Ingrown hairs are nasty things. When the hair regrows from waxing or shaving, it does not always manage to push through the skin, and can grow sideways or can curl back under the skin- causing a small red bump, or a bigger pustule. The main symptoms of ingrown hairs are itchiness and tenderness at the affected hair follicle, and are just plain unsightly! (especially around the bikini line or in the armpit)

Ingrown hairs can be caused by shaving, epilating, waxing- or they can occur for absolutely no reason at all! Darker skin types and people who have curly hair are more likely to develop ingrown hairs however.

There are 2 types of ingrown hairs:
1. The first type of ingrown hair is mostly experienced by people with curly hair. The hair successfully grows through the hair follicle, but then turns and grows back into the skin. This kind of ingrown results in a pimple like spot, often containing pus.
2. The second type of ingrown is also very common. The hair starts growing underneath the surface of the skin, because the opening of the hair follicle is blocked with dead or dry skin. These don’t often cause any infection.

But, how to prevent them?
Unfortunately ingrown hairs are the price us ladies pay for hair-free legs, underarms and bikini lines. Oh boy, men really do have it lucky! Here are some tips to help you keep those irritating ingrowns at bay.

• You’ve heard it before, but it really is the key- exfoliation exfoliation exfoliation! Within a couple of days of waxing or shaving you should begin exfoliating the area, keeping it free of dry or dead skin cells that might block the opening.
• If you are shaving, make sure you use a sharp razor. Avoid leaving your razor in the shower, as it will rust quickly.
• It is best to shave warm, damp skin.
• Don’t shave too close to the skin.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes after a wax.
• Special products containing salicyclic acid are good for treating ingrown hairs- there are a few available over the counter at Clicks. The salicylic acid helps moisturize and clean your pores, while preventing infection

Article by Claire