Taming the Thick, the Stubborn, and the Ingrown
Weāre talking about hair that has a mind of its own ā thick, coarse, dramatic, and seemingly determined to grow inward just to spite us.
As a qualified waxer, Iāve seen every skin type under the sun. But as someone living with PCOS, I know the beard itch. I know the deep, sore bumps. I know the hyper-awareness when you can feel a hair under the skin before anyone else can see it.
And letās be honest ā itās not just a beauty concern. Itās a sensory nightmare.
In our Gathered Grimoire, we donāt chase perfection. We chase peace. And that includes making peace with the biology weāve been given ā while still learning how to work with it instead of against it.
The PCOS Reality: Why Our Hair Is Different
PCOS often brings an overproduction of androgens, which can transform soft āvellusā hair into terminal hair ā darker, thicker, deeper-rooted strands that donāt behave politely.
This hair grows from a stronger follicle. It curls. It digs. It loops back under the skin before it even has a chance to break the surface.
So when I say exfoliation isnāt optional ā I mean it.
If you skip it, youāre essentially sealing that stubborn hair under a layer of dead skin cells and hoping for the best. And with PCOS hair, hope is not a strategy.
Low-Energy Solutions for the Weary
Now hereās the bit people donāt talk about enough:
If youāre chronically ill, neurodivergent, burnt out, or in a mental health dip, a 10-step routine is not happening.
You need lazy magic.
High-impact. Low-effort. Minimal spoons required.
The Scrub Ritual
Donāt overthink it. A gentle sugar scrub does most of the heavy lifting. The combination of sugar and oils physically lifts debris and softens the surface so the hair has a clearer path out.
It doesnāt have to be aesthetic. It just has to be done.
The Wash Cloth Hack
If even that feels like too much?
Sit on the edge of the bath and use a damp, coarse washcloth with warm water.
A few firm swipes. Done.
Itās not meant to be glamorous. It is effective.
Wipe and Go
A simple salicylic acid spray or cream after showering takes five seconds.
No rubbing. No drama.
It keeps pores clear while you go lie back down and recover.
BHA products are simple and easy, and do most of the work whilst you get on with your day or lay down to rest.Ā
Let it Breath
Simple everyday things affect your skin. Like what you wear.Ā
Avoid tight clothing, polyester and anything that makes you rub or sweat.Ā
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Friction + sweat = the enemy
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This is your permission to wear comfy clothes (or go commando) as much as you can.
Because yes - we are allowed to rest
The Routine: Pre-Care & Post-Care
1. Prep ā Exfoliate 24 hours before removal.
Loosens dead skin so hair can breathe.
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2. Removal ā Professional waxing.
Removing from the root buys you longer smooth periods and, over time, can thin regrowth. Especially helpful with stubborn strands.
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3. Soothe ā Cool compresses & aloe.
Inflammation hits harder for us. Bring it down early.
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4. Hydrate skin ā Non-comedogenic oils like jojoba.
Applying oil keeps skin supple so new growth doesnāt get trapped again.
Post-Removal Magic: Donāt Fight the Inflammation
If you see a bump, stop picking.
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I know. I know.
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But digging at a hormone-driven ingrown often leads to hyperpigmentation that sticks around far longer than the hair ever would.
Instead:
- Warm salt-water compress
- A tiny drop of tea tree oil
- Natural astringents ( rose, witch hazel, peony)
- Tumeric soaps and soaks
- Patience (the hardest one)
Your skin isnāt failing. Itās inflamed. Thereās a difference.
Route & Rune: Magic for the Stubborn Strands
Sometimes the most low-maintenance thing you can do is outsource the labour.
PCOS hair management is a spoon thief. It takes physical energy and emotional resilience.
At Route & Rune, Iāve built a space for people who are tired of fighting their own biology. I donāt judge growth. I donāt shame stubble. I donāt expect perfection.
I clear the path.
You keep your energy.
Think of it as a professional skin ritual. You bring the body ā Iāll bring the expertise.
The Bottom Line
You are not bad at grooming.
Your skin isnāt broken.
Youāre not āfailingā at femininity.
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You are working with a different set of biological rules.
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And once you understand those rules, you can stop fighting yourself and start working with what youāve got.
With love and less ingrowns,
Read our scrub guide to learn more about how to exfoliate
Explore our products and body scrub rangeĀ
