The best ways to prevent them - or how to treat them when they do pop up.

Daily: When in the shower, use a body wash and a soft cloth to lightly cleanse and exfoliate the bikini line. If you’re extremely ingrown-prone, dab on some body cream spiked with AHAs, which will give a further exfoliating effect. Try: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Smoothing Lotion, $9.95.

Weekly: Use a granular yet gentle body scrub to give the bikini line a thorough skin-smoothing treatment.

As Needed: If your bikini line starts to get bumpy and congested, consider treating it as you would blockages on your skin: with a mask. Simply slather on a facial mask containing anti-bacterial or purifying properties, and kick back in the bathroom while it does its thing.

Spot Treatment: If, despite all your best efforts, you still get an ingrown, try treating it with a salicylic acid-based spot treatment, such as Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel, $32 (from Clinique). This can help to calm the inflammation, lightly exfoliate and eventually lure out the trapped hair. In the case of a deep-seated ingrown, don’t try to DIY – go straight to your therapist who can lance the hair out. If severe infection strikes, see your doctor, who can prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

Other Top Tips: Don’t exercise for 24 hours after a wax - sweat can cause blockages … Wear breathable cotton underwear … Consider laser hair removal on the bikini line, which guarantees to give you an baby-soft, bump-free result for at least five years.

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