We've all been there: asking our significant other/friend/brother/sister to extract a pesky ingrown that we can't see or reach, but we definitely know it's there. Ingrown hair can form anywhere, but more commonly in areas where there is frequent hair removal. From your legs to your bikini line, to your armpits and jawline, these troublesome ingrowns are notorious for being painful, stubborn, and sometimes kind of...gross. In this blog we talk why we get ingrown hair and how to avoid them...for the rest of your life.
What Causes Ingrown Hair?
Folliculitis, or ingrown hair, occurs when a hair that's been removed starts to grow back and curves into the skin instead of growing straight out of the hair follicle. This can cause a small, red, often irritated bump on the skin that may be painful. They most commonly occur from shaving, since the tip of the hair is sharp it is more easily able to poke the skin instead of gliding out of the follicle. Dead skin and oil production in the hair follicle can then infect the ingrown, closely resembling a pimple. So how can we stop ingrown hairs from occurring?
How to Prevent Folliculitis
1. Exfoliate
Sometimes ingrowns occur because there's dead skin trapped in your hair follicle, which can clog it and cause the hair to grow sideways. By exfoliating the area in which you have recurring ingrown hair, this might lessen the frequency of having them. You can use a dry brush, a sugar scrub, or something a little harsher than a loofah right before shaving.
2. Use a Sharp Blade
Remember that razor blade you keep forgetting to replace? Yeah, go do that. A sharp blade will remove as much hair as possible with minimal strokes. With a dull razor, you might have to shave over the same area multiple times causing micro-abrasions and irritating the skin. These tiny cuts can be prone to infection, especially if you haven't cleaned the area prior to shaving...which brings us to the next tip.
3. Clean the Area Prior to Shaving
Throughout the day, dirt and oil accumulate on our skin. If we do not properly cleanse the area that is to be shaved, we risk the dirt and oil infecting the freshly opened hair follicles. This gunk can seep into these follicles and cause razor burn.
4. Use Shaving Cream, Body Wash, or Conditioner When Shaving
NEVER, EVER shave on dry skin! Dragging a razor across dry, rugged skin can cause major irritation and lead to razor burn and ingrown hair. By using a moisturizing agent, you first soften the hair which makes it easier for the razor to glide across the skin and get rid of the unwanted hair, without irritation.
5. Always Shave With the Grain
You know this one...right?
6. Get Laser Hair Removal
Why not just never have to worry about ingrown hair or razor burn ever again? We just had a client get LHR on her armpits, a week later she called and told us her hair stopped growing about 5 days after treatment. After ONE treatment! Of course this will take her about 5 more sessions to permanently reduce the hair growth but, really, what are you waiting for? Imagine not having to shave your bikini line or armpits every 2-3 days...what a dream.
Ingrown hair, razor burn, and constantly having to shave are examples of things that are so easy to get rid of. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with our amazing team of PA's regarding laser hair removal or other treatments, call or text us, message us on Instagram, or click the button below.
210-774-2850
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