Say goodbye to in-grown hair with these 7 tips

Isn't it just infuriating when you torture yourself in the parlour with hour-long wax sessions and come back with ingrown hair? Here are seven ways to say goodbye to them permanently.

1. Exfoliate often

According to the NHS 'an ingrown hair can occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells.' This clogging can force a hair to grow sideways, but regular exfoliation (once a week) will help prevent that build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Opt for Ameliorate's Skin Smoothing Body Polish, the combination of lactic acid and physical micro-dermabrasion granules make it seriously effective at dissolving those 'dead, follicle-clogging cells'.

 

 

2. Consider hair removal creams

Shaving is the biggest culprit for triggering ingrown hairs, this is because 'when the hair grows back, it has a sharper edge and can easily poke back into the skin'. The NHS recommends the simplest way to prevent them "is to let your hair grow freely without shaving it". But if that's not an option, it's worth trying a sensitive hair removal cream likeVeet's BodyCurv, instead.

3. If you are going to shave, use the best blade

Remember peeps, disposable razors are just that - disposable. We've all been there, that yellow Bic razor has been lurking in the corner of your shower for wayyy to long, and yet you reach for it anyway. The next day, your bod is shaving rash central... That's because disposable razors aren't deigned for long-term use, the blades can dull quickly and leave you with an uneven, bumpy shave - which will only exasperate the ingrown hair sitch.Gillette's Venus razors come highly recommended by the majority of reviewers on Boots.com (and who are we to argue), just remember to invest in a couple of extra razor heads so you aren't tempted to reuse the same one over and over.

Another option is to invest in an electrical shaver. Philips Satin Shave Prestige won't give you as close of a shave as a manual wet razor, but it's almost as good (take it from someone who knows). And, because it doesn't cut the hair quite as close to the skin it pretty much guarantees you won't get any ingrowers or itchy regrowth.

So if you aren't fussy about feeling 110% smooth, it might be worth trading off to an electrical option for day-to-day, and keeping your wet razor for special occasions only.

4. Remember shaving cream

If you're using a manual razor it's oh-so important to find a good shaving cream. It will give an extra slip to the skin ensuring blades don't drag, and meaning you can avoid irritating any sensitive spots. Opt for an alcohol-free, sensitive formula, to prevent drying out your skin.

5. Go in the right direction

Shaving in the opposite direction to the hair growth means each hair will be cut at a sharper angle, and is therefore more likely to grow back under the skin. Remember to shave in the same direction as hair growth to prevent this from happening.

6. Post-shave treatment

There are a whole host of 'post-shave' products out there, some good, some not-so good. Bliss' Ingrown Eliminating Pads actually do what they say on the tub. The pads are soaked in salicylic and glycolic acid - both of which are known for their ability to dissolve any build up of dead skin cells from the surface of the dermis and prevent pores clogging and ingrown hairs. The formula also contains lavender oil and oat extract to soothe any post-shave irritations.

7. Aaand if you do find yourself with an ingrown hair...

You did everything right, but there it is, an angry red spot staring up at you. Firstly, avoid the temptation to squeeze it, as you could end up pushing the hair deeper into the skin, or you could spread bacteria into the pores triggering an infection.

Often minor ingrown hairs can be left alone and they'll usually go away without you having to do anything. However, if the hair is close to the skin and you can see it, the NHS recommend "using a sterile needle or tweezers to gently tease it out. However, don't dig for the hair if it lies deep below the skin's surface." If in doubt though, leave it alone and contact your GP. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.