By Tawnya Fornerod, licensed esthetician and founder of Just The Strip.
Smooth Operator is the ingrown hair serum Just The Strip was built on: a salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid serum you apply right after waxing, sugaring or shaving and then once a day between appointments to help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps. If you have ever had tiny red bumps after a Brazilian, a bikini wax or a shave, this is the step that helps keep skin smooth, calm and clear until your next appointment.
Why do ingrown hairs happen after waxing?
Ingrown hairs happen when a hair curls back or grows sideways under the skin instead of growing out through the surface. They are more common after waxing and shaving, especially where hair is coarse or curly and skin is sensitive, like the bikini line, underarms and beard area. Tight clothing, dry skin and dead skin that builds up over the follicle all make it more likely, and a trapped hair can lead to inflammation and bumps.
How does Smooth Operator help prevent ingrown hairs?
Smooth Operator helps prevent ingrown hairs by using three acids that work at different depths. Salicylic acid reaches down into the follicle to clear it out, while glycolic and lactic acids smooth the surface of the skin so hair can grow through cleanly. Camphor, glycerin and vitamin E calm and hydrate at the same time, which is why it is gentle enough to apply the moment your service is finished.
It works on the bikini line and after a Brazilian, on the underarms and legs, and on the beard and neck after shaving, for everyone. Smooth Operator was created by a licensed esthetician with almost 25 years of waxing behind her, and it is made for us by a trusted manufacturing partner to our formula.
How do I use Smooth Operator?
- Start with clean, dry skin. Use Simply Pure Body Wash in the shower, then pat dry.
- Apply a thin layer right after waxing, sugaring or shaving. Focus on the areas where ingrowns show up most, like the bikini line, underarms, legs or beard.
- Let it dry fully before you dress, then finish with a few drops of Nourishing Oil to hydrate. Some Nourishing Oil scents contain sweet almond oil, so choose Plain Jane, our nut free Nourishing Oil, if you have a nut allergy.
- Use it once a day between appointments. Consistency is what keeps the follicle clear as hair grows back.
While you are using Smooth Operator, skip other chemical exfoliants and harsh scrubs on the same area. Two or three times a week, starting 24 to 48 hours after your wax, a Sugar Body Scrub is the gentle exfoliation step in our routine.
What else helps prevent ingrown hairs?
A few simple habits make a big difference alongside your serum. If you shave, use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Wear loose, breathable clothing for the first day after a wax, and keep skin hydrated so hair can grow out rather than curl back under. If you are dealing with persistent ingrowns or other skin concerns, a dermatologist can give you personalized recommendations, because every person's skin is different.
Who should choose Truth Serum instead?
Smooth Operator contains salicylic acid, so please choose Truth Serum, our acid free serum built on witch hazel and botanicals, if you are pregnant or nursing, have an aspirin allergy, or have very sensitive or reactive skin. Many clients keep both and use Truth Serum on the face and Smooth Operator on the body.
Smooth Operator for estheticians
Smooth Operator was designed with estheticians in mind, and it is one of the easiest products to recommend at checkout because clients feel the difference between appointments. Licensed professionals can stock it as a PRO 3 pack at half of retail, and it pairs with Plain Jane Nourishing Oil for a simple post wax combination of treat and hydrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ingrown hair serum after waxing?
The best ingrown hair serum after waxing is one you can apply right after your service and then use every day between appointments. Smooth Operator combines salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids to clear the follicle and smooth the surface, and it is gentle enough to go on the moment your wax is finished.
How soon after waxing should I apply Smooth Operator?
Apply Smooth Operator right away, on clean skin, before you get dressed, because the follicle is open in the first minutes after hair removal and that is when it is most likely to trap a hair. Let it dry fully, then follow with a few drops of Nourishing Oil, and use it once a day between appointments.
Does Smooth Operator work for razor bumps?
Yes, razor bumps are mostly ingrown hairs set off by shaving, so a daily serum that keeps the follicle clear and the surface smooth helps trapped hairs grow through and helps prevent new bumps. Smooth Operator is used after waxing, sugaring, laser, tweezing and shaving, for everyone.
Can I use Smooth Operator during pregnancy?
No, Smooth Operator contains salicylic acid, so please choose Truth Serum, our acid free serum, if you are pregnant or nursing or have an aspirin allergy. Truth Serum is the ingrown hair serum we recommend during pregnancy and nursing.
Should I pick or tweeze an ingrown hair?
No, picking, squeezing or tweezing an ingrown hair can break the skin and lead to irritation, infection or a lasting mark. Use your ingrown hair serum daily and a warm compress, and see a doctor or dermatologist if a bump becomes painful, swollen or hot.
Which Smooth Operator format should I choose?
The 100 ml roll on in our regular scent is the everyday choice, the 50 ml Dreamsicle roll on is the same formula in our orange vanilla scent, the 100 ml glass pump bottle suits anyone who prefers to apply by hand, and the pads are made for travel and gym bags. The serum is identical in every format.
Shop Smooth Operator Ingrown Hair Serum, or see the full Ingrown Solutions collection.
