How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:PreventIngrownHairs

Story Highlights

Introduction If you've had an ingrown hair, you know how painful they can be. An ingrown hair is a

Adjust font size:
Desrease font
Enlarge font

Introduction

If you've had an ingrown hair, you know how painful they can be. An ingrown hair is a hair that grows out from your body, only to curl back and penetrate your skin. The results are redness, inflammation, tenderness and even infection. Although some people are more prone to ingrown hairs, particularly those with curly hair, a number of steps can help you prevent this condition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

When Shaving

Things You'll Need

  • Moisturizing soap
  • Razor
  • Tea tree oil
  • Exfoliating cream
  • Wash cloth
  • Electric razor
  • Shaving cream

Steps

1

Step One

Wash your skin before shaving with a moisturizing soap.
2

Step Two

Soak hair for five or more minutes before shaving to soften it. This helps reduce the risk of it growing into the tissues surrounding the hair follicle.
3

Step Three

Shave with the grain to help prevent cutting hair too short, which can cause ingrown hairs.
4

Step Four

Try to shave over an area only once. Repeated strokes cut hair too short.
5

Step Five

Use tea tree oil when you shower in order to kill bacterial infection.
6

Step Six

Exfoliate your skin regularly with a cream or lotion and a minimally abrasive cloth or glove.

Tips & Warnings

  • Try shaving with an electric razor which doesn't irritate the skin or shave as closely as with a regular razor.
  • Always use shaving cream. Look for sensitive skin brands.
  • Don't use acne medications containing salicylic acid on days when you shave.
  • Don't exfoliate your skin if you already have ingrown hairs, as this causes even more irritation.

When Waxing

Things You'll Need

  • Wax
  • Spatula applicator
  • Cotton stripping
  • Exfoliating cream
  • Loofah sponge

Steps

1

Step One

Smooth on wax using the spatula applicator with the grain of hair growth. Try holding the spatula at a 45-degree angle.
2

Step Two

Rub on the cotton strip with the grain of hair when applying the strip over the wax. Leave enough strip to grasp well.
3

Step Three

Pull your skin taut and rapidly yank the cotton strip back, rather than up or out from the skin.
4

Step Four

Exfoliate the waxed area with a cream and loofah sponge within one to two days to remove dead skin, which can cause ingrown hairs, particularly in the underarms, bikini lines and upper thighs.

Tips & Warnings

  • Don't wear tight fitting clothing on recently waxed skin. This causes inflammation and ingrown hairs.
Next >>
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
How to prevent ingrown hairs
Comments
Tools: |