HOW TO AVOID INGROWN HAIRS
Have you ever found an unusual bump on your skin that doesn’t go away? You may have developed an ingrown hair. It’s common for a man to develop ingrown hairs on his face, especially after shaving. When your facial hair is kept short, especially when it’s clean shaven, it’s more likely to develop into an ingrown hair.
So what exactly causes an ingrown hair, and how can you avoid them in the future?
WHAT CAUSES AN INGROWN HAIR?
Most men don’t want to talk about ingrown hairs, but chances are you’ll experience them now and again. They occur when skin or impurities build up around the hair follicle, causing it to grow sideways and back on itself. This can leave a small red bump, and be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
This is especially common in men with thick facial hair who shave on a regular basis. It is also more likely to occur in men with curly hair, as this means the hair may curl back on itself and become ingrown.
Ingrown hairs can be painful and make you feel self-conscious, but there are plenty of simple things you can do to avoid them, and get rid of them once they occur.
Keep your Face Clean
One of the best ways to avoid ingrown hairs is to keep your facial skin fresh and clean. Wash and scrub your face and neck daily to remove dead skin and dirt. This prevents a build-up of impurities that can block your hair follicles and make infection more likely.
Prep Skin Before Shaving
After washing, wet your face with warm water and use a quality shave gel or foam. This is essential for lubricating the razor so it glides smoothly and cuts hair cleanly away. You can also use a shave oil, which provides extra lubrication and separates out the individual hairs. The less pull your razor has, the smoother the shave and the cleaner the cut on each hair.
Use a quality razor
The best prevention method for ingrown hairs is to use a high quality razor with clean, sharp blades. The ES-LV65 5 Blade Shaver with Shaving Sensor combines time-honoured shaving technique with innovative new technology, for your smoothest most comfortable shave yet. The tapered edges are designed to lift and cut each individual hair at the same time, ensuring that every hair is trimmed, even when it’s lying flat. By ensuring every hair is tackled, you prevent a rogue hair from growing back on itself.
Dry shaving considerations
Dry shaving is a quicker alternative to wet shaving, and for some men can lead to less skin irritation. It’s also an ideal method for trimming a beard or stubble rather than opting for a close shave. If you’re dry-shaving, be sure to apply pre-shave products that are designed for the job, as you would with a wet shave, as this will ensure an even pull from the razor. Use a quality grooming device like the ES-RT37 Wet & Dry Shaver, designed to give you a smooth, comfortable shave, whether you’re using water or not.
Hone your shaving technique
How you shave is also important for avoiding ingrown hairs. To achieve a comfortable, even shave, be sure to shave in the direction your hair is growing. This prevents the sharp edge of the hair from embedding itself in the skin. If you’re using an electric razor, hold it slightly above the surface of the skin. For men who opt for a bit of stubble, this preference can actually be helpful in avoiding ingrown hairs. By using a quality trimmer like the ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer, you can achieve your ideal look while minimising the risk of ingrown hairs.
Dealing with an ingrown hair
Even when you make use of these prevention methods, you might still develop an ingrown hair. To get rid of an ingrown hair quickly, reduce the infection by scrubbing your face with a face cloth and anti-bacterial cleanser twice a day.
If the problem persists and your ingrown hair becomes infected, visit a medical professional for advice. They can prescribe you retinoids or antibiotics to help reduce the swelling, and the ingrown hair should go away in a matter of days.
Choose the Right Shaver for You
Take control of ingrown hairs with our innovative line of facial care technology. Every man has his own shaving needs, so you need to pick the right tool for the job. At Panasonic, we stock a wide range of razors and trimmers - all designed for your comfort and ease of use.
They may be uncomfortable or embarrassing, but ingrown hairs are a common occurrence for men the world over, and there are plenty of things you can do to avoid and reduce them.