Ingrown hairs: nearly all of us have had them, but not many of us know the best way to treat them.
Ingrown hairs affect nearly everyone, and while they’re nothing to be concerned about, they can cause irritation and even infections. Not to mention, they can be incredibly frustrating if you find them appearing regularly.
However, with a little understanding of what causes ingrown hairs, coupled with an effective hair removal and skincare routine to keep them at bay, you can say goodbye to ingrown hairs for good and enjoy beautifully smooth skin that makes you feel as confident as you deserve to.
What is an Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair does what it says on the tin; often forming after a hair removal treatment, an ingrown hair is one or more hairs that become trapped under the skin during the growth process.
The majority of areas on the body have hair follicles, with the exception of places such as the lips, eyelids, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet, meaning that ingrown hairs can occur almost anywhere. Many people find ingrown hairs on their legs, underarms, face and neck, or bikini line following hair removal treatments, but they may form in any region where hair grows.
A normal hair grows through the hair follicles in our skin and out of the upper layer of the skin. However, an ingrown hair occurs when the hair turns back into the hair shaft and begins growing back into the skin, rather than out of it.
Ingrown hairs affect nearly all people, and are nothing to be ashamed of or worried about. While there are many things that can cause ingrown hairs, they often occur after shaving or waxing. They can also form if the skin is not exfoliated, leading to an excess amount of dead skin cells on the surface, or as a result of friction with clothing which manipulates the direction of hair growth.
How to Recognize an Ingrown Hair
While some people find themselves prone to ingrown hairs, you may have had one and not realized it. Often confused with blemishes or pimples, ingrown hair bumps often appear as red or white bumps that contain pus or blood. Sometimes, the ingrown hair itself is visible within the bump.
While not serious, ingrown hairs can often cause itching and discomfort as the hair grows into the skin. Ingrown hairs can also cause inflammation and even infection due to an accumulation of bacteria in the blocked hair follicle. So to keep your skin in top health, it is vital to treat ingrown hairs when they form.
How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs
While there are a variety of recommended methods for ingrown hair removal, prevention is key when it comes to maintaining your skin’s health.
Shaving is one of the most common causes of ingrown hairs. When the razor cuts the hair at the skin’s surface, it can often make the hair more coarse, which makes it more able to penetrate the skin and form an ingrown hair. Shaving can also affect the direction of hair growth, making ingrown hairs more likely to form.
When it comes to shaving, it is vital to change your razor regularly as unclean razors can be rife with bacteria that can lead to infected ingrown hairs. Blunt razors are also more likely to cause friction, so be sure to switch your razor up if you’re noticing more ingrown hairs appearing.
Prior to shaving, ensure that your skin is well hydrated to reduce irritation. Depending on your personal preferences, you can lather up with shaving foam before removing the hair as this can help to reduce friction while giving skin an extra dose of moisture.
Does Waxing Help With Ingrown Hairs?
As long as waxing is performed properly, it can be one of the best hair removal methods for a gorgeously smooth finish. Waxing may sound simple, but it can cause ingrown hairs if an incorrect technique is used.
Wax should be applied in the direction of the hair growth, and then pulled away in the opposite direction for the best results. After waxing the majority of the hair, you can wax in the direction of the hair growth to remove any of those hard-to-get baby hairs.
If not waxing correctly, it can cause hair breakage rather than removing the hair. These broken hairs are then more likely to grow back into the skin and cause ingrowns. So when waxing at home, be sure to understand the proper waxing technique to protect your skin as much as possible. And whether waxing at home or with a professional, ensure that gloves are always worn for maximum safety.
The Best Ingrown Hair Treatment
Whether it be a razor, hair clippers, wax, or tweezers, no matter how you choose to remove your body hair, it is paramount to make sure that your tool of choice is clean and you are using a safe technique.
But even with an effective hair removal and exfoliation routine, ingrown hairs can still form. Tweezers are most people’s go-to method of ingrown hair removal, as we all have a pair of tweezers in the house. While tweezers can remove ingrowns, they can also cause them if the hair is pulled out against the natural direction of growth. If you’re removing an ingrown hair using tweezers, be sure to clean the area thoroughly and use gloves to reduce the risk of infection.
However, using an ingrown hair exfoliator can be one of the most efficient ways of both treating and preventing ingrown hairs while promoting overall skin health. Designed for daily use, the ultra-nourishing Potions of Gardens Ingrown Solution is your one-stop method for gently removing ingrowns to minimize the ingrown hair scars that can be caused by other removal methods.
Enriched with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and kojic acid, the convenient and easy-to-use wipes exfoliate the skin to release ingrown hairs while preventing the build-up of dead skin cells and impurities. With anti-inflammatory and exfoliant properties, our cruelty-free vegan formula works to reduce dryness, control oil production, and unclog the pores without damaging the skin so that you can wave ingrowns goodbye.
With any beauty regime, consistency is key. Beauty comes from the inside out, so be sure to nourish your body with plenty of water and nutrient-rich foods. When you look good, you feel good, so treat your body and your skin with the love it deserves.
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