Imagine getting out of bed to a soft, irritation-free shave every morning. Sounds like a dream come true, right? For most people, the problem of ingrown hairs is a never-ending nightmare.
how to avoid ingrown hairs? From men suffering post-shave irritation to women looking for perfectly soft legs, ingrown hairs present a severe and frustrating issue.
But there’s no need to worry because we have you covered! In this piece, we follow five steps that do a fantastic job of preventing ingrown hairs and securing a clean shave that your skin will thank you for.
Understanding ingrown hairs
An ingrown hair is a hair that curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising from it. This can often cause inflammation, pain, and sometimes small papules where hair can be seen trapped.
Common symptoms include red or dark bumps, itching, and tenderness. These little niggles can occur just about anywhere on the body, but are most prevalent in places repeatedly shaved or waxed, like the face, legs, and bikini line.
Common causes of ingrown hairs
What causes ingrown hairs? Several factors combine to result in ingrown hairs, so it’s imperative to get to grips with what causes these in the first place.
Hair removal methods
Shaving, waxing, and other hair removal methods are the chief causes of ingrown hairs. It is also believed that the pointed ends of the hair could penetrate back into the skin if shaved.
Waxing, particularly with the wrong type of wax or waxing method, could snap the hair underneath the skin line, and thus, ingrown would occur. Even plucking may leave the hairs broken off unevenly, making them more prone to ingrown.
Skin and hair type
Your skin and hair type play significant roles in determining your susceptibility to ingrown hair. People with curly or coarse hair suffer from more ingrown hairs, since their hair tends to curl back into the skin.
Similarly, those who have thicker layers of skin may also face more ingrown hairs because of their inability for the hair to penetrate the surface.
Effective treatments for ingrown hairs
While prevention is the primary cure, treatment of the ingrown hair is also effective in ensuring no further discomfort.
Exfoliation
Dead skin cells must be shed off regularly, so the hair will not be trapped under the skin. Our Bee Clean Body Bar works great for this.
Naturally exfoliating, it gently removes dead skin while leaving your skin to feel even and soft before shaving. Doing this regularly helps to reduce ingrown hairs.
Topical treatments
Numerous over-the-counter and natural remedies help relieve and treat ingrown hairs. Salicylic acid or glycolic acid preparations exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation. Aloe or tea tree oil helps calm irritation and heal the area.
Tips to prevent ingrown hairs
The best way to avoid ingrown hairs is not to get them in the first place. Here are a few practical tips that help accomplish a smooth, bump-free shave:
Proper shaving techniques
Using the right shaving techniques makes a difference. Always shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation.
Use a fresh, clean, sharp razor and apply a moisturizing shave soap like our African Black Shave Soap. Its soothing and moisturizing properties will ensure the shaving process goes more smoothly, with a lower incidence of ingrown hairs.
Skin care routine
There should be a proper skincare routine after shaving to avoid ingrown hairs. Use a gentle aftershave lotion after each shave to calm the skin and reduce irritation.
Our Aftershave Balm is designed to calm the skin and hydrate it properly, thus also preventing any potential ingrown hairs.
Step to step ingrown hairs effectively
Step 1: proper preparation cleanse and exfoliate
Start by cleaning your skin using a mild cleaner to eliminate grime and oils. Finish this off by scrubbing the skin; you can use the Bee Clean Body Bar for this step to remove dead skin cells and release trapped hairs.
Why It Works: Through scrubbing, therefore, eliminates the possibility of developing dead skin cells in the pore, which reduces the likelihood of hairs getting ingrown.
Step 2: use the right shaving tools. Choose the correct razor
Use a sharp, single-blade razor. Avoid multi-blade razors, as they cut hair below the skin level, which raises the possibility of ingrown hairs.
Use shaving cream: apply a quality shaving cream like our product African Black Shave Soap to create a protective barrier and provide lubrication for a smooth shave.
Why It Works: A sharp razor and good lubrication are your best friends in trying to avoid skin irritation and gain a closer, cleaner shave.
Step 3: shave in the right direction, shave with the grain
Always move in the direction of hair growth. This is to prevent irritation at all costs.
Avoid repeated strokes: Don’t go over the same area multiple times. This can irritate the skin and push hair back into the follicle.
Why It Works: Shaving with the grain minimizes friction and assures the hair is not cut either close.
Step 4: cold water aftershave final rinse
To close your pores and calm inflammation, finish by rinsing your skin with cold water.
Apply aftershave lotion to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and prevent infection, apply aftershave lotion to the face, such as Sweet Comb Chicago’s Aftershave Balm.
Why It Works: Treating the area after shaving soothes the skin, helps minimize irritation, and even decreases the likelihood of ingrown hair.
Steps 5: keep to a regular skin care regimen moisturize your skin
Hydrated skin equals healthy, supple skin. Dry skin is a leading cause of increased ingrown hair formation.
Maintenance Exfoliation Keep up exfoliating 2–3 times a week with your Bee Clean Body Bar to maintain smooth and build-up-free skin.
How it works: Because you’re already used to exfoliating, your skin will be well-conditioned at this point to prevent ingrown hairs.
Follow these five simple steps to see a drastic reduction in the number of ingrown hairs you experience and to indeed start enjoying that super-close, super-smooth shave.
Our Bee Clean Body Bar, African Black Shave Soap, and Aftershave Balm are great for this. Pick them up today and kiss ingrown hairs goodbye forever!
FAQs
Can Ingrown Hairs Be Prevented Completely?
Although it is difficult to prevent the occurrence of ingrown hairs entirely, you can follow the steps mentioned above to reduce their occurrence. Regular exfoliation, proper techniques of shaving, and good skin care will lessen the chances of getting ingrown hairs.
Are Certain Products Better at Helping Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
Yes! Products like our Bee Clean Body Bar, African Black Shave Soap, and Aftershave Balm are specially designed to prevent and treat ingrown hairs. With its natural elements and soothing features, experience the best – a non grating and irritation-free shave.
Ingrown hairs can be a hassle, but they don’t have to be. Once you’ve learned what exactly these problems entail and how to both avoid and treat them, you can have the best, most comfortable shave every time.
Remember that skincare doesn’t end with shaving; it’s about implementing the proper skincare routine and using the right products daily.
So, if you’re ready for a change with your shaving regimen and to rid yourself of those troublesome ingrown hairs, incorporate these tips and products into your daily routine now. For custom consultation and top-shelf products, check out Sweet Comb Chicago. Your skin will thank you!
