Many people have experienced ingrown hair and find it uncomfortable and frustrating. Ingrown hairs happen when the hair starts growing back on the skin, causing redness and swelling and even resulting in infections. The tiny bump from the ingrown hair can also be painful. The condition more frequently occurs among curly-haired people though it can also result from tweezing, shaving, or waxing. Ingrown hair is also more common in the bikini area of women and around the beard of men.
There are a few symptoms of ingrown hair that you will notice. First, your skin may be red and show signs of inflammation. After this, pus may start to form. People may experience other symptoms, which may be similar to those of other skin problems. Therefore, the best course of action is to consult with a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis of the skin condition.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of ingrown hair occurrences. For instance, you can avoid shaving too close to your skin. Unfortunately, plucking hair can also result in ingrown hair. If it continues to be an issue, you may opt for laser hair removal treatment, a medical procedure performed by a professional who uses the best industrial laser hair removal machine for great results.
Practice proper shaving techniques
As mentioned, shaving is one of the most common causes of ingrown hair, especially when it isn’t done right. It is best to allow hair to grow slightly longer before shaving to avoid a close shave that can cause ingrown hair. Use a clean, sharp razor and apply shaving cream to moisturize your skin. Always rinse your blade following each stroke. Also, you should shave toward where your hair grows. If you have experienced ingrown hair in a particular area, try not to shave over that spot again.
Avoid wearing tight clothes
When you wear tight clothing, you increase the risk of having ingrown hair. This holds true, especially where it happens more frequently, like on your underarms or bikini line. Ingrown hair can happen due to friction between the skin and tight clothing. For example, too much rubbing throughout the day can result in irritation and lead to ingrown hair occurrences.
Make it a habit to exfoliate regularly
Regular exfoliation is an effective strategy to keep ingrown hair from occurring. When you exfoliate, you help rid your skin of old skin cells that clog your hair follicles and result in ingrown hair. Various exfoliation methods include using an exfoliating brush or a scrub. However, it is important not to overdo the procedure as it can cause skin irritation and may lead to ingrown hairs.
Avoid tweezing
Although some people use tweezers to remove unwanted hair, it is best to avoid it as it could leave behind a hair fragment beneath the skin, which can also cause ingrown hair.
Ingrown hair can feel uncomfortable and painful. The tips above can help you prevent ingrown hair from occurring. In addition, you can talk to your healthcare provider for expert advice.
