Ingrown hairs can be a pain, quite literally. Whether resulting from improper shaving techniques or other hair removal practices, these hairs can lead to irritation and unsightly bumps.
“An ingrown hair occurs when hair growing from under the follicle is trapped under the skin. The hair grows back into the skin instead of rising upward,” said esthetician Alyia Whitaker.
The owner of Sass N Class Salon of Beauty in El Cerritos, CA, says ingrown hairs can happen to anyone but a particular demographic suffers most.
“The clients who often get them the most are those with coarse or curly hair types,” she explained.
Proactive Prevention Reduces Irritation
Preventing ingrown hairs necessitates the incorporation of straightforward measures into your grooming routine. These practices contribute to a smoother shaving experience and reduce the likelihood of irritation and hair entrapment.
“One of the best ways to prevent ingrown hairs is by exfoliating before shaving, waxing, etc. For instance, using a scrub or exfoliating product to eliminate dead skin cells, opening up hair follicles, creating a smoother surface for shaving, and reducing the likelihood of trapped hairs,” explained Whittaker.
The esthetician suggests exfoliating 24-28 hours before a wax to help see better results. Also, waxing and sugaring are the best options for hair removal when trying to prevent ingrown hairs.
Additionally, Whittaker doesn’t recommend shaving because most people don’t know how to do it correctly.
Products to Prevent Ingrown Hair
Choosing the right products involves opting for those with exfoliating properties, such as salicylic or glycolic acid, to remove dead skin cells and reduce the likelihood of trapped hairs. Look for products with tea tree oil because of its antibacterial properties. Other products should include chamomile and lavender for their calming properties.
“Handling ingrown hairs becomes more manageable by incorporating great preventive measures into your routine,” Whitaker suggested.