How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs
This problem can affect anyone who has shaved. It doesn’t matter if you use a razor, tweezers or wax. Although ingrown hairs usually pose no health risk, they cause great discomfort to those affected.
Ingrown hairs are more common among African Americans who shave their beards. However, no one is immune from this problem. They can appear on the face, scalp, armpits, pubic area, and legs.
Why do ingrown hairs appear?
The most important factor that influences the appearance of ingrown hairs is the structure of the hair itself and the direction in which it grows. There are curved hair follicles, which give rise to very curly hairs. This makes it easier for the hair to enter the skin after the cut.
When it begins to grow again, it penetrates the skin. Some of these hairs are left with a very sharp edge after shaving. This is especially true when they are dry at the time of cutting.
There is an increased risk of developing ingrown hairs when epilating with tweezers. This usually leaves fragments that grow inside the skin. There is also a greater danger of developing them when the skin is stretched before waxing.
The best way to prevent ingrown hairs
The best way to prevent ingrown hairs is to avoid waxing. Humans have hair all over the body, except on the soles of the hands and feet and on the mucous membranes. Their function is to protect the skin: they are not there by chance.
The bristles protect against dust, dirt, sunlight and wind damage. They also play an important role in the defense against bacteria and other microorganisms. They also have an insulating function: they help regulate the temperature.
On the other hand, the hairs absorb sweat so that it does not cause skin irritation. They also redirect it to cool or dry out certain areas. Hair removal affects the natural growth of the hair and therefore avoiding it is the best way to avoid complications.
Some preventive measures against ingrown hairs
If a person does not want to do without hair removal, at least some preventive measures should be taken to decrease the likelihood of suffering from uncomfortable ingrown hairs. The most recommended actions are:
- Exfoliate regularly. This method keeps the pores clean and provides the skin with the necessary hydration. This makes hair removal easier.
- Maintain good hydration. When you don’t drink enough water, the skin hardens and dries up. This makes it difficult for the hair to pass through the skin during its growing process.
- Prepare the skin. Before shaving, the skin should be moistened with lukewarm water. This helps the pores to open and thus reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Stay hydrated. It is a good idea to apply a gel or moisturizer before waxing. It lubricates the skin and softens the hair.
- Keep the blade straight. It is best not to use the same blade more than three times. They lose their sharpness and can harm the skin. There is no indication that a two-blade razor is more advantageous than a disposable one-blade razor. Everyone should test and evaluate which one is the most effective for them.
- Have a regular frequency. It is best to shave every day to avoid ingrown hairs. If this is not possible, do it as often as possible.
- Shave properly. The right thing to do is to shave the same way hair grows. In this way, the natural tendency of hairs to grow is less impaired.
- Do not strain the skin. Avoid tightening the skin during epilation, as the hair will retract when released and eventually incarnate.
- Clean yourself properly. Each time the blade is passed it should be rinsed. Once epilation is complete, rinse the epilated area thoroughly, then apply a gentle lotion.
