We think it’s fair to say that many look forward to shaving, whether daily, weekly, or even monthly. And while seamlessly supple skin is the desired result, spotty thighs, bikini lines, and underarms scattered with ingrown hairs are often the dreary reality.
Could your new ruby red razor, go-to coconut shaving cream, or favorite post-shower lavender body lotion be the reason tiny bumps appear on your skin after every self-care session? Unfortunately, all these factors can contribute to your grooming grievances, but the good news is that we’re sharing how you can remove and treat these trapped hair follicles and prevent them from recurring. So, if it’s guidance that you seek and silky-smooth skin that you desire, keep scrolling!
What are Ingrown Hairs?
Simply put, ingrown hairs occur when growing hair follicles get trapped beneath the surface of the skin. And instead of growing outwards (like normal hair follicles), they curl inwards.
It’s like they want to curl back into a safe, cozy space and not face the world… like many of us these days. But all jokes aside, ingrown hairs can be a pain! They can also mimic the appearance of pustules due to their often inflamed exterior and pus-filled interior (cute, we know). So, now that you know how ingrown hairs form, let’s look at how to prevent them!
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Use Products with Glycolic + Lactic Acid
When an ingrown hair is trapped beneath the surface of skin, it’s not just rolling solo in there. An accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum is also present. And when you use products that contain AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid, they can gently penetrate any debris and bacteria lingering on the surface of skin. Simply put, when the hairs on your body are surrounded by dead skin cells, it makes trapping hairs that much easier beneath the skin, causing ingrowns, which is what you want to avoid.
Exfoliate Dead Skin with a Gentle Body Scrub
Aside from products that contain glycolic and lactic acid, another way you can prevent ingrown hairs is by exfoliating dead skin with a scrub. But do ensure that the product you choose to exfoliate with is gentle. By doing so, you’re not only keeping your skin clean and clear of dirt and debris buildup, but also limiting the chance of any irritation and/or inflammation from developing. Unsure where to find a scrub that’s non-abrasive to skin? We’ve got you covered! Our Arabica Coffee Scrub is designed for the day-to-day maintenance of clean and healthy-looking skin.
Once applied, the purifying and moisturizing properties of this natural scrub help to remove dead skin and reduce signs of cellulite, stretch marks, and wrinkles, improve swelling, inflammation, and redness, and cleanse skin and pores to remove dirt and bacteria! If you’re interested in a physical exfoliant instead, you can also try dry body brushing, which helps to improve cell turnover (something we naturally struggle with as we age) and clear pores so that hair can grow out normally.
Choose the Right Type of Razor + Shaving Gel
You know the saying, you get what you pay for? It applies to body care products, too. If you’re looking for a close shave and minimal irritation but don’t want to put in a few extra bucks for a quality razor, you can’t expect to see results. It’s important to choose a razor with multiple blades and to replace those blades or the entire razor (if it’s one without a removable and replaceable head) frequently. And if your skin is easily irritated, opting for razors with soothing moisture strips may be worth looking into.
As for shaving gels and creams, always purchase the former, not the latter. This is because foaming cream formulas contain air, creating a barrier between your skin and razor. Whereas richer gels and non-foaming creams provide a closer shave. A few other tips for avoiding ingrown hairs when shaving? Always shave in a warm shower or bath and in the direction of hair growth first before moving in any other directions and never skip out on moisturizing post-shower!
Consider a Different Method of Hair Removal
Are you taking all the necessary precautions when shaving but still experiencing the pain of unfriendly ingrowns? Considering a different method of hair removal may be the best course of action.
For those who are unfamiliar with the practice, laser hair removal targets and damages the root of hair follicles, reducing the growth and appearance of hair but not the complete removal of it (despite what the name suggests). And while laser hair removal is a popular alternative to shaving and waxing, it’s the more costly route to take, so do keep that in mind. If this treatment method has piqued your interest, you can find more information here.
How to Remove + Treat Ingrown Hairs
When it comes to removing ingrown hairs, we strongly advise that you proceed with…
First rule of thumb: never, under any circumstance, pick and poke at your ingrown hairs, as this can lead to infection and even scarring. If the hair has in fact surfaced, you can gently tweeze it. Ensure that your tweezer has been sterilized with rubbing alcohol first and that the area where the ingrown is situated has been properly cleansed before you take the next steps.
Also applying a warm compress to the affected area prior to removal can help soften the skin and make the process a lot easier. After you’ve successfully removed the hair, treat the area with some salicylic acid and follow up with an ointment like Polysporin. You can also check out some DIY remedies for ingrown hair removal here.
The Bottom Line
Friends, just like sh*t happens, ingrown hairs happen. You can exfoliate and moisturize with all-natural body care products and use high-quality hair-trimming tools and still spot some bumps on your skin every now and again. It’s normal. Annoying yes, but totally normal. And while professional-level treatments like laser hair removal may be more effective, they aren’t the most budget-friendly for many.
With that said, remember that being persistent with any form of personal care is not the most important thing. What matters is that we’re patient with ourselves. You’re still amazing, with or without body hair and/or bumps! We hope you enjoyed this guide to ingrown hairs and look forward to you joining us again. Until next time!