 19 appeared three months later and halted these plans.

 

When we reopened from subsequent lockdowns I reiterated the BYOT messaging which in a non planned way also played well in this new Covid era - aka used towels went back home with client eliminating risk to other clients and myself and family when washing and drying after body contact. I do believe in a roundabout way this helped mitigate a risk factor to clients, their families and myself  clients so keeping everyone safe.

 

Today I am delighted to say 80% of my clients take part in BYOT and as long as we stay lockdown free we will have incentives for clients in Christmas 2021 who have taken part as a reward for making this small business achieve it's eco goals and as 95% of my treatments require BYOT I believe even a small one person business like mine can make a difference each time a client participates.

 

As we get nearer to #COP26 (26th UN Climate Change Conference being hosted late October/ November in Glasgow) I am super proud my salon for the last 12 years has been as eco as possible and will be sharing our other eco changes and procedures in the salon on our Instagram and Facebook stories each day from tomorrow so please check them out 😊 As we chat so much in the salon about Covid I have never had a chance to explain what's in the room and the eco story behind it 😊

 

We are as an industry due to the nature of our role generators of waste for hygiene purposes but will also be sharing my practices with you that have ensured only necessary waste is generated so we are as environmentally considerate as possible

 

Isabel x

Hollywood & Brazilian Waxing - Should I take the plunge?

I have been qualified in Intimate Waxing for 12 years now and its by far my most popular treatment and in a very bizarre way my favourite treatment because how great my clients feel afterwards or maybe that is escaping me til we meet again in 4 weeks time for your next waxing appointment.

We only use hot wax in the salon for intimate areas more specifically Perron Rigot who are based in Paris who I  feel are the best wax on the market for clients. I only use quality products on my clients so they achieve a fabulous long lasting wax with minimal discomfort.

So Why have a Hollywood or Brazillian Wax instead of a Standard Bikini Wax?

There are many reasons why clients opt for a Hollywood or Brazilian wax - the majority is hygiene and also bottom underwear design has changed so much over the last decade there is not as much coverage! Also for sportier clients swimsuit design is much more high legged so less to worry about when in the pool in Scotland or abroad (when allowed!). Unfortunately the Standard Bikini wax has been superseded and now only accounts for 2 % of my wax treatments in the bikini area.

Shaving is a quick fix but consistent waxing appointments will slow hair growth down and eventually you will see blank patches where the hair does not grow anymore so another plus side to waxing versus shaving.

Waxing can be uncomfortable but I have plenty of pre waxing tips that can help alleviate a level of discomfort but a consistent waxing schedule decreases the level of uncomfortableness - sadly pain free waxing does not exist but I have lots of good advice that helps

I hope the above is helpful and hope to see you for your first Hollywood or Brazilian soon!

Isabel x

Bring Your Own Towel - A New Routine at The Wax Factor

Ladies and Gents,

Last year a client of The Wax Factor suggested clients bring their own fresh towel - it wasn't a cost saving exercise but an ecological one - it made sense that instead of a fresh towel being used once then washing in the salon laundry ;) that client could reuse at home - like a lot of suggestions with limited time this was not rolled out oops!

Forward a year and we have a different world we live in and it made total sense for this to be rolled out at The Wax Factor and in turn I felt it was a more hygienic option as well as ecological especially when PPE when used in a salon environment cannot be recycled.

I am pleased to say 95% of clients since we reopened on Wednesday last week have remembered their towel and going forward it will become second nature.

I am hoping for clients who take part every month with BYOT we have a special surprise in January 2021 hoping we are open then so pleased stay tuned!

Best wishes as always

Isabel x

When you have to start asking - when will we be back open?

Ladies and Gents - I truly believe the Beauty Industry has been forgotten about in the relaxing of the lockdowns and received many messages from clients on why some sectors can open but beauty salons cannot got me thinking - what is the science behind this decision?  So I took the bull by the horns and wrote to senior members of the Scottish Government, Health professionals, my local MSP  and the opposition leader in Scotland unfortunately I got the first minister email wrong lol but now corrected and sent

Its an emotive email, from the heart and all true  :) but I'm only one voice

From: Isabel McRobbie <isabelmcrobbie@hotmail.com>
Sent: 25 June 2020 17:58
To: firstminister@gov.scott <firstminister@gov.scott>; CabSecHS@gov.scot <CabSecHS@gov.scot>; Jackson.carlaw.msp@parliament.scot <Jackson.carlaw.msp@parliament.scot>; gregor.smith@gov.scot <gregor.smith@gov.scot>; alex.neil.msp@parliament.scot <alex.neil.msp@parliament.scot>; Jason.Leitch@gov.scot <Jason.Leitch@gov.scot>
Subject: Beauty - where is the science?

 

I am Isabel McRobbie – Owner of The Wax Factor - a home business since 2009. I’m super busy with many loyal clients who have become friends. Over the last 11 years I have built up a thriving business based on hard work and dedication to providing an excellent personal service.

On 22^nd March I felt like Alice going down the rabbit hole when I closed my business – to say I was devasted was an understatement. However I recognised that the health of my clients, my family and myself was paramount.

 I have a Salon insurance policy with business disruption cover included  but it appears the insurers are unwilling to pay.

 Mr Rishi Sunak gave me hope til I found out I didn’t qualify for government assistance because my (non-related) part time job took me over the 50% of month's earnings threshold making me ineligible for any government assistance – no furlough scheme, small business grants or bounce back loans for me. Since lockdown I have survived on savings which are now depleted. 

Hairdressers have now been told they can return on 15^th July – if this is scientifically based can you please provide me the evidence? I do not remember any hairdressers with long enough arms to be over a meter away from me and still cut hair. So why no mention of the beauty industry? Beauty salons have extremely high hygiene factors -higher in fact than hairdressers. For example, my premises have been inspected by the local council as I have a skin piercing license.  In fact I would argue that because I am a home salon (one in and one out) my footfall is lower and therefore hygiene is much more manageable. 

I would be absolutely delighted for you to visit my salon socially distancing or virtually and would be happy to go through the hygiene routine we have always had in place for contact with clients– I am always gloved up. Pre-covid I always put on a mask if I had a cold and I clean and disinfect the work area in between appointments. I can easily adapt to any new protocols. My clients can wear masks through most treatments and very often treatments are often not face to face i.e. leg waxing.  If some treatments could create more of a risk, surely it is better to suspend those treatments rather than keep salons closed. (Eg when restaurants open they can't do buffets but can still operate).

Just now I sit and wait for someone to decide my businesses fate. Or maybe I could show you first-hand how this home salon operates? You would then see that I am a lesser threat of infection than the local barber.

However the stark reality is that if we are not open soon I will not be able to reopen my salon. Although  overheads are smaller than a separate business premises, they are still there. With a young family to bring up I have to put them first and try to find some other income.

The simple question is, how do the services I provide (with the appropriate protocols) form a higher risk to health than a hairdresser? And when can I welcome back my clients?

Isabel McRobbie

To Shave or Not to Shave - That is the question

Today (Sunday) marks three weeks that The Wax Factor closed. We will reopen but only when the UK Government give me the OK. I deliberately purchased a lot of wax in case there were supply issues post a potential lockdown so we have plenty of wax!

I'm receiving lots of enquiries on when the salon is reopening and what to do in the meantime so my advice, if it helps is as follows :)

We don't know how long we are in lock down for but through the years of waxing these observations on waxing, hair growth etc might help make up your mind:

For optimum hair length for waxing I recommend 4 weeks - shorten than this means shorte hair and repeat waxing which is uncomfortable, broken hairs and a few left behind. Long term waxers (several years of regular monthly appointments at The Wax Factor can get away with every 6 weeks)

Longer than 6 weeks all hair will likely be removed but after 6 weeks of non waxing the hair root started to enlarge because its been so long since waxing so this can be an uncomfortable appointment.

Shaving - shaving doesn't produce an even cut of hairs - some left longer and some shorter so when you are waxed after shaving its very likely some hairs will be shorter (under waxing length) than others which means despite my best effort to remove in waxing  they will be left unwaxed

What will make your waxing more comfortable is regular exfoliation and moisturising of the waxing area - I cannot emphasise this more - before we closed lots of clients had dry skin being waxed - this is not comfortable and also needs waxed several times (really uncomfortable and bad for your skin) as the dry skin covers the hair or grabs hair for moisturise so hard to wax - so if you do anything in the lock down moisturise!

Keep safe

Isabel

Goodbye Appointment Diary - Hello Ovatu!

As previously communicated weeks ago, the company that provided The Appointment Diary for The Wax Factor for the last 6-7 years is no longer continuing the business so we had the task of finding an equally as user friendly Online Diary!

After looking at many online diaries we have settled on Ovatu - it's a much more extensive diary than we previously had so some options are not the same as the old diary which I preferred but Ovatu was the nearest we could find to the original diary so have opted for that.

In the last few weeks we have ported over all existing clients details so hopefully you should be able to log into your account via Ovatu but if that doesn't work registering as a one off only takes a few minutes.

All future bookings have been placed in the Ovatu Diary so if you need to cancel or amend from this day forward please go to the Ovatu site to tweak or cancel. The original  diary and new diary dont talk to each other and we dont want to end up double booked :(

Also Ovatu is much more time efficient so you may find you future booking has altered slightly by 5-10 minutes so please check your confirmation - on the plus side we should have more space for treatments instead of having several 5 min gaps between some appointments!

Another plus is Ovatu has an App that you can download onto your phone so much quicker to book on the app if you are not near a PC/laptop.

I am hoping everything will go smoothly as we migrate to Ovatu but expect some teething problems so any feedback please text so we can resolve for all the other clients.

I dropped out of social media recently simply so we limited the amount of future bookings that would require to be manually transferred (purely selfish!) but my sister and I nearly ended up with our childhood squints back as it was a lot of work! So please feel free to make future bookings and feedback any niggles to me and I will sort - better doing it now than in the middle of the summer rush!

The only drawback I have is that Ovatu asks everyone for a 50% deposit at time of booking- its unavoidable (have asked Ovatu and not possible) unless I dont ask anyone including new clients to pay however when the deposit request was not working properly recently I had several new clients as  no shows so its clear the requirement for deposit ensures that clients will turn up - I have tweaked the booking settings  manually and ticked a box to try and get round this so if any regular clients can book and say no to paying deposit - let me know if this is successful and I know my workaround has worked :)

Link for the online diary is now https://ovatu.com/sites/the-wax-factor/17224  

and in  Google Play or Itunes this is the app you can download - happy booking!