If you're looking to prevent and remove ingrown hairs, follow these tips.
Causes and Prevention
Hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, and tweezing can cause ingrown hairs, especially in tightly curled or dense hair types. Prevention includes:
- Exfoliation: Regularly exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells.
- Proper Hair Removal Prep: Before shaving or waxing, wash the area with warm water and use a gentle cleanser. Apply a pre-wax lotion or shaving gel.
- Use the Right Tools: Use a sharp, single-blade razor and rinse between strokes. For waxing, choose high-quality wax and post-wax care products.
Removing Ingrown Hairs
- Stop Hair Removal: Avoid waxing, shaving, or plucking around the ingrown hair.
- Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress to the area.
- Sterilized Tweezers: Gently pull out the visible ingrown hair with sterilized tweezers.
- Disinfect: Clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Anti-Inflammatory Creams: Use creams containing tea tree oil and menthol or retinoids.
Treating Ingrown Hair Cysts
Do not pop ingrown hair cysts. Instead:
- Warm Cloth: Gently scrub the cyst with a warm cloth daily.
- Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the area to encourage the hair to surface.
- See a Doctor: If you notice signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus, or pain, consult a doctor.
Common Areas for Ingrown Hairs
- Pubic Area: Coarser, curlier hair and friction from clothing can lead to ingrown hairs.
- Face: More common in men with tightly curled hair who shave.
Additional Tips
- Consult a Dermatologist: For chronic issues, a prescription cream like eflornithine can help.
- Client Advice: Estheticians should inquire about clients' skin tendencies and provide aftercare advice, such as wearing loose clothing post-waxing.
Using high-quality products and maintaining proper hygiene can prevent ingrown hairs and keep clients satisfied.