Preventing Ingrown Hair on Arms and Legs: A Comprehensive Guide
How to prevent ingrown hair on arms and legs? Discover effective tips and techniques to keep your skin smooth and healthy.
Identifying Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are a common problem, especially for those with curly or coarse hair. An ingrown hair occurs when the hair grows back into the skin instead of growing outward. This can lead to small bumps, pain, and inflammation in the affected area.
Proper Shaving Techniques
Shaving can be a prime culprit for ingrown hairs. To prevent this, it’s important to use the right shaving cream, shave in the direction of hair growth, and replace your razor blades regularly. Applying an aftershave cream or gel can also help soothe the skin and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
Exfoliating for Smooth Skin
Exfoliating the skin before and after shaving can help prevent ingrown hairs. Body scrubs that contain ingredients like Himalayan salt, shea butter, or Arabica coffee can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Regular dry brushing is another effective exfoliating technique.
Choosing the Right Razor
The type of razor you use can also impact the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Opt for razors with a skin guard or single-edge blades, as these tend to provide a closer shave without cutting too deep into the skin.
Aftercare and Skin Maintenance
After shaving, it’s important to properly care for the skin. Applying a soothing aftershave cream or gel can help hydrate the skin and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Additionally, maintaining a regular skin care routine with gentle cleansers and moisturizers can help keep the skin healthy and less prone to ingrown hairs.
Medical Interventions for Chronic Ingrown Hairs
In some cases, ingrown hairs may become a chronic issue, leading to pain, inflammation, and even infection. If home remedies are not effective, it’s best to consult a dermatologist, who can provide medical treatment options such as prescription creams or even minor surgical procedures to remove the ingrown hair and prevent future occurrences.
Proactive Preventive Measures
The best way to handle ingrown hairs is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. By following a consistent skin care routine, using the right shaving techniques and tools, and exfoliating regularly, you can significantly reduce the chances of developing painful and unsightly ingrown hairs on your arms and legs.
Ingrown hairs can be a frustrating and persistent problem, but with the right approach, you can keep your skin smooth, healthy, and free from these annoying blemishes. Remember to pay attention to your skin’s needs, try different techniques, and consult a dermatologist if the issue persists.
What are some common symptoms of an ingrown hair? Ingrown hairs typically present as small bumps, blister-like lesions, skin darkening, pain, and itching in the affected area.
How can shaving properly help prevent ingrown hairs? Applying a quality shaving cream, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and using a sharp, high-quality razor can all help minimize the risk of ingrown hairs when shaving your legs or arms.
Why is exfoliating important for preventing ingrown hairs? Exfoliating, either with a body scrub or dry brushing, helps remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and lead to ingrown hairs. This process reveals healthier skin and allows hair to grow outward instead of back into the skin.
What type of razor is best for preventing ingrown hairs? Razors with a skin guard or single-edge blades tend to provide a closer shave without cutting too deeply into the skin, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs.
When should you see a dermatologist for chronic ingrown hairs? If home remedies and preventive measures are not effective in managing recurrent ingrown hairs, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. They can provide medical treatments, such as prescription creams or minor procedures, to address the issue.
What are some key tips for maintaining healthy, ingrown-hair-free skin? Consistent exfoliation, proper shaving techniques, using the right razor, and applying soothing aftershave products can all help keep your skin smooth and prevent the formation of ingrown hairs on your arms and legs.
How can dry brushing help prevent ingrown hairs? Dry brushing, using a natural-bristle brush, helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, making it harder for hair to grow back into the skin and cause ingrown hairs.
What to Do to Prevent It
Ingrown Hair on the Legs: What to Do to Prevent It
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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Valencia Higuera — Updated on March 8, 2019
If you have curly or coarse hair, you’ve probably had experience with ingrown hair on your legs. An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into your skin. This can occur after you shave, wax, or tweeze.
Developing an ingrown hair on your leg isn’t usually a cause for concern. But sometimes this problem can become chronic. There’s also the risk of complications, such as a bacterial infection and permanent scarring.
After removing unwanted hair from your legs, it’s easier for curly hair to regrow and re-enter your skin, which causes inflammation in the area.
If you have recurrent ingrown hair that causes pain, your doctor can help you manage this condition. But in most cases, you can treat an ingrown hair with home care and over-the-counter products.
Is it an ingrown hair?
The symptoms of an ingrown hair vary, but typically involve small bumps, blister-like lesions, skin darkening, pain, and itching.
Applying the right shaving cream before you set your razor to work adds moisture, which can prevent cuts and allow the razor to move smoothly across your skin. Prep your legs by applying shaving cream as you get out of the shower to retain some extra moisture.
Some of the most effective shaving cream brands for your legs include:
- Aveeno
- Gillette Fusion
- Cremo
Ingrown hair on your legs can also be caused by a buildup of dead skin cells clogging hair follicles.
To reduce your risk of ingrown hairs, exfoliate your legs before shaving with a body scrub. This process doesn’t take too much time and can leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Body scrubs can clean your pores, remove dirt, and expose healthier layers of skin. These scrubs can also reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by previous ingrown hairs.
Here are some of the most effective body scrubs for achieving this:
- Himalayan Salt Body Scrub
- Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
- New York Biology Natural Arabica Coffee Body Scrub
If you have problems with recurrent ingrown hairs, you might be using the wrong type of razor on your legs. Although body scrubs and shaving creams can exfoliate your legs and help your skin retain moisture, you may still develop ingrown hairs depending on the razor you use.
To prevent ingrown hair on your legs, your razor should glide smoothly over your skin. If you don’t have a smooth glide, hair can get caught in the razor, which can cause ingrown hairs and cuts.
Always shave in the direction of the grain of your hair, and make sure your razor is sharp. Clean your blade with alcohol after each use, and throw away disposable razors after a few uses.
If possible, stick with single-edge razors or razors with a skin guard to avoid cutting too close to your skin.
You might want to try one of these razors:
- Gillette Venus Embrace Green
- Schick Hydro Silk
- Shave Classic
Although body scrubs exfoliate your skin, you can also lower the risk of an ingrown hair with dry brushing. This technique uses a long-bristled brush to remove dead skin cells from your legs.
Dry brushing daily before a shower clears away these skin cells and makes your skin softer.
For best results, use a natural, nonsynthetic bristle brush. Options include a nonhandle brush or a brush with a long handle for hard-to-reach areas.
Perhaps try one of these:
- TopNotch Body Brush
- SpaVerde Body Brush
- Wholesome Beauty Body Brush
Aftershave creams aren’t only for your face. Apply these creams and gels after shaving your legs to reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. These products add extra moisture to your legs and help keep pores unclogged.
To avoid post-shave irritation, choose an alcohol-free cream or gel.
Here are a few to try:
- Luxxx Beauty
- Lust Naked
- Tend Skin
Freshly shaved or waxed legs can look and feel soft. But if you don’t apply the right products or use the right shaving techniques, painful and itchy ingrown hairs can rob your legs of smoothness.
Although ingrown hairs are common, they don’t have to be your reality. The preceding steps may improve the appearance of your legs. But if ingrown hairs don’t improve or worsen, talk to your doctor.
Some skin conditions can mimic an ingrown hair such as eczema, impetigo, and molluscum contagiosum.
Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2017
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, March 13). Ingrown hair: Definition. Mayo Clinic
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/definition/con-20034717 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, March 13). Ingrown hair: Symptoms. Mayo Clinic
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/symptoms/con-20034717 - Ingrown hair. (2016, May 24). NHS
nhs.uk/Conditions/ingrown-hairs/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 8, 2019
Written By
Valencia Higuera
Edited By
John Bassham
Mar 7, 2017
Medically Reviewed By
Peggy Pletcher, MS, RD, LD, CDE
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Valencia Higuera — Updated on March 8, 2019
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- How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Infected Ingrown Hairs
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- How to Identify and Treat an Ingrown Hair Cyst
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What to Do to Prevent It
Ingrown Hair on the Legs: What to Do to Prevent It
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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Valencia Higuera — Updated on March 8, 2019
If you have curly or coarse hair, you’ve probably had experience with ingrown hair on your legs. An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into your skin. This can occur after you shave, wax, or tweeze.
Developing an ingrown hair on your leg isn’t usually a cause for concern. But sometimes this problem can become chronic. There’s also the risk of complications, such as a bacterial infection and permanent scarring.
After removing unwanted hair from your legs, it’s easier for curly hair to regrow and re-enter your skin, which causes inflammation in the area.
If you have recurrent ingrown hair that causes pain, your doctor can help you manage this condition. But in most cases, you can treat an ingrown hair with home care and over-the-counter products.
Is it an ingrown hair?
The symptoms of an ingrown hair vary, but typically involve small bumps, blister-like lesions, skin darkening, pain, and itching.
Applying the right shaving cream before you set your razor to work adds moisture, which can prevent cuts and allow the razor to move smoothly across your skin. Prep your legs by applying shaving cream as you get out of the shower to retain some extra moisture.
Some of the most effective shaving cream brands for your legs include:
- Aveeno
- Gillette Fusion
- Cremo
Ingrown hair on your legs can also be caused by a buildup of dead skin cells clogging hair follicles.
To reduce your risk of ingrown hairs, exfoliate your legs before shaving with a body scrub. This process doesn’t take too much time and can leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Body scrubs can clean your pores, remove dirt, and expose healthier layers of skin. These scrubs can also reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by previous ingrown hairs.
Here are some of the most effective body scrubs for achieving this:
- Himalayan Salt Body Scrub
- Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
- New York Biology Natural Arabica Coffee Body Scrub
If you have problems with recurrent ingrown hairs, you might be using the wrong type of razor on your legs. Although body scrubs and shaving creams can exfoliate your legs and help your skin retain moisture, you may still develop ingrown hairs depending on the razor you use.
To prevent ingrown hair on your legs, your razor should glide smoothly over your skin. If you don’t have a smooth glide, hair can get caught in the razor, which can cause ingrown hairs and cuts.
Always shave in the direction of the grain of your hair, and make sure your razor is sharp. Clean your blade with alcohol after each use, and throw away disposable razors after a few uses.
If possible, stick with single-edge razors or razors with a skin guard to avoid cutting too close to your skin.
You might want to try one of these razors:
- Gillette Venus Embrace Green
- Schick Hydro Silk
- Shave Classic
Although body scrubs exfoliate your skin, you can also lower the risk of an ingrown hair with dry brushing. This technique uses a long-bristled brush to remove dead skin cells from your legs.
Dry brushing daily before a shower clears away these skin cells and makes your skin softer.
For best results, use a natural, nonsynthetic bristle brush. Options include a nonhandle brush or a brush with a long handle for hard-to-reach areas.
Perhaps try one of these:
- TopNotch Body Brush
- SpaVerde Body Brush
- Wholesome Beauty Body Brush
Aftershave creams aren’t only for your face. Apply these creams and gels after shaving your legs to reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. These products add extra moisture to your legs and help keep pores unclogged.
To avoid post-shave irritation, choose an alcohol-free cream or gel.
Here are a few to try:
- Luxxx Beauty
- Lust Naked
- Tend Skin
Freshly shaved or waxed legs can look and feel soft. But if you don’t apply the right products or use the right shaving techniques, painful and itchy ingrown hairs can rob your legs of smoothness.
Although ingrown hairs are common, they don’t have to be your reality. The preceding steps may improve the appearance of your legs. But if ingrown hairs don’t improve or worsen, talk to your doctor.
Some skin conditions can mimic an ingrown hair such as eczema, impetigo, and molluscum contagiosum.
Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2017
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, March 13). Ingrown hair: Definition. Mayo Clinic
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/definition/con-20034717 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, March 13). Ingrown hair: Symptoms. Mayo Clinic
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/symptoms/con-20034717 - Ingrown hair. (2016, May 24). NHS
nhs.uk/Conditions/ingrown-hairs/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 8, 2019
Written By
Valencia Higuera
Edited By
John Bassham
Mar 7, 2017
Medically Reviewed By
Peggy Pletcher, MS, RD, LD, CDE
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Valencia Higuera — Updated on March 8, 2019
Read this next
- How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Infected Ingrown Hairs
Medically reviewed by Xixi Luo, MD
Learn to identify, treat, and prevent ingrown hairs and related infections.
READ MORE
- Taking Care of Ingrown Underarm Hair
Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N.
Ingrown hairs can happen anywhere, including your armpit. We’ll explain the difference between ingrown hair bumps and other bumps. We’ll also provide…
READ MORE
- How to Identify and Treat an Ingrown Hair Cyst
A large bump that appears above the skin may be an ingrown hair cyst, a razor bump, or an acne cyst. Learn why they happen and more.
READ MORE
- How Can I Get Rid of Razor Bumps on My Legs?
Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
Razor bumps are most likely caused by friction from your razor and ingrown hairs. Treat existing bumps and prevent more from developing with these…
READ MORE
- Folliculitis: What It Is and What You Can Do About It
Folliculitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria or fungus. We explain the types, causes, treatment options, and more.
READ MORE
- How to Handle: Ingrown Hair on the Face
Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE
Ingrown hairs on your face are painful and annoying. Here’s how to prevent them from happening.
READ MORE
- How to Get Rid of or Prevent Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Shaving is a fast way to remove unwanted hair. It’s also known to leave behind patches of inflamed, irritated skin known as razor burn, as well as…
READ MORE
- Everything You Need to Know About Razor Burn
Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
Razor burn can cause a painful, irritating red rash or small red bumps on your skin’s surface. Here’s why this happens and how to stop it.
READ MORE
- What Causes an Ingrown Eyelash and How Do You Treat It?
Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D.
An ingrown eyelash can be caused by issues like inflammation or trauma. Learn how to identify it and what remedies are available for pain and…
READ MORE
- What Causes Excessive Scrotal Sweating, and How Can I Treat It?
If excessive testicular sweating is interfering with your day-to-day life, these treatments may help. Learn about the causes of excessive testicular…
READ MORE
causes and how to get rid of it
Contents
- Ingrown hair symptoms
- Why hair grows in
- How to get rid of ingrown hairs at home
- Precautions
- Product Overview
- Ingrown hair prevention
Symptoms of ingrown hairs on legs
Ingrown hairs on legs are usually unmistakable. The skin of the legs is not oily, and if something resembling a ripening pimple appears on the lower leg or thigh, it is highly likely either an infection introduced during careless depilation or injury, or an ingrown hair that looks like a tubercle with a distinct black dot or dash under the skin.
Other symptoms include:
- itching;
redness and swelling around the pimple;
unpleasant painful sensations when pressed;
with inflammation, a pimple with white purulent contents around an ingrown hair.
It all starts with the fact that the hair, which is programmed to grow up, does not find an exit to the surface of the skin. As a result, it grows under it, horizontally, creating all these unpleasant sensations.
“Even a good razor can hurt the skin a little. And in injured skin, the hairs change direction with growth and begin to grow in without finding an exit to the surface. However, inflammation does not appear in everyone.
Ingrown hair chart. © Getty Images
After epilation or depilation, red dots are often visible on the skin in the places of hair follicles. This is folliculitis, inflammation of the hair follicle after an injury, which can be considered a natural skin reaction to hair removal (with or without a root). As a rule, if hygiene is observed, after 1-2 days these points disappear, the inflammation disappears.
Back to the top
Why hair grows in
Hair grows back only after epilation or depilation – interference with the natural course of events. But, fortunately, this is not the case for everyone. Why does this still happen?
Hair follicle injury. For example, during electro- or waxing, the bulb has shifted at the mouth, but has not been removed. Due to the displacement, the direction of hair growth is disturbed, it is pulled out under the skin without breaking through the stratum corneum.
Incorrect sugaring or waxing technique. According to the rules, the product is applied in the direction of hair growth, and removed (along with hairs) – against their growth. It is physiological and less traumatic. If you do the opposite, there is a risk of ingrown hairs.
The wax strip is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed in the opposite direction with a sharp movement. © Skin.ru
After traumatic shaving (depilation), the integrity of the skin is also violated. Due to damage to the surface layers of the skin and tissue displacement, the direction of hair growth may change. It is not recommended to stretch the skin when shaving (as opposed to sugaring or waxing), because the top of the cut hair may remain below the level of the epidermis and, therefore, it may begin to grow under the skin.
Too dense stratum corneum. It just prevents the hairs from breaking through and growing perpendicularly. This can be a consequence of both a physiological feature and insufficient exfoliation – scrubs are necessary to care for the skin of the body.
Too coarse and thick hairs. In people of IV-VI phototypes, as a rule, hairs are removed with difficulty, so there is a high risk that even if the hair is removed, the root remains, and therefore an ingrown hair may appear. Take our test and find out your phototype.
© Getty Images
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Tight clothing is often cited as one of the causes of ingrown hairs after epilation and depilation. Clothing, in principle, should be comfortable – do not rub, do not cut into the body and do not restrict movement, and after the hair removal procedure this is an indispensable condition.
Back to the top
How to get rid of ingrown hairs at home
Of course, you can remove ingrown hairs at home. The Internet is full of detailed step-by-step instructions with the ridiculous title “how to treat ingrown hairs. ” This procedure is in many ways similar to removing a splinter with a needle. But all such methods of independent “surgical” intervention create a rather high risk of infection with all the ensuing troubles in the form of inflammation, suppuration, etc. Have pity on your legs and entrust the “operation” to a specialist who has a sterile instrument in store for such cases, and not a sewing needle.
Less drastic folk methods like constant scrubbing and a hard washcloth will help get rid of an ingrown hair only if it is very close to the surface, but it will easily cause irritation and redness. If you overdo it, you can literally erase the skin to holes. For the prevention of ingrown hairs, and indeed for clean and smooth skin, a body scrub is very necessary, but you need to use it 1-2 times a week.
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Precautions
What should not be done for ingrown hairs?
Ignore the problem. It is necessary to get rid of ingrown hairs, otherwise sooner or later it will lead to inflammation.
Open leather. It is better to go to a beautician in a salon where hair removal is practiced.
Scrub and rub the skin hard if it comes to an abscess – first you need to cure the inflammation.
Try to get rid of ingrown hairs without washing your hands, using a non-sterile needle or tweezers.
Forgetting to moisturize the skin after scrubbing and removing ingrown hairs.
Moisturizing the skin is an essential step in the overall epilation or depilation regimen. © Skin.ru
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Product overview
A whole arsenal of products helps to avoid the appearance of ingrown hairs after shaving the legs or any other types of depilation and epilation, as well as to help in the procedure of getting rid of them.
For skin with ingrown hairs, give preference to products for sensitive skin. Products designed for children are also a good option.
Body Scrubs
A precious beauty scrub, Garnier is enriched with nourishing argan, macadamia, rose and almond oils to soften the skin. The exfoliant is argan seed shell particles.
Recall the rules of foot scrub:
© Skin.ru
© Skin.ru
Aftershave Moisturizing Leg Care
A soothing melting body milk with Bifido Complex and Aloe Vera, Garnier includes Moisturizing Sensitive Skin Bifido Complex, a good option for softening skin.
Lipikar AP+M, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M, La Roche-Posay lipid-replenishing balm for dry and very dry skin, has a very soft and delicate texture, contains thermal water, shea butter, similar in composition to the lipid mantle of the skin, moisturizing, soothing and restorative niacinamide.
Intensively regenerating body milk Nutrix Royal Body, Lancôme due to the action of hazelnut peptides and shea butter helps to restore the skin, softens the epidermis.
Life Plankton Body Milk, Biotherm has a light texture, suitable for sensitive skin care. Intensively moisturizes. Plankton extract in the composition restores the skin.
Composition details
All anti-ingrown hair products must contain soothing and softening ingredients:
Chamomile, calendula and other medicinal plants help soothe the skin after waxing or shaving. © Getty Images
Back to TOP
Ingrown Hair Prevention
To avoid this unpleasant complication in the fight against unwanted hair, it is necessary to adhere to reasonable and time-tested rules.
Steam the skin before epilation or depilation.
Cleanse the skin before epilation and depilation.
Mechanical peeling regularly.
After scrubbing, always apply cream, body milk.
After depilation, use a soothing lotion or other soothing aftershave (can be from the men’s arsenal).
Wear comfortable clothing.
After epilation/depilation, it is better to wear loose-fitting clothes, ideally made of silk. © Skin.ru
What advice can you give? Please write in the comments.
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How to get rid of ingrown hairs: top 3 effective treatments
Publication of material:
September 12, 2022
Material update:
December 5, 2022
Author:
Beauty salon “Mio”
Reading time:
3-5 min
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Why does ingrown hair happen? On the legs and other areas, they most often appear after a follicle injury.
Ingrown occurs as a result of improper removal technique.
The hairs should be removed against their growth, as this is less traumatic and more physiological. If depilation products (wax or sugar paste) are used, they are first applied along the growth line, and already torn off together with the hair in the opposite direction. If you do the opposite, the hair is pulled out and begins to grow under the skin without leaving the surface. Other reasons:
- Dense stratum corneum, through which the hair cannot penetrate: may be a physiological feature or the result of improper care (exfoliation is necessary for effective exfoliation).
- Coarse, thick hair: a common problem in people with Fitzpatrick phototypes IV-VI. Such hairs are difficult to remove, and it often happens that the visible part is removed, but the root remains – as a result, ingrowth occurs.
- Shaving with an old blade: razors are designed for a certain number of uses, then they become dull and injure the skin.
- Tight clothing: uncomfortable items made of synthetic materials that rub, cut into the body, cause skin tension and create conditions for ingrowth.
Ingrown hairs appear in the bikini area, underarms, legs, face and neck in men, i.e. places where unwanted vegetation is often removed.
The ingrowths can be superficial or deep. In the first case, the hair sometimes gradually comes out on its own, the symptoms are not so pronounced. When growing into the deep layers of the epidermis, pain occurs, severe inflammation is noted. By shape, ingrown hairs are divided into flat, twisted, digging and growing into the dermis.
How to recognize ingrown hairs
After hair removal, red dots are visible on the skin – irritated bulbs from minor trauma. Normally, this reaction goes away after a couple of days. However, during ingrowth, the following symptoms develop:
- the formation of a dense ball, which is somewhat reminiscent of a pimple, only with a black dot or line under the skin;
- redness and swelling of this area;
- itching;
- pain on pressure.
If inflammation accompanies an infection, there will also be purulent contents of a whitish-yellow color around the ingrown hair.
How to get rid of ingrown hairs: 3 best procedures
Cosmetological and hardware techniques allow the safest removal of hairs. With regular epilation with these methods, a cumulative effect appears, and the risk of ingrowth and irritation is reduced. These procedures can be done if there is no active inflammation and suppuration.
Photoepilation
The most effective and painless method of permanent hair removal. This is a hardware technique based on the use of a photoepilator that generates a light pulse, heats the hair follicle and destroys it. The course includes 8-15 sessions, then you will need to do only maintenance procedures every few months.
Bioepilation
Ingrown hairs appear much less frequently after sugaring than after shaving. With proper conduct, the risk of irritation is minimal. The procedure is carried out with natural wax of different temperature and density. Smoothness lasts up to 2-3 weeks. At the same time, each time the bulb is slightly weakened, and the hairs become weaker, rarer and thinner.
Sugaring
Sugar paste hair removal method. Sugaring is suitable for vellus, weak hair and depilation in the face area. The result lasts 2-3 weeks.
How to safely remove an ingrown hair
A safe way to remove it is as follows:
- Steam the area, gently scrub and pull back the skin – the hair may come out on its own or show a tip.
- Grasp it with tweezers and quickly pull it out by the root.
- Then the area must be treated with an antiseptic.
If you cannot do it yourself, do not injure the area before the wound – consult a beautician, dermatologist or surgeon (for severe, extensive inflammation).
Do not use tweezers and needles without antiseptic treatment, as this can lead to infection. It is better to use needles from disposable medical syringes, and wipe the tweezers with alcohol or chlorhexidine. Avoid pressure on the ingrown hair, as this leads to the spread of purulent-serous contents into the deeper layers and increases inflammation.
Complications of persistent ingrown hairs
Unwanted effects include scars, scarring and darkening of the skin. You can bring an infection that will spread further, as well as get folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle).
How to prevent ingrown hairs
The following tips will greatly reduce the chance of ingrown hairs:
- Remove hair using proper technique.
- Gently exfoliate the skin before removal, especially if there is hyperkeratosis.
- Steam the skin immediately before treatment.
- Clean the area with antibacterial wipes or an antiseptic (chlorhexidine, rubbing alcohol) before and after the procedure.
- After epilation, wear loose clothing made from natural materials.
- Do not neglect low-density moisturizers after depilation (lotion, milk).
Finally, if all of the above fails, and ingrown hairs appear regularly and in large numbers, consider changing the method of depilation. It is advisable to seek advice from a cosmetologist or dermatologist so that the doctor determines the type of hair and suggests the most appropriate method for removing hairs.