Prevent Ingrown Hairs

You may notice, not long after you shave, there’re small bumps appear. These may become further irritated resulting in redness, itchiness, discoloration, or infection known as “ingrown hairs” or “razor bumps” may be transpiring deep beneath where even your eyes cannot see.

Ingrown Hairs occur when the end of the hair shaft is cut resulting in a sharpened edge that as it grows, curls back into the same hair follicle and results in an inflammatory response (redness, itchiness, and/or raised infected area).

Razor Bumps (caused by infected hair follicles) come from the end of the hair shaft that, after being shaved, is cut in such a way that again the end of the hair is sharpened and as it continues to grow it curls into another nearby hair follicle. The seriousness of the inflammation and infection of the ingrown hair or razor bump may vary. For some this is an annoying occurrence that doesn't pose a serious health problem.

Some suggestions we can point to have to do with shaving itself. Those with naturally curly hair will have more of a propensity towards ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Many have found a decrease in occurrence when using an electric razor due to the fact that although the shave may not be as close as that of a blade, the close cut resulting from the blade may be the cause of the end of the hair shaft becoming so sharpened and easily re-entering a hair follicle. Especially is this the case with double-track razors.

Washing or exfoliating the skin before shaving is helpful in exfoliating and lifting the hair away from the follicle while softening the hair and preparing it for the shave. Then shave in the direction of the hair growth (perhaps even every other day).

For ladies: on the leg area this means shaving down instead of up. Shaving in the same direction (and not against the grain) helps to train the hair to grow out straight, thus preventing it curling back into the skin. Moisturizers can be applied after shaving to further soothe and soften.

Kate at Beauty Bridge