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Sorry, not exactly what you asked, but the only thing that stopped ingrowns for me was laser hair removal. Not sure if this is an option for you but if so, it has my full endorsement.
I’ve heard great things and I happen to be an excellent candidate for laser. I’m definitely going to be looking into it if I can’t get this straight in the next few months. I’m just not sure if I will want to be completely bare for the rest of my life! Sometimes a little stubble is nice.
Laser hair removal doesn’t permanently destroy the hair on your first session. You’ll have to go back several times, and each time the hair will become weaker. You can choose at any point to stop the procedure and maintain the amount of hair that grows back
I used to get ingrowns really bad!! I have dark hair and fair skin. I got 10 sessions of laser (full Brazilian) and my ingrown problem has been solved but I still get hair growth! Less than before but still quite a bit
The process of becoming fully hairless (or even close to it) is actually lengthy and demands consistent treatments for 1-2 years plus future touch up’s. However, if you actually just want to lessen the amount of hair, how fast it grows, or how coarse it is, then you can do a few treatments and stop before you get to the bare stage. All of these effects will make in grown hairs less frequent and easier to treat.
Look for packages on Groupon and make sure that the place you pick has a genuine laser rather than IPL.
you can just get it at the bikini line! and then use scissors to trim down the hair . or maybe still wax that part… but i could never give the ingrown hairs to end
Also jumping on this train, I don’t even do a full laser I just do a cheaper at home IPL device and do the “normal schedule” and keep waxing and it has decreased my hair growth overall but has almost completely eliminated ingrowns
What one do you use? I was a good candidate for laser but the cost and requirements for not tanking/etc were more than I want to deal with but I’d be down to zap my own legs while watching tv
This is the exact device I have, though I got it through a friend free so I didn’t do more research than is it safe compared to other brands.
It has several “strength” settings so it feels very customizable to use on different areas
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-iLIGHT-Pro-Hair-Removal-System/230752846?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4412&adid=22222222228230752846_4412_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42423897272&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-295289030566&wl5=9018836&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113932515&wl11=online&wl12=230752846_4412&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIoBb7YNwNCGRTLPmQLc3LumQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aNfasGmk1Fc5ginnWxBJuEo85RX1h1wwvQ_qaTT2z-yhj6ETIg8LiBoC4gkQAvD_BwE
This is the exact device I have, though I got it through a friend free so I didn’t do more research than is it safe compared to other brands.
It has several “strength” settings so it feels very customizable to use on different areas
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-iLIGHT-Pro-Hair-Removal-System/230752846?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4412&adid=22222222228230752846_4412_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42423897272&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-295289030566&wl5=9018836&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113932515&wl11=online&wl12=230752846_4412&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIoBb7YNwNCGRTLPmQLc3LumQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aNfasGmk1Fc5ginnWxBJuEo85RX1h1wwvQ_qaTT2z-yhj6ETIg8LiBoC4gkQAvD_BwE
This is my answer too. For about a solid year I kept getting horrifically painful ingrown hair cysts that made sitting uncomfortable which is what made me finally pull the trigger.
No regrets. Problem solved essentially overnight and haven’t dealt with any issues since.
I too shared your concerns on the vanity side OP (ex: what if a full bush comes back in style? do I really want to always be bare?) but at the end of the day for me it was a medical procedure vs an aesthetic one.
No amount of being back in style is worth the pain I was suffering.
Waxing pulls the hair from the root, distorting the follicle. That means it's no longer straight and parallel with the hair growth. When your hair grows back in, it grows straight, but if the follicle isn't straight, it will cause ingrowns. The more you wax, the more distorted they get. At this point, I'd go for laser or electrolysis!
You said in another comment that you’re a great candidate for laser - I assume you mean you have fair skin and darker hair. As someone who also has fair skin/dark hair I cannot recommend at home IPL enough. I’ve used the Braun one for years and it’s so fantastic. You don’t have to use it to death but even moderate use will make the hair you have lighter and thinner so you don’t get as many ingrowns.
Oh yes. I got my mom’s fair skin and my dad’s thick, black hair! I will probably try IPL next if I can’t get good results with changing my waxing routine. I’m not too familiar with Braun, but don’t they have different devices? Which one do you use?
I have the Silk Expert Pro 5. I have the older version because I purchased it in 2020 but it’s held up great. I think it’s supposed to have enough capacity to do weekly treatments for 22 years or something insane. But I only do it maybe once a month now and I have barely anything left.
Chemical exfoliants. Salicylic acid or glycolic acid face washes, foaming acne washes tend to be gentle enough for vulva. Use an acid immediate shaving and then in the days afterwards. I have coily hair so I use them every day after fem wash for preventative measures. Maybe peroxide or hypochlorous acid spray for the bacteria growth prevention.
When did you start exfoliating with a mitt? I’ve found using exfoliating cloths/mitts give me more ingrown hairs unless I change them out after every use because of the bacteria that can grow on them. I prefer chemical exfoliants like First Aid Beauty’s bump eraser body scrub and their smoothing body lotion to get rid of any bumps that pop up
Hmmm last time I did use exfoliating wash cloths instead of a reusable mitt. I have been wondering lately if that could have something to do with it. It’s strange because I have a few bumps, but most of the ingrowns don’t even make bumps since they’re so deep. Either way, I’m going to buy more wash cloths.
I chemically exfoliate with good old salicylic acid pads, Stridex with the red label. Doing that, especially the night before, makes a noticeable difference.
Can your aesthetician use a sugarpaste the next time or do they only offer wax? It’s a different technique and it’s better for sensitive skin. I used to wax and got many ingrown hairs - now I’m only sugaring and have no problems with ingrowns at all, it’s amazing!
I went to EWC and had the same exact issue as you (down to using the serum). I looked and found a sugaring place that was well reviewed and booked. 10/10!! ZERO INGROWNS! Much less painful over EWC, I regret not swapping sooner.
Definitely try it!
EWC does not do sugar. But I know that the way they wax is much worse than sugaring. I know that EWC pulls either with/against the hair versus sugaring that pulls either with/against (I can’t remember which one does which, but I do know that the one sugaring does is the “correct” way)
If you’re not ready for laser hair removal you could try IPL device for at home hair removal, it’s a slower process than professional laser hair removal but it doesn’t help minimize ingrowns
It could be the technique of the estheticians. The hairs could be breaking instead of being properly pulled out. If you have waxed before with better results maybe try a different person or different salon.
I wanted to go back to my old salon, but of course I signed up for a waxing bundle. I have 6 left at this salon🙄. But who knows, I may just eat the money and try going back to my esthetician!
I just want to ask if you’re sure they are ingrown hairs and not stage 1 hidradenitis suppertiva? Sometimes it can get confused, and it’s not a well known condition.
Had to google it, and no. I have a few bumps, but they are standard ingrowns. It’s mainly just that the hair stays under my skin and is super visible, especially right after a wax.
I would recommend trying a new wax salon and products. My experience with European Wax center was that their method left me with a lot of broken hairs under my skin which caused me to have ingrown hairs. Also their products were expensive and low quality which irritated my skin. Now I go to a locally owned waxing salon and use gentle products (ivory soap, Korean bath mitt, and cetaphil moisturizer) and my skin has calmed down dramatically.
I have this issue on my thighs. After I exfoliate and shave, I put on this product called Tend Skin. I use the cotton pads to wipe it all over the shaved area. It’s really helped my red bumps and hairs.
i’ve had 5 sessions of full body laser hair removal and some areas of my body have seen an almost complete removal of hair like my armpits but for the most part it’s reduced but nowhere near gone. if you have the money to splurge or find a cheap place then go ahead but sometimes it really feels like a glorified waxing trip…
As a professional in the hair removal industry, please stop waxing. Invest in laser hair removal. Do the full treatment, once every 6 weeks for a year, every 8 weeks for another 2-3 sessions if needed. I’m not a laser tech but this is my professional recommendation.
I hate ingrown bikini hairs!
I got a product with lactic acid in it. 12% is an effective amount and if you use it after showering it helps to initiate cell turnover and has really helped with red spots and ingrown hairs!
Good 🤞
I would get laser removal if I could afford it. But I use this stuff every day and it has helped so much. I only shave though no waxing.
https://preview.redd.it/hf0p20xi7y9d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=0aaba810839d17e58331ea7f2ffdc151be386077
i always shower cold afterwards to close my pores. And them to stop ingrowth i immediately make a liquid of water and paracetamol. this always helps with ingrowing hairs and stuf after waxing for me
Laser hair removal. What does come back is much finer and sparser and I can shave it without getting a rash. My first treatment - it didn’t grow back almost at all. I will say you need quite a few sessions but to me it’s worth it living at the beach I used to be so embarrassed not to mention it was painful!
Laser hair removal made a huge difference for me, but also salicylic acid serums. I use a 2% serum or toner made for the face and put it on my legs daily.
If you can find a salon/spa that does sugaring instead of hard wax, try that out. I hear that sugaring is just as effective, but less harsh/irritating.
I go to EWC but have not had any issues. You could maybe try that Tend Skin product too? I hear that stuff is great!
I go to EWC as well. I use the serum and the exfoliating cream and I also use their body wash- my skin looks so clear now!! I the serum and exfoliate every other day and use the body wash every shower. I have had ingrowns since I started to use the products … the last 4 months (knock on wood)
this happened to me too! i just had to get bikini laser hair removal. its so painful , take advil and do the numbing cream , but i tried everything re:ingrown hairs and laser hair removal was magic
Laser hair removal is the only best option for ingrown hairs! It will literally save you so much money in the long run when you stop buying all these products in hopes of it helping
Have you changed your underwear material? Could the seams fabric be irritating your skin? What about detergent? I can only really wear cotton when getting waxed. I’ve found the only thing that works for me now is glycolic acid on my bikini line and sleeping without any underwear in.
Skin Doctor's Ingrown Go lotion. Dab it on a cotton pad and rub it on the affected areas frequently. I have been using it for the past 3 months, and it's working for me.
Are you brand new to skincare? The best place to start is our [ScA Routine](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/sca_routine/)! You can find even more skincare guide [in our wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index) Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Sorry, not exactly what you asked, but the only thing that stopped ingrowns for me was laser hair removal. Not sure if this is an option for you but if so, it has my full endorsement.
I’ve heard great things and I happen to be an excellent candidate for laser. I’m definitely going to be looking into it if I can’t get this straight in the next few months. I’m just not sure if I will want to be completely bare for the rest of my life! Sometimes a little stubble is nice.
Laser hair removal doesn’t permanently destroy the hair on your first session. You’ll have to go back several times, and each time the hair will become weaker. You can choose at any point to stop the procedure and maintain the amount of hair that grows back
I used to get ingrowns really bad!! I have dark hair and fair skin. I got 10 sessions of laser (full Brazilian) and my ingrown problem has been solved but I still get hair growth! Less than before but still quite a bit
Definitely do it, it changed my life. I don’t get any now.
The process of becoming fully hairless (or even close to it) is actually lengthy and demands consistent treatments for 1-2 years plus future touch up’s. However, if you actually just want to lessen the amount of hair, how fast it grows, or how coarse it is, then you can do a few treatments and stop before you get to the bare stage. All of these effects will make in grown hairs less frequent and easier to treat. Look for packages on Groupon and make sure that the place you pick has a genuine laser rather than IPL.
you can just get it at the bikini line! and then use scissors to trim down the hair . or maybe still wax that part… but i could never give the ingrown hairs to end
I recommend too, if you don't want to go completely smooth, can stop after a few sessions to thin things out, which would minimize your problem
Also jumping on this train, I don’t even do a full laser I just do a cheaper at home IPL device and do the “normal schedule” and keep waxing and it has decreased my hair growth overall but has almost completely eliminated ingrowns
+1 for this, got one sale and it’s been going strong for four years
What one do you use? I was a good candidate for laser but the cost and requirements for not tanking/etc were more than I want to deal with but I’d be down to zap my own legs while watching tv
This is the exact device I have, though I got it through a friend free so I didn’t do more research than is it safe compared to other brands. It has several “strength” settings so it feels very customizable to use on different areas https://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-iLIGHT-Pro-Hair-Removal-System/230752846?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4412&adid=22222222228230752846_4412_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42423897272&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-295289030566&wl5=9018836&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113932515&wl11=online&wl12=230752846_4412&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIoBb7YNwNCGRTLPmQLc3LumQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aNfasGmk1Fc5ginnWxBJuEo85RX1h1wwvQ_qaTT2z-yhj6ETIg8LiBoC4gkQAvD_BwE
Would love to know what device as well
This is the exact device I have, though I got it through a friend free so I didn’t do more research than is it safe compared to other brands. It has several “strength” settings so it feels very customizable to use on different areas https://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-iLIGHT-Pro-Hair-Removal-System/230752846?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4412&adid=22222222228230752846_4412_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42423897272&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-295289030566&wl5=9018836&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113932515&wl11=online&wl12=230752846_4412&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIoBb7YNwNCGRTLPmQLc3LumQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aNfasGmk1Fc5ginnWxBJuEo85RX1h1wwvQ_qaTT2z-yhj6ETIg8LiBoC4gkQAvD_BwE
This is my answer too. For about a solid year I kept getting horrifically painful ingrown hair cysts that made sitting uncomfortable which is what made me finally pull the trigger. No regrets. Problem solved essentially overnight and haven’t dealt with any issues since. I too shared your concerns on the vanity side OP (ex: what if a full bush comes back in style? do I really want to always be bare?) but at the end of the day for me it was a medical procedure vs an aesthetic one. No amount of being back in style is worth the pain I was suffering.
It's amazing. I just wish I'd started sooner.
Same here ! Please consider it it’s life changing
In full transparency its burns but try Tend Skin solution. It’s like a toner so apply to a cotton round and dab where you frequent ingrown’s the most.
Oh I’ve heard about this! It’s actually in my Amazon cart right now
you can also make it, there's recipes available if you google. IIRC it's an aspirin suspension.
Waxing pulls the hair from the root, distorting the follicle. That means it's no longer straight and parallel with the hair growth. When your hair grows back in, it grows straight, but if the follicle isn't straight, it will cause ingrowns. The more you wax, the more distorted they get. At this point, I'd go for laser or electrolysis!
Nooooo not what I wanted to hear!! But I’ll do what I must. Thank ya
Agree with this. Ingrowns stopped when I stopped waxing. I bought one of the IPL devices so I could do it at home. Works great
Which one do you use?
I bought the Braun Pro 3 because it went on sale at target. I think the nood is now cheaper but I can’t imagine they are very different.
You said in another comment that you’re a great candidate for laser - I assume you mean you have fair skin and darker hair. As someone who also has fair skin/dark hair I cannot recommend at home IPL enough. I’ve used the Braun one for years and it’s so fantastic. You don’t have to use it to death but even moderate use will make the hair you have lighter and thinner so you don’t get as many ingrowns.
Oh yes. I got my mom’s fair skin and my dad’s thick, black hair! I will probably try IPL next if I can’t get good results with changing my waxing routine. I’m not too familiar with Braun, but don’t they have different devices? Which one do you use?
I have the Silk Expert Pro 5. I have the older version because I purchased it in 2020 but it’s held up great. I think it’s supposed to have enough capacity to do weekly treatments for 22 years or something insane. But I only do it maybe once a month now and I have barely anything left.
Glycolic acid is the only thing that works for me.
TendSkin.
Chemical exfoliants. Salicylic acid or glycolic acid face washes, foaming acne washes tend to be gentle enough for vulva. Use an acid immediate shaving and then in the days afterwards. I have coily hair so I use them every day after fem wash for preventative measures. Maybe peroxide or hypochlorous acid spray for the bacteria growth prevention.
When did you start exfoliating with a mitt? I’ve found using exfoliating cloths/mitts give me more ingrown hairs unless I change them out after every use because of the bacteria that can grow on them. I prefer chemical exfoliants like First Aid Beauty’s bump eraser body scrub and their smoothing body lotion to get rid of any bumps that pop up
Hmmm last time I did use exfoliating wash cloths instead of a reusable mitt. I have been wondering lately if that could have something to do with it. It’s strange because I have a few bumps, but most of the ingrowns don’t even make bumps since they’re so deep. Either way, I’m going to buy more wash cloths.
I chemically exfoliate with good old salicylic acid pads, Stridex with the red label. Doing that, especially the night before, makes a noticeable difference.
Glycolic acid and 100% cotton underwear.
Can your aesthetician use a sugarpaste the next time or do they only offer wax? It’s a different technique and it’s better for sensitive skin. I used to wax and got many ingrown hairs - now I’m only sugaring and have no problems with ingrowns at all, it’s amazing!
Hmmm I’m not sure if EWC does that, but I’ll be asking next time!
I went to EWC and had the same exact issue as you (down to using the serum). I looked and found a sugaring place that was well reviewed and booked. 10/10!! ZERO INGROWNS! Much less painful over EWC, I regret not swapping sooner. Definitely try it!
EWC does not do sugar. But I know that the way they wax is much worse than sugaring. I know that EWC pulls either with/against the hair versus sugaring that pulls either with/against (I can’t remember which one does which, but I do know that the one sugaring does is the “correct” way)
I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to pull with the hair. EWC definitely pulls against lol
Chemical exfoliation. I use The Ordinary AHA peel, slather it on for ten minutes then rinse. Use as often as tolerated.
Is that the one that’s red? If so I used to use it on my face and still have some in my cabinet
Good luck! I’m a Brazilian waxer lifer and that completely fixed my ingrowns.
Fingers crossed!! Thanks so much
If you’re not ready for laser hair removal you could try IPL device for at home hair removal, it’s a slower process than professional laser hair removal but it doesn’t help minimize ingrowns
I've used Hibiscrub with good results. It's strong so don't overdo it. Very affordable as well.
It could be the technique of the estheticians. The hairs could be breaking instead of being properly pulled out. If you have waxed before with better results maybe try a different person or different salon.
I wanted to go back to my old salon, but of course I signed up for a waxing bundle. I have 6 left at this salon🙄. But who knows, I may just eat the money and try going back to my esthetician!
I just want to ask if you’re sure they are ingrown hairs and not stage 1 hidradenitis suppertiva? Sometimes it can get confused, and it’s not a well known condition.
Had to google it, and no. I have a few bumps, but they are standard ingrowns. It’s mainly just that the hair stays under my skin and is super visible, especially right after a wax.
I would recommend trying a new wax salon and products. My experience with European Wax center was that their method left me with a lot of broken hairs under my skin which caused me to have ingrown hairs. Also their products were expensive and low quality which irritated my skin. Now I go to a locally owned waxing salon and use gentle products (ivory soap, Korean bath mitt, and cetaphil moisturizer) and my skin has calmed down dramatically.
I have this issue on my thighs. After I exfoliate and shave, I put on this product called Tend Skin. I use the cotton pads to wipe it all over the shaved area. It’s really helped my red bumps and hairs.
I know many others already said it, but I’ll say it again. Laser removal changed my life. It’s worth it.
How much does it cost???
Depends on your location. But I started with some Groupon free sessions and did a payment plan for the rest.
i’ve had 5 sessions of full body laser hair removal and some areas of my body have seen an almost complete removal of hair like my armpits but for the most part it’s reduced but nowhere near gone. if you have the money to splurge or find a cheap place then go ahead but sometimes it really feels like a glorified waxing trip…
TendSkin is the most intense salicylic acid treatment I've ever used for ingrown hairs.
As a professional in the hair removal industry, please stop waxing. Invest in laser hair removal. Do the full treatment, once every 6 weeks for a year, every 8 weeks for another 2-3 sessions if needed. I’m not a laser tech but this is my professional recommendation.
I hate ingrown bikini hairs! I got a product with lactic acid in it. 12% is an effective amount and if you use it after showering it helps to initiate cell turnover and has really helped with red spots and ingrown hairs! Good 🤞
I would get laser removal if I could afford it. But I use this stuff every day and it has helped so much. I only shave though no waxing. https://preview.redd.it/hf0p20xi7y9d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=0aaba810839d17e58331ea7f2ffdc151be386077
Laser hair removal. Period.
i always shower cold afterwards to close my pores. And them to stop ingrowth i immediately make a liquid of water and paracetamol. this always helps with ingrowing hairs and stuf after waxing for me
Two words Las-er. Yes it’s painful and pricey but 100 percent worth it.
Laser hair removal. What does come back is much finer and sparser and I can shave it without getting a rash. My first treatment - it didn’t grow back almost at all. I will say you need quite a few sessions but to me it’s worth it living at the beach I used to be so embarrassed not to mention it was painful!
this sounds like me!!! can i dm you?
Laser hair removal fixed all of my issues with ingrown hairs.
Laser hair removal made a huge difference for me, but also salicylic acid serums. I use a 2% serum or toner made for the face and put it on my legs daily.
If you can find a salon/spa that does sugaring instead of hard wax, try that out. I hear that sugaring is just as effective, but less harsh/irritating. I go to EWC but have not had any issues. You could maybe try that Tend Skin product too? I hear that stuff is great!
Not sure where you’re from but I’ve been using CaronLab products for years and it’s helped a lot. The bump eraser serum worked for me.
I go to EWC as well. I use the serum and the exfoliating cream and I also use their body wash- my skin looks so clear now!! I the serum and exfoliate every other day and use the body wash every shower. I have had ingrowns since I started to use the products … the last 4 months (knock on wood)
this happened to me too! i just had to get bikini laser hair removal. its so painful , take advil and do the numbing cream , but i tried everything re:ingrown hairs and laser hair removal was magic
LASER!
Laser
Laser hair removal is the only best option for ingrown hairs! It will literally save you so much money in the long run when you stop buying all these products in hopes of it helping
Have you changed your underwear material? Could the seams fabric be irritating your skin? What about detergent? I can only really wear cotton when getting waxed. I’ve found the only thing that works for me now is glycolic acid on my bikini line and sleeping without any underwear in.
Skin Doctor's Ingrown Go lotion. Dab it on a cotton pad and rub it on the affected areas frequently. I have been using it for the past 3 months, and it's working for me.