What is Ingrown Hair?

Ingrown hair commonly known as "razor bumps," are groups of hair that grow back into the skin after you've shaved, waxed, or tweezed. Ingrown hair can be caused by dead skin cells that prevent hair from breaking through the surface of the skin. It can cause inflammation, pain and tiny bumps in the area where the hair was removed. These bumps often look like breakouts and can cause discoloration to the skin. Below are some tips to help prevent ingrown hair.


Before shaving, cleanse your skin with warm water and a mild cleanser to prevent bacterial infections after you shave. Skin specialists advise to leave shaving cream or gel on the skin for a few minutes to soften the hairs. Shaving with dry hair creates a sharp edge that is more susceptible to growing on the skin. A blunt razor does not cut the hair properly and can cause it to curl up under the skin.    


Shaving is a quick and inexpensive method of removing hair but can cause problems for people with darker skin and curly or coarse hair. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface, which can lead to irritated skin and ingrown hair. In addition to ingrown hair, improper shaving techniques can result in dark pores and dark spots on skin.    


Shaving is not necessarily bad, but it is a form of physical peeling, and the way hair grows after shaving can cause problems. If waxing sounds too painful, try depilatory creams or an electric hair removal device that will eliminate pain and waiting time.    


Reduce the frequency of shaving as much as possible to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and skin irritation. To prepare your skin before shaving, use an exfoliant such as Glycolic or  Lactic Acid to unclog the hair follicles. Apply a shaving cream or gel a few minutes before shaving to soften the hair.    


Shaving cream or gel softens the hair and improves the sliding of the razor on the skin, which helps to minimize possible skin irritation. Shaving gel or cream helps to slide the blade over the skin and reduces irritation and cracks. A steamy shower softens pores and hair for a better shave.    


Use shea butter for sensitive skin, shaving creams that contain shea butter hydrate the skin like Aveeno shaving gel, which is made from colloidal oatmeal which forms a protective seal on the skin that hydrates and relieves inflammation.    


Shaving is the biggest culprit that can trigger ingrown hair, as hair grows faster when it has a sharp edge that pokes through the skin. Ingrown hairs are found in places that have been shaved and look like skin-colored or red bumps, but they can also appear as painful bumps.  


Retinoids such as Tretinoin and Renova Retin-A can help to remove dark skin spots caused by ingrown hair. The best way to prevent ingrown pubic hair is not to wax, shave or pluck, which is not practical. 


Specialists say that the easiest way to prevent it is to let the hair grow back rather than shave it off, as body hair is 100% natural and normal. But if you prefer to go hairless, try a sensitive hair removal cream. 


With treatment, the follicle shrinks in size, and the hair it produces becomes finer and brighter in color. Shaving cream adds moisture and reduces friction when the razor slides over the skin. The removal of the outer layer of dead skin cells keeps the pores around the follicles free and prevents hair growth.       


If you shave to shorten your hair, this can cause the hair to curl backwards and grow into the skin. Which can lead to inflammation and pain in the area after shaving. It can also lead to swelling around the small bump where the hair has been removed.    


Ingrown hair or razor bumps are known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. They are the result of follicles that curl up and get caught in the surface of the skin. When the hair penetrates the skin, the skin reacts as it would to a foreign body and becomes inflamed.    


If an inflamed ingrown hair is inflamed, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to it, but consult a dermatologist to ensure that the follicle is not infected, as this may require oral antibiotics. If the hair is not inflamed, try a retinoid, a gentle scrub that helps to remove dead skin around the hair.    


Ingrown hair occurs when hair that has grown out from its follicles re-enters the skin. At this point, the hair looks like a hoop, the ends of which are embedded in the skin. Even if you remove the hair, the hair follicles will still grow unless you receive laser hair removal, which can damage the follicles so that they can no longer produce hair.