When a shaved or plucked hair grows back in under the skin, it's an ingrown hair.This process can cause red bumps, but can also cause irritation, infections, and even permanent scarring.If you want to reduce your chances of getting ingrown hairs, prepare your skin before hair removal and use safe, gentle hair-removal techniques.Make ingrown hairs less likely by using appropriate aftercare after you have removed the hair.
Step 1: Get rid of your skin.
Dead skin cells can build up on the skin and cause hair problems.You can gently remove hair by rubbing your skin with a wet washcloth or scrub.Circular motions should be used for maximum effectiveness.You can make a gentle scrub at home by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water.For the best results, use this scrub once a week.Chemical exfoliants are effective.
Step 2: Take care of your skin and hair.
Keeping your skin and hair hydrated will make them less prone to drying out.It is easier to shave hydrated hair.After removing dead skin cells, apply a gentle moisturizers to your skin.Make sure that your moisturizer is non-comedogenic by checking the label.If you are going to shave your head hair, you should use a hair conditioner.You can keep your body and facial hair hydrated by soaking them in warm water and using a lubricating gel or shaving cream.
Step 3: Before hair removal, clean your skin.
Most hair removal techniques leave your skin and hair vulnerable to infections.Before shaving, plucking, or waxing, you should use warm water and a mild face or body cleanser.
Step 4: Apply shaving cream or gel to your skin.
If shaving is your preferred method of hair removal, keeping your hair and skin hydrated during the shave is a must.The hair will be easier to cut if you use a cream or gel.Before you start shaving, apply your shaving cream or shaving gel.After getting out of the shower, it is a good idea to shave.The warm water will make shaving easier.
Step 5: It's a good idea to shave in the direction of hair growth.
Shaving with the grain may help reduce irritation and damage to your skin.This technique does not work for everyone.You can experiment with the shaving direction that is least annoying.Make sure you don't pull your skin taut while you shave it.This could lead to ingrown hairs.
Step 6: Don't shave with a dull blade.
A sharp blade is less likely to cause irritation to your skin.If your razor is dull, replace it with a new one.It is not clear whether using a single blade razor helps prevent ingrown hairs.If you find that the multi-blade razor is more effective for you, stick with it.
Step 7: It's a good idea to wash your razor frequently while shaving.
During the shaving process, razors become clogged with shaving gel and hair, which makes them less effective and more likely to cause irritation.Keep your razor clean by rinsing between strokes.
Step 8: Use an electric razor.
The chance of developing ingrown hairs can be reduced by using electric razors and clippers.If you shave frequently and develop ingrown hairs, it may be worthwhile to sacrifice a close shave.Hold the blade slightly away from your skin while shaving, and avoid setting your razor/clippers on the closest shave setting.If your electric razor is not fully charged, don't use it.If the razor battery is low, the blades can pull at your hairs, which can be painful.
Step 9: You can use sanitary waxing practices.
You are still at risk of getting ingrown hairs if you decide to wax instead of shave.Before waxing, cleanse and remove dead skin cells.Use a new stick for every application of wax to reduce your risk of infections.
Step 10: It is possible to remove hair with a chemical hair removal product.
Depilatory creams work by dissolving hair rather than pulling it out.It is less likely that they will lead to ingrown hairs.Some people can experience irritation from hair removal products.Before you use the product, make sure you test it on a small area of your skin.
Step 11: You can use laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal uses a guided laser beam to destroy the hair and root.This technique does not completely eliminate hair in the treated area, but it will reduce hair density significantly.shaving, plucking, and other hair removal techniques can lead to ingrown hairs.The side effects of laser hair removal are usually mild and temporary.Permanent scarring can occur in rare cases.Laser hair removal can be expensive.Multiple treatments are needed for the treatment to be effective.
Step 12: After shaving, rinse your skin with cool water.
Splash on a little cold water, or gently wipe the shaved area with a cold, wet washcloth.Rinsing can help cleanse the skin, close your pores, and reduce irritation.
Step 13: After removing hair, apply a lotion.
It is a good idea to treat your skin with a gentle lotion after waxing, plucking, or shaving.It's a good idea to make sure your lotion is free of alcohol and perfumes.It may be comforting to use a moisturizers containing oatmeal or aloe.You can apply some cool tea to your skin after shaving.It has antiseptic properties.
Step 14: After removing hair, Exfoliate.
It is important to get rid of hair after waxing.For the first few days after waxing, apply a gentle scrub.
Step 15: You can use glycolic acid.
Glycolic and salicylic acid help remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.Salicylic acid can be used to prevent post-shave breakouts.You can use post-shave pads containing glycolic and/or salicylic acid.If your skin is sensitive, you should avoid using these products more than once a week.If you shave or wax your skin, do not use glycolic or salicylic acid.Allow your skin to rest for a day or two before applying.If you use these products with a moisturizer, they can be drying.