Stop Ingrown Hairs When Shaving Or Waxing

Take the following safety measures to stop ingrown hair when using shaving or waxing as hair removal methods:

To avoid ingrown hair when shaving

Shave after the hair has been wet for at least five minutes. Hair that is wet and full of moisture can be cut easily. Hair that is not well saturated can be very strong and tough. As the razor glides over, the hair is pulled up from the follicle. After it is cut it goes back below the skin surface with the resultant risk of it developing into adjacent tissue.

Shave in the direction of the hair growth. Cutting with the grain not counter to it will avoid hair being cut too short.

Prevent ingrown hairs by avoiding repeat passes over the same area. Repetitive strokes can also result in hair being cut too short.

Shave with the skin in a relaxed state. Do not stretch the skin too taught. A little pressure may be necessary but excessive stretching can again result in hair being cut too short.

Use Tea Tree Oil twice a day in conjunction with a loofah bath or shower. Tea Tree Oil has a bacterial ability to kill infection and stop pustules forming. (Avoid the eye area)

To stop ingrown hair when waxing

To pull out the hair cleanly without breaking it follow these recommendations: Put on a thin layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth, if possible holding the spatula or tongue depresser at a 45 degree angle as you spread the wax.

When applying the cotton strip over the wax, rub in the same direction as the hair growth leaving about one-third of the strip free to allow for a secure grip for a fast back pulling stroke.

Pull the skin taut before pulling the cotton strip away.

Pull back with a rapid movement close to the skin. Do not pull up or out, instead pull back.

One fast, slick, pull back is much more successful than a string of light pulls which only add to the pain and leave patchy areas.

After twenty-four to forty-eight hours exfoliate the skin (with a Loofah sponge for example) to prevent the dead skin from accumulating in areas that can become ingrown such as the bikini line, upper thighs, underarms and calves.

Stop ingrown hairs by not wearing tight clothing over freshly waxed areas to minimize the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Ingrown hair can be unsightly, irritating, painful, and even present a possibility of infection. It is wise to take the above precautions to minimize the risk. If you are combating the problem, check the resources below.