Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Epilation
Epilation is a method of hair removal that involves the elimination of the hair right down to the root. Some of the most common types of epilation include waxing, plucking and the use of devices like electrolysis and laser hair removal treatment. No matter what method of epilation is used for hair removal, there is a risk of ingrown hairs developing after the process. These ingrown hairs can become infected and painful, creating an even bigger problem than the unwanted hair. Fortunately, there are also effective methods of ingrown hair prevention that lessen the likelihood of these irritating bumps once the hair is removed.
Steps
- Know your risk factors when learning how to prevent ingrown hairs after epilation. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common demographic to deal with this problem is African-American males between the ages of 14 and 25. However, anyone with tight, curly hair is at higher risk for developing ingrown hairs after a hair removal treatment.
- Keep your skin hydrated from the inside and out. Drink plenty of water daily to keep skin soft and supple, lowering the risk of ingrown hairs developing after hair removal procedures. Use a hydrating lotion on the skin around the hair removal area proactively, rather than waiting until skin looks dry and sallow.
- Avoid products that contain petroleum jelly or animal by products, because these ingredients can clog pores and do make for effective ingrown hair prevention.
- Exfoliate skin before undergoing a hair removal procedure. Exfoliation removes dead, dry skin cells from the surface of the dermis, lessening the likelihood of clogged pores and ingrown hairs. In addition, the process leaves skin soft and smooth, so the hair removal procedure is that much more effective. Exfoliation can be physical or chemical and both can help prevent ingrown hairs.
- Physical exfoliation involves using a gently abrasive surface like a loofah or a sugar scrub to quickly remove shedding skin.
- Chemical exfoliation, like a glycolic or lactic acid solution is a stronger option than physical exfoliation because it not only removes shedding skin but also speeds up the skin cell turnover. However, it should not be combined with physical exfoliation without consulting a dermatologist.
- Epilate in the natural direction of the hair follicle. No matter what type of method you use for epilation, the most effective means of ingrown hair removal is to gently take the hair out of the follicle completely, and in the natural direction that it grows. When the hair is removed against its natural direction, it is more likely to break and become ingrown.
- Treat the skin after epilation by applying cool compresses to the treated site. Part of learning how to prevent ingrown hairs after epilation is to keep the area clean with a soft washcloth used in a circular motion. Avoid using harsh formulas on the area that could irritate the skin. Apply a gentle moisturizer free from pore-clogging ingredients to keep the skin soft and hydrated.
- Avoid irritating ingrown hairs that do develop. Ingrown hairs are characterized by small red bumps that can become itchy or painful. Do not scratch the bumps, since this could cause them to become infected. See your doctor about treatment for ingrown hairs after hair removal, such as topical solutions to control inflammation and oral antibiotics to treat infection.
- Finished.
