Ingrown Hairs - Those Pesty Little Buggers!

A lot of my clients have questions about ingrown hairs...why they have them and how they can be avoided. Ingrown hairs are most common on the face and pubic ares, though they can occur on legs, arms, backs, etc.

Ingrown hairs, or pseudofolliculitis, are the result of the hair curling and growing back underneath the skin. If the hair is broken off or cut it can leave a sharp edge, giving it the ability to penetrate. These bumps can also happen if you shave in the opposite direction of the natural hair growth or by shaving too close to the skin. Oil can also get trapped in the hair follicle, creating a red, irritated bump that resembles acne.

Waxing is a wonderful option for people who experience ingrown hairs or who have course and curly hair that is prone to these annoying little pests. Because waxing removes hair at the root, it does not leave a sharp edge. Even better is that, with repeated waxings over the course of time, the root of the hair is eventually damaged, causing the hair to grow back thinner and more sparse. Threading, electrolysis, tweezing, sugaring and laser hair removal are all options that will leave you experiencing ingrowns.

If you prefer to shave there are a few things that you can do to try to eliminate ingrowns. First, exfoliate the area on a regular basis. If it's on the legs, back, bikini or any other area than the face, use a loofah sponge or scrubbing mitt and rub in circular motions. Keep the area clean, especially if it's in an area where you sweat, such as underarms or pubic area. Cleanse after exercising, especially. On the face, use a grainy exfoliant or a product with salycilic or glycolic acid. Try to find an aftershave that includes these exfoliants but also moisturizes. Exfoliating this often can dry out the skin, particularly in Winter. Always shave in the direction of hair growth. Sometimes, take a few days off from the razor will help it to be less irritating. Try to go "au naturale" on weekends if you have to shave regularly for work.

I try to encourage my clients to never, ever pick at an ingrown hair or try to extract it themselves. I know, I know...it's tough to let it go, but if picked at, an ingrown hair may actually become infected or, EVEN WORSE, could scar.