Ingrown Hair: Prevention & Treatment

What is an ingrown hair?

An ingrown hair is where the hair has been trapped under the skin. Occasionally, dead skin can clog a hair follicle which forces the hair to grow sideways under your skin, rather than up and out. They can cause red, often itchy bumps where a hair has grown back into the skin. Anyone can be prone to getting an ingrown however, you may be more likely to get ingrown hairs if you have coarse or curly hair.

Areas where they are most likely to occur:

• face and neck
• legs
• underarm
• chest
• back
• pubic hair

Waxing v Shaving

With the correct pre-wax prep, wax application, technique and removal, ingrown hairs are less likely to appear after waxing. When the hair follicle has been removed from its shaft through the waxing process, it grows back much thinner and with a tapered end. Because of these reasons, the hairs are less likely to get trapped under the skin when they grow back.

However, when it comes to shaving the likelihood of getting ingrown hairs is much higher. When you shave, your hairs are cut leaving them with a blunt, raw edge. Because of this, they are more likely to get trapped under the skin during regrowth, especially in more delicate areas like the bikini area.

Prevention & Treatment

Exfoliation is really important when trying to prevent any cases of ingrown hairs. Use a gentle exfoliator which won’t harm, irritate or break the skin. Our Face & Body Scrub contains biodegradable jojoba micro-beads for a gentle yet effective exfoliating action. Use regularly at home in circular motions on the skin to help prevent and treat ingrown hairs.

If you are shaving, make sure to shave in the same direction of hair growth with a clean, sharp razor. If you are prone to ingrown hairs get a single bladed razor. Multiple blades only repeat the action of the first blade, but in fact increase the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

If you do suffer from ingrown hairs then try our Ingrown Hair Serum. This serum contains pineapple and papaya fruit enzymes which are blended with hydroxy acid derivative to exfoliate the area where the hair is trapped. It also contains Prickly pear extract which helps to reduce inflammation and heal the skin. This dual-action formula both prevents and treats ingrown hairs and is suitable for all parts of the face and body.

If you think the area may have become infected then please seek medical advice, they may prescribe a small dose on antibiotics. In most cases, ingrown hairs will heal by themselves without medical treatment.