HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT INGROWN HAIRS

What Are Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hairs or pseudofolliculitis barbae occurs when hair follicles become trapped beneath the skin's surface instead of growing outward. This often happens after shaving, waxing or other forms of manscaping.  The hair is cut off at or just below the surface of the skin and as the hair starts to grow back it becomes trapped beneath the skin leading to inflammation, redness, and the formation of small, raised bumps or pustules.

Symptoms of Ingrown Hairs

The symptoms of ingrown hairs can vary depending on the severity of the condition but the common signs are:

• Red, inflamed bumps or pustules
• Itching or discomfort in the affected area
• Pain or tenderness of the area when touched or slight pressure is applied
• Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Formation of skin boils, cysts or abscesses in severe and untreated cases

What Causes Ingrown Hair?

• Shaving too closely. When you shave too closely, you can cut the hair below the surface of the skin. This can make it more likely for the hair to curl back and get trapped beneath the skin.
• Using a dull razor. A dull razor can cause the hair to be cut at an uneven angle. This can make it more likely for the hair to curl back and grow into the skin.
• Shaving against the grain. Shaving against the grain can also cause the hair to be cut at an uneven angle making it more likely for the hair to curl back and grow into the skin.
• Not exfoliating regularly. Exfoliating with both a physical and chemical facial exfoliants helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can help to prevent the hair from curling back and growing into the skin.
• Having curly or coarse hair. Men with curly or coarse hair are more likely to get ingrown hairs. This is because curly and coarse hair is more likely to curl into the skin when growing back.

How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs when Shaving or Manscaping?

• Shower before you shave. This will help soften the body and facial hair before you shave. 
• Shave with the grain of your hair growth. This will help to prevent the hair from being cut at an uneven angle.
  
• Sanitize your razor. Wipe razor with rubbing alcohol to sanitize the blades before shaving.  After shaving, rinse blade clean with hot water then wipe dry and sanitize with rubbing alcohol again before storing it a dry place. The aftershave razor care will not only keep your razor sanitized but it will also keep your blades sharper longer.
• Use a sharp razor. A sharp razor will cut the hair at a clean angle with less tug, which will make it less likely for the hair to curl back and grow into the skin.
• Use a single-blade razor. Multi-blade razors can cause more irritation and make ingrown hairs more likely.
• Exfoliate regularly. Choose an exfoliating men's face scrub to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can help to prevent the hair from curling back and growing into the skin and forming an ingrown hair boil.
• Use a shaving cream or gel. A best men's shave cream or gel will help to lubricate the skin and make it easier to shave. This can help to prevent the hair from being cut at an uneven angle.
• Avoid shaving too closely. Shaving too closely can make it more likely for the hair to curl back and grow into the skin. Apply a light even pressure when shaving. Avoid pressing too hard with the razor when shaving. 
• Use a chemical hair remover. A chemical hair remover can help to remove the hair from the root. This can help to prevent the hair from curling back and growing into the skin.
• Get laser hair removal. Laser hair removal can help to permanently remove the hair. This is the most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs.

How to Treat Ingrown Hairs?

• Exfoliate the area. Exfoliating with a best men's face scrub helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can help to release the hair and prevent it from becoming infected.
• Apply a warm compress. A warm compress on an ingrown hair can help to soothe the area and reduce inflammation. It will help soften the skin around the area and bring the ingrown hair to a head. 
• Use an ingrown hair serum. An after shave for men with Salicylic Acid can help penetrate deeper into the skin and prevent it from becoming an infected ingrown hair boil or cyst.
• See a doctor if the ingrown hair is infected. If the ingrown hair is infected, you will need to see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Signs of a possible infection includes redness, swelling and pain.

Ingrown hairs can be a frustrating part of the shaving ritual and manscaping. Uncomfortable and sometimes painful skin condition, but with the right preparation and care, ingrown hairs can be effectively managed and prevented. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ingrown hairs, can help you take steps in minimizing the risk of developing ingrown hairs in the future.

Why Choose urth?

Practicing good hygiene and a good skincare routine for men can help maintain a clear complexion reducing the risks associated with ingrown hairs and boils. urth has curated skin care kits for men to simplify men's skincare. These plant powered men’s skincare products are formulated with chamomile, green tea, ginseng and pure essential oils to cleanse, brighten, nourish skin and protect against signs of aging. Improved and better skin after every use. Perfect for all skin types - including men with sensitive, dry, combo, and oily skin.

References: John Hopkins Medicine “Folliculitis, Boils and Carbuncles” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/folliculitis-boils-and-carbuncles

Cedar Sinai: Folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/f/folliculitis-boils-and-carbuncles.html