How to Avoid Having Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair--a painful result of shaving and waxing--occurs when hair becomes trapped in the follicle and begins to grow backward into the skin. This results in a red, irritated bump that can become sore and infected. Incorporate the following tips in your grooming routine to avoid ingrown hair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Treat ingrown hair with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a dermatological-grade product that can be found in the skincare aisle at any drugstore.
2. Use skincare products that are specially created for sensitive skin, such as shaving gels with extra lubrication and less foam.
3. Exfoliate your skin. Use a washcloth or a gentle cleanser with scrubbing particles to remove the top layer of dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and cause hair to curl downward back into your skin.
4. Change your shaving technique. Shaving too closely or repeated passes with the razor over the same area can cause ingrown hair. Use a sharp razor to shave relaxed skin in the same direction hair grows to avoid cropping the hairs too closely.

Tips & Warnings

• The lubricating and anti-bacterial effects of tea tree oil may have some success on the treatment of ingrown hair.
• Avoid products containing alcohol, as they tend to dry the skin and close pores.
• Use a gentle astringent like witch hazel to reduce swelling and redness caused by ingrown hair.