Excessive female facial hair, also called hirsutism, brings about the necessity for hair removal methods such as waxing and shaving. Although the fastest way to remove unsightly facial hair, these methods can result in painful ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs occur when facial hair grows at an angle instead of straight up, leaving the end embedded in the skin along with bacteria and dead skin cells. Swelling, pain and infection are some of the symptoms associated with ingrown facial hair. Preventing ingrown hairs not only saves you from the discomfort but also helps keep your face clear.
Step 1
Cleanse your skin with a gentle exfoliating cleanser and warm water before and after hair removal, suggests CareFair.com. This prevents any hairs from becoming embedded in your skin and becoming infected. Do not exfoliate existent ingrown hairs because doing this could worsen the condition and irritate your skin.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter shaving gel to your face before shaving off unwanted hair. Shave gel lubricates your skin, according to Mayo Clinic. This provides extra protection from pulling and irritation that can cause hairs to become embedded.
Step 3
Apply an aftershave cream to your face, specifically formulated to prevent ingrown hairs. Aftershaves that are formulated for this purpose are available online or at your local beauty supply store, according to CareFair.com.
Step 4
Remove hair in the direction of growth instead of against. According to CareFair.com and Mayo Clinic, shaving in the direction of hair growth, avoiding pulling your skin taut and rinsing your blade after each stroke will help prevent hairs from growing back in the wrong direction.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply a cool compress to your face after hair removal to prevent inflammation and constrict hair follicles.
Things You'll Need
- Exfoliating wash
- Warm water
- Shaving gel
- Aftershave cream
- Cool compress
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