Ingrown hair is a common problem encountered because of body hair removal. It refers to a condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin before breaking through the surface. In some people, ingrown hairs occur rarely and are just a minor irritation but in some people, they are quite bothersome as they may become painful, unsightly and even infected.

What are the possible causes of ingrown hairs?

Ingrown hairs are usually the result of the hair being cut haphazardly leaving sharp ends. Sometimes, distorted follicles can also cause ingrown hairs. In such situation, the hair grows back into the skin by curling back around and starting to grow back into the skin. Listed below are the possible causes of ingrown hair:

• Excess of embedded oil in the hair follicles

• Lack of moisture in the skin

• Build up of dead skin cells in the pores and on the surface of the skin that irritate the hair follicle causing ingrown hair

• Because of hair removal processes including waxing, electrolysis, shaving and tweezing

• Stiff or thick hair

• Improper shaving technique such as shaving too close, or shaving against the direction of hair growth

• Use of a very sharp blade

What are the symptoms of ingrown hairs?

Symptoms of ingrown hairs vary just a minor irritation to infected pustules that may even bleed. Sometimes, ingrown hairs may also be mistaken for acne however they tend to form along traditional shaving lines such as the neck, legs, armpits, bikini area and face and are thereby identified. Given below are some of the more prominent symptoms of ingrown hairs:

• Constant tenderness in the affected area

• Itching, tingling

• Mild to severe pain

• Skin discolouration and rashes

• Trapped, ingrown hairs may cause inflammation; as a reaction the body forms a papule - a small, raised, abnormality on the skin commonly known as a bump giving rise to the term ‘razor bumps’

• The body can also respond by producing a pustule - a blister on the skin containing pus

• An infected pustule can become ruptured resulting in bleeding

• In chronic cases, ingrown hair may cause hard, prominent, irregular scar tissue in the skin

What is the right shaving method to avoid ingrown hairs?

Shaving is the chief cause of ingrown hair. Men especially get ingrown hair in their beard region because of shaving. However, problem of ingrown hairs can be minimized considerably by shaving in the method discussed below:

Preparing the skin

The skin must be prepared for shaving through a 3 steps process of exfoliation, hydration and moisturising. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells so that these do not build up on the surface and trap new hairs under the skin as they begin to grow out. A well-hydrated skin makes the cell softer and hair more erect, allowing for smoother and easier shaving. Moisturising helps soften the hair and the surrounding cells so ingrown hairs are less likely to occur.

Reducing the frequency

Experts believe that men who frequently get ingrown hairs must extend the time between shaves. Rather than shaving every day, they should shave every other day as it lets the body hairs to grow long enough to resist curling back into the skin.

Shaving in the right direction

Our body hair grows in a specific direction or grain; ingrown hair can be avoided by shaving with the grain instead of against it. Some people try to shave against the grain to achieve a closer cut. This harms the follicles and causes ingrown hairs.

Use proper shavers

Do not use very sharp blades. Shaving with a double or triple blade razor can also increase the chances of ingrown hairs. You may consider using blades designed for sensitive skin or electric shavers instead.

Use Ingrow Go

Ingrow Go is an advanced cosmetic formulation by Skin Doctors that may be applied on the skin to treat as well as prevent ingrown hairs. The product also helps to improve the appearance of your skin by treating acne and blemishes.