When you shave, you remove the hair at the root. Each form of hair removal involves the use of a different tool, including waxing, tweezers and lasers. Each technique carries with it the risk of ingrown hairs, which can sometimes become inflamed and painful. Such a result can be far more annoying than the initial unwanted hair. To prevent this problem, you can prepare your skin for hair removal, use each tool appropriately and take care of your body even after the treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Skin Before Hair Removal
Step 1. Clean your skin
You can take a shower or wash the individual parts with hot water. Use a mild soap to prevent irritation. Doing so will minimize the risk of certain bacteria entering the pores and causing an infection.
Step 2. Exfoliate the skin
Dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of the epidermis and clog the hair follicles. Use a gentle exfoliating product while showering or bathing to remove dead skin cells. This will reduce the risk of ingrown hairs forming. You can use one of the following techniques to gently exfoliate your skin twice a week:
- Scrub the body with a dry scrub brush;
- Massage the skin with a natural sponge;
- Prepare a homemade scrub with olive oil and sugar and massage it on the body;
- Mix water and baking soda to quickly prepare a scrub with which to exfoliate the skin.
Step 3. Promote the opening of the follicles with steam
You can take a Turkish bath or simply a long hot shower. The heat causes the pores to open and softens the hair, so hair removal will take place more easily. You should expose your skin to steam every time you are about to exfoliate or shave it.
Step 4. Keep the epilator clean
Clean it with a cloth or water before and after each use to remove bacteria or hair from the appliance. Thorough hygiene is a great prevention method for ingrown hairs.
Also clean the tweezers at least once a week using disinfectant alcohol
Part 2 of 3: Using the Different Techniques Appropriately
Step 1. Follow the directions on the product
Depending on the type of instrument, you will need to perform different operations. Read the instructions carefully to know how you can get the best possible result and minimize the risk of ingrown hairs. For example, some electric epilators should be directed in the direction of hair growth, while others in the opposite direction.
Generally the tweezers package does not include special instructions. Grab the hair you intend to pluck between the pointed ends, then gently pull it in the direction of its growth. If necessary, clean the tips of the tweezers with a tissue to remove the hair
Step 2. Work gently
You should be very considerate of your skin when using the epilator. Applying too much pressure is counterproductive as you would have a harder time removing hair. Gently slide the epilator over your skin.
Step 3. Don't pull the skin
Stretch it out as gently as possible while you shave it. Keeping it taut would risk hairs getting under the surface of the epidermis, increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs forming.
If you intend to shave with an epilator, follow the instructions provided with the device to find out how and how best it is to stretch your skin
Part 3 of 3: Taking care of your skin after hair removal
Step 1. Rinse the skin
You can take a shower or rinse the single part with a damp cloth. Either way, use warm water to keep the pores open. Doing so will remove the bacteria and hair present on the surface of the epidermis, reducing the risk of irritation or ingrown hairs.
Step 2. Moisturize your skin for relief
The processes of exfoliation and hair removal tend to dry it out, so after rinsing it you should apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer. This will relieve her and prevent dead skin fragments from clogging the pores and hair follicles.
- Moisturize your skin twice a day to soothe any redness or inflammation caused by hair removal.
- Some hair removal kits include an antiseptic cream that is meant to soothe the skin, moisturize it, and prevent potential infections.
Step 3. Use a nourishing and gentle product
Take care of your skin regularly between hair removal. Select products that do not contain aggressive substances, for example that are free of alcohol and chemical fragrances. It is also important that they moisturize the skin to keep it healthy and elastic and not to irritate it following the hair removal that has made it more sensitive and delicate.
Step 4. Wear soft clothing
Avoid tight-fitting clothes in the days following hair removal. Tight clothing puts pressure on the skin and can prevent hair from growing in the correct direction, thus increasing the risk of it being pushed under the skin.
