One of the most common aesthetic problems for men as well as women is the appearance of ingrown hairs. These originate when the hairs grow beneath the skin, after the follicles become clogged due to the build-up of sebum and dead skin cells. Luckily, you can prevent ingrown hairs.
It is also a common problem for people who have thick or curly hair, as they have more difficulty reaching the surface. In addition, they can occur due to shaving or lack of exfoliation.
Although ingrown hairs aren’t a serious problem, it’s important to pay attention to them as they can cause pain, inflammation, and even some infections.
6 Tips and Ways to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to help prevent ingrown hairs before they develop.
In today’s article we want to share the top six with you so you’ll add them to your personal care routine.
1. Exfoliate
If your skin is susceptible to ingrown hairs, use an exfoliating product to remove any impurities that can clog the hair follicles.
This treatment will soften the texture of your skin and remove any dead skin cells that generate pimples or other blemishes.
Suggestions:
- Try to exfoliate two to three times a week, preferably before shaving.
- Choose products that are natural in origin, such as honey or raw sugar.
- After you use these products, moisturize the area well.
2. Choose an appropriate hair removal method
Not all types of skin can handle all methods of hair removal.
While they do work when applied well, some of them can cause adverse reactions, such as ingrown hairs.
Shaving using a razor can affect the normal growth of your hair, as it doesn’t remove the hair by the roots.
Waxing can also cause this problem because it weakens the roots of the hair follicles, causing the hair to weaken and be unable to penetrate the skin.
Suggestions:
- Avoid using razors if you notice they make your skin sensitive or reddish.
- Pay attention to your hair growth if you’re using a method such as waxing.
- Try using depilatory creams or natural products.
3. Learn to shave correctly
If you prefer to use a razor due to time or personal preference, be sure to use it correctly to prevent ingrown hairs.
Suggestions:
- Wash your skin with soap and water before shaving.
- Apply shaving cream or a moisturizing product to keep your skin hydrated while you shave.
- Always shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
4. Avoid wearing tight clothes
Although this might seem totally unrelated, the use of clothing that’s too tight, especially right after you shave, can cause problems with hair growth.
This is because your skin loses its ability to “breathe,” which affects the health of the hair follicles.
Suggestions:
- Try wearing loose clothing, either cotton or another breathable fabric.
- Avoid wearing tight jeans or something similar.
5. Try warm compresses
The use of warm compresses before shaving is a popular way to facilitate the removal of hair and keep your follicles from getting clogged.
The heat softens the skin in the area and keeps your follicles healthy, preventing them from becoming blocked.
Suggestions:
- Warm up some water and apply it to your skin before shaving.
- You can apply compresses twice a day until the hair begins growing naturally.
6. Use an antiseptic
To prevent an infection of the hair follicle, it’s a good idea to use lotion or antiseptic ointment after waxing and shaving.
This is because the blades can damage the top of the follicle, facilitating the invasion by bacteria and microorganisms.
Suggestions:
- After shaving, dry your skin well and disinfect it with an antiseptic.
- If you don’t have any commercial products, choose honey, garlic, or aloe vera gel.
Do you suffer from this problem often? If so, try some of these types and you’ll reduce ingrown hairs once and for all.
If you notice a pimple or an infection in the follicle, however, be sure to see your doctor.
Via: Cosmopolitan | WomensHealth
