1. Recognize the Root of the Problem
Waxing is one of the best methods of hair removal. While it is a touch painful, it removes the hair from the roots, slowing the rate of growth. Unfortunately, waxing is also traumatic and pulls the hair out at an angle. Often the hair then grows back at the same angle as it was pulled instead of straight out of the follicle, causing it to become trapped and ingrown. Because hair growth is slower, the follicles can often become clogged with oils and dead skin cells, closing the follicle and causing ingrown hairs. Additionally, when the hair is yanked out it can irritate the follicle, causing it to become swollen and small, impeding proper hair growth.
2. Soothe the Skin Before Hair Removal
Prepare your hair and skin before waxing for easy hair removal which can help to prevent the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Always take a hot shower or even a steam before waxing to open the hair follicles and soften the hair. It can also help to use exfoliates, such as a sea salt or apricot scrub and or a loofah to help remove the top layer of dead skin cells which can impede hair removal, irritate the follicle and cause ingrown hairs.
3. Relax to Release the Roots
Waxing can be painful, causing your muscles to tense. When your muscles become tight, your skin also tightens, closing hair follicles and making hair removal that much more difficult. Try to breath deeply and relax your muscles completely during waxing for smooth and easy hair removal. The easier the hair comes free from the follicle, the less likely the follicle will become irritated and cause ingrown hairs.
4. Heat Can Help Prevent Haphazard Hair Growth
Keep your follicles open in the days following waxing so that the hairs can grow easily out of their natural spaces. Treat yourself to saunas or spa treatments, apply hot compresses to commonly affected areas and give yourself massages with thermal gels to help reduce irritation and keep the follicles open.
5. Keep the Follicles Clear
In addition to keeping your follicles open, you should also keep them free of dirt, oil and dead skin cells which can impede the growth of new hairs. Use exfoliants daily while showering and only use very light moisturizers which will not clog the follicles. You can apply baking soda to the skin to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, absorb excess oils and prevent the skin from rubbing between the upper thighs or armpits. Additionally, avoid wearing tight fitting clothing which rubs the skin, as the rubbing can irritate follicles and cause ingrown hairs.
Member Comments