5 Reasons Why Ingrown Hair Removal Matters and Why They Keep Coming Back

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Author: Leila Tan

22 August 2024

Ingrown hairs can be more than just a minor annoyance, especially for those regularly shaving, waxing, or threading, and it seems like something that not everyone gets but it just constantly happens especially when you are just trying to have a nice underarm. Worry not, today we're cutting through the fluff to give you the essential facts. You'll learn why it's important to tackle ingrown hairs, how to prevent them effectively, and the reasons they might keep reappearing.

The Pain of Men and Women: Why Would Humans Develop Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hair can occur in both men and women. This condition, also called "pseudofolliculitis," happens when a hair, often after being removed, grows back into the skin instead of up and out of its follicle. This can result in red, inflamed bumps that are uncomfortable and irritating. To simplify, think of each hair on your body growing from a tiny pocket in your skin called a hair follicle. Normally, the hair grows out of this follicle to the surface of the skin. With ingrown hairs, the hair doesn’t follow this path but curls back or grows sideways into the skin, causing irritation and bumps. In men, ingrown hairs are often seen in areas where they shave, such as the beard, neck, and cheeks. This is why ingrown hairs in these areas are sometimes referred to as "razor bumps" or "shaving bumps." Men with curly or coarse hair may be more prone to developing ingrown hairs in these areas. Women may experience ingrown hairs in various parts of the body, including the legs, armpits, and the pubic area. Similar to men, the condition is more common in women with curly or coarse hair and can be a result of any form of hair removal, especially shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams.

Why It's Critical to Treat Ingrown Hair While It's Early?

When ingrown hairs are left untreated, they can lead to various complications that not only affect the appearance of your skin but can also cause discomfort and more serious skin conditions. Here's an elaboration on each of the complications you've listed:

1. Infection (Folliculitis)

Ingrown hairs can cause an inflammatory response, leading to folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles. This typically occurs when bacteria, often from the skin's surface or trapped dirt and oil, enter the follicle. The area around the ingrown hair may become red, swollen, and tender. Small, pus-filled blisters may form, often resembling acne. Risks: If the infection worsens, it can develop into deeper, painful boils or abscesses, requiring medical treatment such as antibiotics or surgical drainage.

2. Hyperpigmentation

This occurs as a response to inflammation. When the skin becomes inflamed, it can produce excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Hyperpigmentation can leave dark spots or patches on the skin, which may take a long time to fade. These spots are typically more visible and persistent on darker skin tones.

3. Scarring

Repeated inflammation from chronic ingrown hairs can damage the skin and lead to scarring. These can include atrophic scars (depressions in the skin) or hypertrophic scars (raised, thickened areas). Picking or improper attempts to extract the hair can increase the risk of scarring.

4. Keloid Formation

Keloids are a more severe form of scarring, where the scar tissue grows excessively, forming firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules. Some people, particularly those with darker skin, are more prone to developing keloids. Moreover, Keloids can be challenging to treat, often requiring professional interventions like steroid injections, laser therapy, or surgery.

5. Worsened Skin Texture

Recurring issues with ingrown hairs can lead to ongoing skin inflammation, resulting in a rough, bumpy, or uneven skin texture. This can be particularly problematic in areas where ingrown hairs frequently occur, like the neck, legs, or bikini area.

6. Pain and Discomfort

Ingrown hairs can be quite painful, especially if they become infected or inflamed. The discomfort can be made worse by tight clothing, movement, or other forms of friction.

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10 Most Common Reasons of Why Would Someone Get Ingrown Hair

1. Hair Removal Frequency

Frequent hair removal can irritate the skin and hair follicles. This irritation can cause the follicles to become swollen, leading to a higher likelihood of hairs growing sideways or curling back into the skin.

2. Dead Skin Cells and Ingrown Hairs

The accumulation of dead skin cells can create a barrier over the skin surface and hair follicles. This barrier can be problematic because it hinders the natural growth trajectory of the hair. Instead of growing outwards, the hair might grow sideways within the follicle or curl back into the skin, leading to ingrown hairs. Regular exfoliation helps to remove these dead skin cells, clearing the path for hair to grow outward normally.

3. Natural Curling of Hair

Individuals with curly or coarse hair are at a higher risk of developing ingrown hairs because these hair types have a natural tendency to curl back towards the skin. As the hair grows longer, it can easily re-enter the skin, especially after being cut or shaved. This re-entry can lead to irritation, redness, and sometimes infection in the form of ingrown hair cysts.

4. Tight Clothing

Tight clothing can exacerbate the issue of ingrown hairs by creating constant pressure and friction against the skin. This can irritate the skin and hair follicles, leading to inflammation. The pressure can also force hairs to grow sideways, or push the tips of already cut hairs back into the skin. Choosing looser clothing, especially in areas prone to ingrown hairs, can help alleviate this issue.

5. Improper Hair Removal Techniques

Techniques like waxing, tweezing, or shaving against the hair growth direction can cause hair to break at a point below the skin surface. When the hair regrows, it's more likely to become trapped under the skin, leading to ingrown hairs and razor burn. Furthermore, waxing and tweezing can sometimes partially remove hair at the root, which might change the direction of hair growth, making subsequent hairs more likely to become ingrown.

6. Oily or Dirty Skin

When the skin is excessively oily or not cleaned properly, the oil and dirt can clog pores and hair follicles. This blockage can disrupt the normal growth of hair, leading to ingrown hairs.

7. Genetic Factors

Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing ingrown hairs. This could be due to factors like skin type, hair texture, and hair growth patterns. People with thicker or more curly hair types are generally more prone to ingrown hairs.

8. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, or due to certain medications, can lead to changes in hair growth and texture. These changes can make hairs more likely to become ingrown, particularly in areas like the face, neck, armpits, and pubic region.

9. Dry Skin

Dry skin can lead to the formation of flaky skin cells, which can obstruct hair follicles and lead to ingrown hairs. Regular moisturising can help maintain the health of the skin and reduce the likelihood of hair growing incorrectly.

10. Inflammation or Irritation from Previous Ingrown Hairs

If an ingrown hair is improperly handled (like picking or squeezing), it can lead to further inflammation or even infection. This can make the surrounding skin area more susceptible to developing additional ingrown hairs, creating a cycle of recurrence.

Tips on Shaving, Waxing & Tweezing to Avoid Ingrown Hair Bumps

To prevent ingrown hairs, which are often caused by improper hair removal techniques, it's important to follow the correct methods for waxing, tweezing, and shaving. Here are some tips for you on each technique to ensure a smoother, more effective hair removal process:

Shaving

1. Hydrate Your Skin: Before shaving, wet your skin and hair to soften them. This can be done during a warm shower or bath. 2. Use a Gentle Exfoliant: Gently exfoliate the skin before shaving to remove dead skin cells and free any trapped hairs. 3. Apply a Shaving Cream or Gel: Use a quality shaving cream or gel to decrease friction and irritation. 4. Use a Sharp Razor: A dull blade can irritate your skin and cause ingrown hairs. Change blades or disposable razors regularly. 5. Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth: Shaving against the grain can cause hairs to grow back into the skin. For a closer shave, you can first shave with the grain, then gently against it. 6. Avoid Stretching the Skin: While it might seem like stretching the skin gives a closer shave, it can actually cause hair to snap back and grow inward. 7. Rinse After Each Stroke: This keeps the blade clean and efficient. 8. Moisturise After Shaving: Apply a hydrating, alcohol-free moisturiser to soothe the skin.

Waxing

1. Skin Preparation: Ensure your skin is clean and dry. Lightly exfoliating a day before can help. 2. Check Hair Length: Hair should be about a quarter-inch long for the wax to grip it effectively. 3. Test the Wax Temperature: Ensure the wax is warm, but not too hot, to avoid burns. 4. Apply Wax in the Direction of Hair Growth: This helps in effectively pulling the hair from the roots. 5. Remove Wax Opposite of Hair Growth: Quickly pull off the wax strip in the opposite direction of hair growth, close to the skin to avoid breakage. 6. Aftercare: Apply a soothing lotion or aloe vera to reduce inflammation. Avoid tight clothing in the waxed areas.

Tweezing

1. Clean Your Tweezers: Always start with sterilised tweezers to prevent infection. 2. Cleanse Your Skin: Use warm water to soften the skin and open up the hair follicles. 3. Tweeze in the Direction of Hair Growth: Pull each hair out in the direction it grows to avoid breakage and reduce pain. 4. Don’t Dig for Ingrown Hairs: Avoid breaking the skin to get an ingrown hair, as this can lead to infection. 5. Soothe Your Skin Afterwards: Apply a calming product to reduce redness and irritation.

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Prevent Ingrown Hair at its Root: A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Opting for a more permanent hair removal method from Perfect Medical can be an effective strategy for those struggling with ingrown hairs! Introducing the cutting-edge A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment, which employs a specific 808nm wavelength laser that directly targets the melanin in hair follicles. This precise approach ensures that the treatment is effective in disabling the hair's growth potential. An interesting aspect of this treatment is that it not only affects the hair but also the tiny blood vessels surrounding the follicles. By making these vessels smaller, the treatment further diminishes the hair's ability to regrow. Also, it's efficient for various hair textures, including both coarse and fine body hair. This flexibility makes it a suitable option for many who seek a lasting hair removal solution. This treatment stands out for several reasons: - Suitable for a Range of Skin Tones and Sensitivities: Although ideal for light to medium skin tones and hair colours from natural blonde to dark brown or black, the treatment is also noted for its compatibility with sensitive skin. This broadens its appeal and accessibility. - Long-Lasting Results and Minimal Downtime: One of the most compelling benefits of A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment is its durability. The results are not just temporary fixes but offer a long-term solution to hair removal, with minimal inconvenience post-treatment. - Smoother, Elegant Skin: Beyond just removing hair, this treatment paves the way for smoother and more refined skin texture, free from the irritations and complications of ingrown hairs. For those weary of the constant battle with ingrown hairs and seeking a more definitive solution, A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment presents a promising option. It promises not just the ease of hair removal but also the aesthetic benefit of smoother skin, making it a worthwhile consideration. So forget about shaving, tweezing or waxing; book your session today to get rid of multiple problems at once and enjoy smooth and flawless skin!

Perfect Medical's A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment

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FAQ

1. What causes most ingrown hairs, and how can I prevent them?

Most ingrown hairs are caused by hair strands curling back into your skin instead of rising straight out from the hair follicles. This is often due to a curved hair follicle or hair growing back into the skin after a hair removal session. To prevent this, ensure your skin is exfoliated regularly to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which helps release ingrown hairs. Using a single blade razor can also reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs by cutting the hair cleanly without pulling it out of the follicle.

2. Does the A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment have any downtime, and how does it affect ingrown hairs?

No, the A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment has no downtime. This non-surgical procedure targets hair follicles with a specific laser wavelength, effectively reducing the chances of hair growing back into the skin and causing ingrown hairs. Since the treatment also diminishes the blood supply to the hair follicles, it not only helps in removing existing hair but also prevents future ingrown hairs, leading to smoother skin without the inconvenience of recovery time.

3. Can using a single blade razor help in preventing ingrown hairs?

Yes, using a single blade razor can help prevent ingrown hairs. Multi-blade razors often cut the hair below the surface of the skin, increasing the risk of hair strands growing back into the skin. A single blade razor cuts the hair at the surface, reducing the chance of ingrown hairs.

4. What are the benefits of applying a warm, wet cloth before a hair removal session?

Applying a warm, wet cloth before a hair removal session softens the hair and opens up the hair follicles. This preparation makes it easier to remove the hair, reduces the risk of hair strands curling back into your skin, and helps prevent ingrown hairs.

5. Are there any specific techniques to treat and prevent ingrown hairs for people with curly hair?

People with curly hair are more prone to ingrown hairs due to the natural curvature of their hair follicles. To treat and prevent ingrown hairs, they should exfoliate regularly to keep the surface of the skin free of dead skin cells, use a single blade razor or other gentle hair removal methods, and avoid tight clothing that can push hair back into the skin. Moisturising after hair removal can also keep the skin soft, allowing hair to grow out more easily.