Ingrown hairs usually form after shaving or tweezing, when the hair curls in on itself instead of pushing through the skin, notes the Mayo Clinic website. The curled hair continues to grow, trapped under the skin, sometimes causing inflammation and infection, until it is removed. Ingrown hairs can be painful and cause acne-like bumps on your skin. An ingrown hair can form anywhere you remove hair by the root or allow the cut root to recede below the top layer of skin. Ingrown hairs can cause bacterial infections, darker skin pigmentation and permanent scarring.
Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Step 1
Exfoliate your skin twice a week to slough off dead skin cells, recommends Quick Shave. Exfoliating helps remove the top layer of skin, allowing curled hairs to pop through the skin instead of remaining trapped. Rub a textured sponge or washcloth in circles over your face during your shower or morning routine.
Step 2
Trim mustaches as close as possible with trimmers before shaving the skin close. Trying to shave off longer hair pulls the follicles, which leads to irritation.
Step 3
Shower before shaving in warm water for at least five minutes. Soften facial skin and coarse facial hair with warm water to prevent pulling and snagging. Spread a thin layer of moisturizing gel over your upper lip and other areas you plan to shave. Allow the gel to soften hair at least three minutes before shaving.
Step 4
Shave with the grain, or direction of the mustache growth, to keep the remaining hair from curling inside the skin. Pat your skin dry. Apply an oil-free moisturizer, like aloe vera gel, to soothe skin and prevent further irritation.
Tips and Warnings
- To completely prevent ingrown hairs on your upper lip, keep your mustache. Trimming length outside the follicle won't cause ingrown hairs like removing the entire shaft at the skin level.
- Never dry shave. Razors pull and snag hairs, nick the skin and irritate follicles, causing razor bumps and burn.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Hot water
- Exfoliating pad
- Tweezers
- Rubbing alcohol
- Electric trimmer
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