We’ve all experienced it. The pesky, red bumps that appear on our legs, bikini line, and even eyebrows. They can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and painful in some cases. Although many of us have accepted these inconvenient bumps as a part of life, we’re left wondering: can we prevent them? Read on to find out.
What are ingrown hairs?
After waxing or tweezing, a new hair follicle forms in the hair bulb and pushes its way to the surface. While this new hair begins to grow out, it can sometimes get trapped under the skin and grow inward. As the hair continues to grow, it creates more pressure under the skin causing redness and swelling.
Why do we get ingrown hairs?
There are some risk factors associated with getting ingrown hairs. Those with curly or wavy hair have more of a chance of the hair spiraling inward and getting stuck beneath the skin.
Clogged hair follicles can also cause ingrown hairs by blocking the natural hair pathway with dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities.
How to treat ingrown hairs
Although ingrown hairs are common and totally normal, they can be annoying to deal with. While you’re waiting for the hair to turn around and break through the skin, here are some ways that you can calm and soothe the area.
Use A Warm Compress
Grab a washcloth and run some warm water over it. For ten minutes at a time, gently press the warm washcloth on the ingrown hair to calm the area. Repeat this morning and evening until the swelling and redness subsides.
Wear Loose Clothing
The number one thing to avoid with ingrown hairs is irritation as it can cause infection. While you have an active ingrown hair, try to avoid tight clothing or anything that will cause friction on the area.
Avoid Picking Or Squeezing
As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to pick at an ingrown hair. This can cause further irritation, infection, or scarring. Instead, gently exfoliate and keep the area moisturized to encourage natural healing.
Use A Spot Treatment
For stubborn ingrowns, a targeted treatment like Buff Experts' Salicylic & Oat Microneedle Spots treat, soothe and heal deep, painful ingrown hairs. Each spot treatment contains 145 ultrafine silicone "microneedles" to deliver a powerful complex of blemish-fighting ingredients that visibly reduce ingrown hairs.
Note: if your ingrown hair has become infected or increasingly swollen/sore, please reach out to a medical professional.
Can ingrown hairs be prevented?
The simple answer is yes! In most cases, you can avoid ingrown hairs by taking a couple of preventative measures.
Here’s how to keep them at bay:
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis can remove the dry skin and congestion that often causes ingrown hairs. You can choose either physical or chemical exfoliation, or a mix of both.
PHYSICAL EXFOLIATION removes surface layer of skin-clogging buildup that can trap hairs, to reveal fresh, soft and healthy skin underneath.
- Bushbalm's Dark Spot Exfoliating Scrub is perfect for the bikini line, pubic area, and underarms to prevent and treat ingrowns, while reducing the appearance of dark spots.
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Buff Experts' SRSLY Buffed Dry Brush makes maintaining your wax or shave results includes consistently exfoliating skin and we love this brush for its mega exfoliating power.
- Buff Experts' SRSLY Buffed In-Shower Exfoliating Gloves are ultra-thick, and ultra-plush to cleanse, exfoliate and smooth away dry, flaky skin every time you shower.
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION dissolves dead skin cells using fruit enzymes, and acids like AHA's and BHA's, leaving you with smooth, clear skin.
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Bushbalm's Roller Rescue Ingrown Hair Soothing Serum is a lightweight serum formulated with AHA/BHA, that gently smooths rough texture, helps visibly clear pores and improves the look of redness after hair removal.
- Buff Experts' Glycolic & Green Tea 3-in-1 Exfoliating Pads for Body are drenched in a super-serum blend of 2% BHAs, 10% AHAs, and soothing botanicals to eliminate ingrown hairs, soothe razor bumps, and treat KP.
2. MOISTURIZE
After exfoliating, keep your skin hydrated to prevent dryness and irritation.
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Bushbalm's Ingrown Hair + Pre-Post Wax Oil nourishes with jojoba and copaiba balsam oils to soften skin, reduce the appearance of redness, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps.
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Buff Experts' Carrot & Calendula Intimate Salve soothes and prevents ingrowns with zinc oxide and ethically sourced beeswax, while sea buckthorn and calendula oils provide gentle moisture.
The Bottom Line
With the right routine, you can keep ingrown hairs to a minimum. Stay consistent with exfoliation, hydration, and targeted treatments, and you’ll be on your way to smoother, happier skin!
Got a go-to product or routine that keeps ingrown hairs at bay? We’d love to hear about it in the comments! Follow us on Instagram @thetruthbeautycompany for more skincare tips and product recommendations. ✨
