How To Avoid Ingrown Hairs During A Sugaring Appointment

No one likes a pesky ingrown hair. Not only are these inflamed blisters unsightly, they can be uncomfortable as well and can even lead to infection. The ingrown cyst sensation occurs when a removed hair grows back into the skin instead of out of the pore, according to Mayo Clinic. And those of us with thick, coarse hair are extra familiar with the struggle when it comes to getting rid of those unwanted follicles.

When it comes to hair removal techniques, sugaring is a natural, innovative alternative to waxing that involves using sugar, lemon juice, water, and glycerin to pull the hair up from the root, following the natural direction of the follicle's growth pattern. And although sugaring is less likely to leave irritation on the skin or cause breakage of the hair, per Byrdie, no hair removal process comes completely free of ingrown risks. 

But don't worry: There are many steps you can take to prevent and treat ingrown hairs during a sugaring appointment for amazingly smooth skin. Keep reading to find out how. 

Gentle care is the way to go to avoid ingrown hairs during a sugaring appointment

The best way to avoid ingrown hairs during a sugaring appointment is to leave the area alone as much as possible (as long at its clean!), and leave things to the professionals.

Although exfoliating has many benefits for the skin, including increasing vibrancy and decreasing breakouts, per Healthline, it is best to leave your selected sugaring areas exfoliation-free for at least two to three days before your appointment. This is because sugaring itself can cause an over-exfoliation of the skin, leaving it more vulnerable, as noted by Healthline. Another trick is to avoid tight clothing to let the pores breathe and grow back properly without being forced in the wrong direction. "Tight clothing can result in chronic friction, which can cause these bumps to become inflamed," dermatologist Kachiu C. Lee told Bustle

If you want to take an extra step to avoid ingrown hairs, you can always opt for an oil or concentrate designed to prevent these unpleasant bumps. The Fur Ingrown Concentrate ($28) is made with natural ingredients, and can be applied daily in order to calm irritation and smooth pores. Plus, the formula is ideal for sensitive skin and the bikini area, per Byrdie. While no technique can assure that a hair won't grow back improperly, these tips can definitely make the results of a sugaring appointment the best possible.