How to Prevent & Treat Ingrown Hairs
There are two types of ingrown hairs. ONE: those that emerge from the skin but re-enter because they curve back inward. And TWO: hairs that never manage to emerge from the skin because they were improperly cut and grow beneath the surface within the follicle. In this video, we will explain why this happens and how to treat it.
“The areas where ingrown hairs are more likely to occur are in regions with dense and thick hair, particularly in areas where the hair is coarse and curly. Examples of such areas include the armpits, beard, pubic region, and legs. Ingrown hairs can affect individuals of all genders. In fact, contrary to common belief, they affect men more frequently than women”.
The ingrowth of a hair causes inflammation, redness, itching, and sometimes can even be very painful. Some people may mistake ingrown hairs for acne or an infection and apply the wrong treatment.
HOW TO PREVENT INGROWN HAIRS?
One solution is laser hair removal. The goal of laser hair removal is to completely eliminate the hair from the root, including killing the follicles so that no more hair grows in that area. Laser hair removal consists of several sessions. If your goal is to completely get rid of the hair, then you'll have to follow the entire treatment and care plan recommended by the doctor.
Another more economical option may be using depilatory creams. Depilatory creams weaken the hair from inside the follicle, making hair removal easier and delaying its growth. The hair that grows after using a depilatory cream is often softer and less coarse, making it less likely to become ingrown.
“However, there are also some disadvantages to using these creams; they can irritate or even stain the skin for some individuals. It's important to be familiar with the reactions of each product. To avoid issues, if possible, consult a doctor”.
Another more radical but effective option to stop suffering from ingrown hairs is simply to stop shaving or depilating altogether. Many times, for aesthetic reasons, this is the least chosen option, but undoubtedly, in most cases, it is the most effective.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you suffer from ingrown hairs but still want to use a razor, it is recommended to do the following before shaving:
Take a warm bath so that the hair absorbs water and swells, preventing the hair tip from having a sharp edge and burying itself in the skin as it grows.
If you prefer waxing, the opposite is recommended. Before taking a bath, you should wax in a dry condition. Moisture can make it difficult for the wax to adhere evenly and effectively. It is also important to note that your skin should be clean before waxing, free of creams and oils, as the wax needs to adhere to both the hair and the skin to effectively remove the hair; creams and oils create a barrier that hinders proper wax adhesion.
TREATMENT for ingrown hairs
Use a mild exfoliant or a vegetable sponge on the affected areas of the skin. Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and prevent hairs from becoming ingrown. Avoid excessive exfoliation, as this can irritate the skin.
Apply an antibacterial topical or an ointment with neomycin to the affected area if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Consult a doctor if the infection does not improve.
If the ingrown hair has a visible tip, you can try to remove it yourself, but you have to do it carefully by following these steps:
You will need: Warm water, soap, a warm compress or towel, tweezers, and alcohol.
First, clean the affected area with warm water and soap. Second, apply the warm compress to the affected area for a few minutes to soften the skin. Third, remove the towel, and then grasp the hair with tweezers as close to the skin's surface as possible and gently pull in the direction of hair growth.
In more severe cases where the hair is deeply buried and has been like that for many years, you should consult your trusted doctor.
If you have experienced ingrown hairs, share your experience in the comments. Share this video with everyone you know so they can learn how to deal with ingrown hairs if they experience them.
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