Folliculitis is a very common disorder that can occur after shaving on any area of the skin, including the neck. Not only are ingrown hairs unsightly and annoying, they can also cause infection, scarring and discoloration. The procedure to prevent folliculitis on the neck is very similar to that recommended for the face: use proper shaving techniques, keep the skin clean by adopting good daily hygiene habits or consider alternative hair removal methods.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Change Your Shaving Habits
Step 1. Shave in the shower
When shaving, the skin should be wet. By shaving with dry hair, the risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs is substantially higher. To keep your skin moist, shave in the shower. Warm water also allows the hair to soften.
Step 2. Use a specific product every time you shave
Never shave dry - your skin should be moist and lubricated during the procedure. To protect your skin, create a thick lather with a moisturizing gel or shaving cream. In case of sensitive skin, use fragrance-free and non-comedogenic products (which do not block the pores).
To soften the hair, apply the cream or gel five minutes before shaving
Step 3. Use a single-blade razor
Shaving cuts the hair and makes it bristly: this is why it tends to "reenter" the skin, remaining trapped under the skin. By using a single blade rather than a multi-blade razor, the hair will not be cut excessively and will not be particularly bristly.
Replace the blade every five or seven shaves to keep it clean and sharp. After the procedure is complete, always rinse the razor to remove any residual hair and soap
Step 4. Shave in the direction of the hair growth, rather than against the hair
In this way you will not cut it excessively and you will not irritate the skin, avoiding the risk of folliculitis.
Step 5. Shave each area only once
Do not go over the razor several times, otherwise you risk irritating the skin and cutting the hair excessively, with the risk of worsening the folliculitis. Consequently, each area only needs to be shaved once. Using a high-quality lubricating shaving gel can help you make the procedure more effective.
Step 6. Rinse the razor blade thoroughly after each stroke, however annoying it may seem
In this way you will keep it clean, also the shave will be more homogeneous and will irritate the epidermis less.
Step 7. Keep your skin naturally relaxed as you shave
Do not pull it when you pass the razor, otherwise the follicle can "reenter" the epidermis. It takes some practice, but it is important to shave the neck without pulling the skin. Lift and move your chin and jaw to different angles to get to the hardest spots.
Step 8. Use an electric razor, which does not shave as deeply as a regular razor
Since it doesn't cut the hair excessively, it hardly causes ingrown hairs to appear. Try one and see if it's right for you.
You can also use a beard ruler, which often allows you to set the desired shaving depth. Avoid selecting the deepest one
Method 2 of 3: Treat Your Skin to Prevent the Appearance of Ingrown Hair
Step 1. Wash your neck the same way you wash your face
If you have a habit of focusing only on the face, you probably tend to forget about the neck. However, try to cleanse it regularly to heal the skin and prevent ingrown hairs from appearing. Use the facial cleanser: for daily use a mild and non-comedogenic product is preferable. A stick of soap can dry out the skin.
Step 2. Exfoliate your neck once a week to remove dead skin and dirt
By clearing the pores, you can prevent ingrown hairs from appearing. When you shower, pour an exfoliant on a clean sponge, moisten it to activate the product and gently massage it into your neck using circular movements. Rinse with warm water. For best results, use a tretinoin product, which is effective at removing dead skin cells.
- You can use an exfoliating sponge or face scrub on your neck.
- For oily or acne-prone skin, use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acids to unclog pores.
- If you have sensitive or dry skin, avoid these products and consult a dermatologist for the best exfoliation method for your skin type.
Step 3. Apply a moisturizer to your neck
Choose a gentle, non-comedogenic one that doesn't clog your pores. Having smooth, soft skin can help prevent ingrown hairs from appearing. Use this product every day after cleansing.
Apply the cream to damp skin to maximize skin hydration
Step 4. Wear shirts that leave the neck free
Always using shirts, ties or scarves can cause chafing and skin irritation. For some time, try to wear collarless shirts to soothe the skin. If possible, prefer clothes that do not rub on the skin in this area.
Method 3 of 3: Alternative Methods for Coping with Folliculitis
Step 1. Try a chemical depilatory cream, easily available in supermarkets and perfumeries
Try it on a small area to make sure it doesn't irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Use it following the instructions on the package.
As with shaving, even shaving with a cream allows you to decide which areas to treat. If you want, you can use it only on the neck, without removing the beard from the face
Step 2. Consider laser hair removal, a more durable solution
To get rid of unwanted hair you will need between two and six sessions. The treatment lasts several months and can be repeated if the hair grows back.
Step 3. If you suffer from ingrown hair, stop shaving
Before starting again, wait for the skin to heal. Also avoid waxing and tweezers. You could let your beard grow and keep your neck hair in check with a beard rule.
Step 4. Learn about steroid creams
If you continue to have problems with ingrown hair on your neck, see your dermatologist. He may prescribe a steroid cream to apply to the skin to help relieve inflammation.
Advice
- Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles due to bacteria, viruses or fungi.
- If you are having difficulty preventing folliculitis and subsequent skin inflammation, or your skin does not seem to heal and is in pain, see a dermatologist.
