1. Ingrown Hairs Can Happen Anywhere
Ingrown hairs, also called razor bumps, occur when the stubble of a hair grows in the wrong direction, back into the skin. Ingrown hairs occur wherever you shave, wax or use hair removal cream including your face, legs, armpits and bikini area. Most ingrown hairs are small, and while annoying, don't present any real medical harm. However, in some instances, infection is possible if an ingrown hair becomes infected, prompting you to remove it. Ingrown hairs can cause pimples, redness, swelling and scarring.
2. Don't Pluck an Ingrown Hair Unless Necessary
If you find yourself with an ingrown hair, try to avoid plucking it. Removing an ingrown hair by the roots will only cause it to burrow deeper into the skin. Instead, try to wait it out. To relieve discomfort, soak the ingrown hair with a warm washcloth to help "draw" it out. Wear loose clothing and don't shave or wax until it has completely healed.
3. Cleanliness is key for Removal
If you do decide to remove an ingrown hair, sterilize everything that touches it to prevent infection. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Sterilize the tweezers with hydrogen peroxide before you begin. Pull the skin gently away from the ingrown hair and pull the hair out. Brace yourself; it will hurt much more than typical tweezing. Once you have removed the hair, clean the area with hydrogen peroxide or aloe vera to prevent infection.
4. Lay off the Lotion When you Have an Ingrown Hair
Heavy lotions and creams clog pores and increase chances of ingrown hairs. Instead, use a toner, aftershave or cold water after waxing or shaving. These all tighten pores, reducing build up of dead skin that clogs pores. The one exception is products with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid exfoliates, moisturizes and helps prevent infection. Using it after you shave will decrease chances of ingrown hairs.
5. An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
The best way to deal with ingrown hairs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Before you shave or wax, take a hot shower. This will help soften the shafts of hair and open skin pores. Skip foamy shaving creams that dry out skin and clog pores. Instead, use a gel based cream. Always shave in the same direction the hair grows.
Member Comments