If you have ever noticed an inflated bump on your skin that can be irritating or even painful, then you have seen the end result of an ingrown hair. The cause are those horrible, coarse hairs that have changed direction and gone inwards, causing an inflammation of the skin and a nasty lump. But what can you do to get rid of ingrown hairs safely?
Avoiding Ingrown Hairs
While there is no guaranteed system to make sure your hairs never grow the wrong way, there are a few measures you can take that reduces the chances of it happening. One top culprit are razor blades that are dull and cause chafing that can lead to ingrown hairs. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to use a good exfoliator combined with a sharp razor. The exfoliator removes dead skin cells that can get trapped between skin and razor while the sharp blade doesn’t cause chafing.
Shaving itself can cause ingrown hairs and dermatologists say it can be wise to limit the amount of times you do this. Once a week can still lead to bumps though adding a moisturizing shaving cream is another step that can help lessen the damage done.
Simple Measures
For most of us, shaving is compulsory so therefore we face the prospect of ingrown hairs. However, there are a few measures to take that can stop the process or relieve it when it does happen that we should all know when we shave frequently.
Exfoliating before shaving is a step mentioned already but shouldn’t be limited to before you are ready to shave. If you spot the signs of an ingrown hair, then exfoliate the area daily at least. Don’t rub the skin raw but use a good quality product that will remove the dead skin cells in the area and decrease inflammation. Look for a product that contains something like honey that helps to moisturize the area.
Heat is useful in getting rid of hairs without too much pain. Use a hot compress to open skin pores, a simple face cloth held under hot water then pressed onto the spot for around ten minutes. You can then use a clean and sharp tool to remove the hair. Pointed-tip tweezers are ideal and give them a soak in rubbing alcohol before using them to prevent an infection. You could also use an epilator, if you want to spend a little money.
After the process, the skin is likely inflamed so a product to cool inflamed skin should be on hand. Tea tree oil is one good option and aloe vera is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties so a gel or cream featuring one of these is ideal.
Waxing Aftercare
If you prefer to wax rather than to shave, then you can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs somewhat but not remove it completely. Therefore, after wax care products are important to reduce inflammation and the chance of ingrown hairs.
Most waxing specialists will advise you what product is best but if you want to source your own, then look for something that can sooth the skin. Aloe vera, as mentioned, as well as lavender are two good options with lotions containing these reducing redness of the skin as well as the soreness. Don’t exfoliate the waxed area for at least 24 hours afterwards and even avoid using harsh soaps.
Finally, to further reduce the chance of ingrown hair, avoid wearing close fitting clothes for a few days. This might seem strange but tight clothes use synthetic materials to give them stretch and these can irritate the skin, causing ingrown hairs. Stick to natural fabric such as cotton and linen.