Understanding and preventing Ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs are a common nuisance that can cause discomfort and irritation, for some ingrown hairs are just a part of hair removal regardless if its shaving, hair removal creams or waxing.

At Strip Bare, we believe in not only providing top notch hair removal services but also educating clients on how to maintain smooth healthy skin.

Here’s what you need to know about ingrown hairs and how to prevent them.

What are ingrown hairs?

Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into the skin rather than away from it. In some cases, ingrown hairs, can even curl back into the hair follicle without even exiting the skin. They often occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead, dry skin cells or oil. Ingrown hairs often appear as small red bumps, that can be swollen, they may also be uncomfortable or painful. Sometimes they can become infected and lead to further irritation.

Causes of ingrown hairs

There can be many factors that contribute to the development of ingrown hairs;

· Hair removal methods: shaving, waxing, epilating and tweezing can all potentially cause ingrown hairs

· Hair texture: People with curly or coarse hair are more prone as the hair tent to curl back into the skin

· Clogged pores or follicles: dead skin cells can clog hair follicles, making it difficult for new hair to grow outward

· Tight clothing: wearing tight clothing can cause friction against the skin, which can irritate hair follicles and contribute to ingrown hairs

The key is prevention, if you take care of your skin on a regular basis and make it part of your daily routine, it will be more unlikely you will suffer with ingrown hairs. Albeit unfortunately, those with curly or coarse hair or having certain hormones at high levels are more prone to ingrown hairs.

Prevention tips

The key to preventing ingrown hairs involves a combination of proper hair removal techniques and food skincare practice.

· Exfoliate regularly: gently exfoliate your skin a few times a week to remove dead skin cells and keep your hair follicles clear. Use a sugar scrub or a chemical exfoliant

· Moisturise: keep you skin well hydrated to maintain elasticity and reduce the chance of hair becoming trapped under the skin

· Proper hair removal: Visit only reputable qualified therapists for hair removal

· Follow aftercare advice: your therapist should give you written or verbal aftercare and home-care advice

· Don’t pick or poke: if you do get an ingrown hair, resist the urge to pick or prod at it, instead apply a warm compress to reduce inflammation and gently exfoliate the area

Treatment for ingrown hairs

If you develop an ingrown hair, there are several steps you can take to treat it.

· Exfoliate gently: use a gentle exfoliant, such as a sugar or enzyme scrub to help release the trapped hair

· Topical treatments: consider using over the counter products that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid to reduce inflammation and promote healing

· Seek professional help: if the ingrown hair becomes very painful, infected, its then best to get some advice from the pharmacy or health care provider

Product recommendations

In our Skin and Waxing clinic we stock fantastic, tried and tested aftercare products at reasonable prices. Were happy to talk you through them if you would like to know more.

For exfoliation,

· A bit of rough, Exfoliating cloths

· Ruff Stuff Sugar scrub

· Perron Rigot Double scrub

· Perron Rigot Ingrown hair care

· Waxperts Salicylic wonder pads

For moisturising,

· Perron Rigot Moisturising milk

· Perron Rigot Moisturising crackling foam

· Perron Rigot Hair Minimising body lotion

Ingrown hairs are a nuisance, but with the right care, you can keep them at bay. Regular exfoliation, moisturising and choosing professional waxing services can make all the difference.

Remember our team is always here to help.