Everything You Need To Know About Ingrown Hairs
You must have heard about ‘ingrown hairs’ on one or two occasions and wondered what they really are, how they feel, and how to avoid them. Read on as we answer all your questions.
Ingrown hairs are red itchy bumps that appear on your skin when you shave and new hair is growing back into the skin.
They may resemble swollen, red, uncomfortable spots on the skin.
If you have coarse or curly hair, you can be more prone to getting ingrown hair.
You are more likely to develop ingrown hairs in the following places after shaving:
Legs
Chest
Back
Armpit
Pubic area.
Ingrown hairs can also result from waxing, hair plucking, and hair threading.
How To Avoid Ingrown Hairs
We would have really loved to tell you one perfect solution to avoid ingrown hair but, it takes several precautions, not just one.
Although, avoiding hair removal generally is the only perfect way to avoid ingrown hairs. Of course, you won’t be able to do that. So, here are some steps you may take to avoid ingrown hairs and hasten their recovery if you choose to shave or remove hair in another way.
- wet your skin with warm water and use shaving gel
- shave in the direction in which the hairs are growing
- use as few strokes of the razor as possible
- rinse the razor after each stroke
- hold a cold, wet cloth to your skin after shaving to reduce irritation
- use an exfoliating scrub to help release any trapped hairs
- try a different hair removal method, such as waxing
If you do choose to wax instead (which we think is a better option. See why here.), follow these steps:
WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is to wear loose-fitting clothing to your waxing appointment and for one to two days afterwards.
Clothing that fits too tightly will irritate and produce unnecessary friction. Your skin will be able to breathe and recover without being put under tight pressure in loose garments.
AFTER WAXING, AVOID HOT SHOWERS AND SCENTED PRODUCTS.
Be cautious not to take hot baths or showers for a few days following your waxing appointment. Cool compresses and water will assist to calm the region and lessen skin sensitivity and inflammation.
Avoid using any lotions or creams with fragrance. These will probably sting and irritate your skin. Use a serum or lotion that is safe to apply after waxing instead.
AFTER 72 HOURS, GENTLY EXFOLIATE
The area that has been waxed must also be exfoliated, which is a crucial step in preventing ingrown hair following waxing. Exfoliating gently will aid in removing dead skin cells and provide the hair with a clear path to regrow.
You can use an exfoliator like our Nourishing Java Body Scrub W/Shea Butter
Avoid over-exfoliating. You don't want to aggravate the skin and deprive it of its natural moisture. You should be able to prevent ingrown hairs by exfoliating approximately twice a week.
AVOID PICKING, PLUCKING, AND SCRATCHING THE WAXED SKIN.
Finally, under no circumstances should you ever pick, pull, or scratch at any lumps or redness that appear. Your risks of getting ingrown hairs are increased by this.
There you have it! You'll save yourself a lot of stress and discomfort if you follow these simple tips.
Thinking of getting waxed soon? We’ve got you covered! Book your next appointment with us, you’ll have a great experience.