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7. Hair Ingrowth: All You Need To Know

A major setback in shaving, here’s all you need to know about the tiny red cysts popping right after on your skin.

Notice those red, risen, razor-like bumps on your skin? Chances are, you’ve got the case of hair ingrowth – also known as razor bumps.

Hair ingrowth is a situation where a hair that should grow out of its follicle renters the skin due to shaving, waxing, or lack of natural exfoliation. Hair ingrowth occurs anywhere in the body, but common areas include those that are waxed or shaved.

When you have an ingrown hair, the area becomes dark, and sometimes a small bump develops there. Unarguably, this is uncomfortable and irritating.

BUT WHAT CAUSES THESE INGROWNS?

The problem with ingrown hair is it’s common to everyone but people with curly hair are more prone to it. Curly hair is likely to re-enter the skin after it is cut because of its bending nature. A general cause of hair ingrowth is stretching the skin while shaving. If the skin is stretched while shaving, the skin covers the root of the hair. For this reason, the hair grows within the skin and causes bumps and irritation.

HOW TO TREAT INGROWNS?

Hair ingrowth occurs when dead skin cells block the hair follicle. This blockage impedes hair growth and sometimes forces it to develop sideways. To prevent this, exfoliate the skin once in a week. This would remove layers of dead skin that causes ingrowth.

Using hair removal cream instead of shaving the hair also reduces hair ingrowth. When you shave, the hair regrows with sharper edges that make it easy to poke back into the skin and grows within it. With removal cream, that wouldn't happen.

Shaving can also be done but in the right way. It is advisable to use an electric shaver but if you don't have one, use disposable blades and shaving cream.

Finally, shave in the right direction. Don't shave against the direction of your hair growth, as it would give your hair sharper edges. Apply the post-shaving treatment, as this would dissolve dead skin that clogs the follicle.

Remember: exfoliating once a week can do wonders for you skin, especially removing and healing hair ingrowns.

Image Credits: freepik.com