What Causes Ingrown Hairs? Ingrown hairs develop when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin, rather than growing straight out. This can lead to inflammation, redness, and sometimes even infection. Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown hairs:
- Hair Removal Methods: Our experience is with shaves, beard trims and skin fades, other methods such as waxing can cause them too. These methods often cause the hair to be cut or removed at an angle, leading to ingrown hairs as they grow back.
- Curly or Coarse Hair: Individuals with naturally curly or coarse hair are more prone to ingrown hairs. Curly hair has a tendency to curl back into the skin as it grows, especially after being cut.
- Tight Clothing: Wearing tight clothing, particularly in areas where ingrown hairs are common (such as the groin or underarms), can exacerbate the problem. Tight clothing can trap hair against the skin, increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
- Improper Skincare: Poor skincare habits, such as not exfoliating regularly or using harsh products, can contribute to the development of ingrown hairs. Dead skin cells can build up and block hair follicles, leading to ingrown hairs.
Word from the pro's
Covent Garden senior barber, Harrison Hughes, was instrumental in the creation of our new Ingrown Hair Treatment, so we'll allow him to talk you through it.
Why did we make it?
"The ingrown hair treatment came about in response to the skincare problems our clients were facing both in our chair and at home. Whether bearded or clean shaven, clients would report ingrown hairs alongside redness/irritation and ask how best to treat them. Knowing there wasn’t an easily accessible product they could incorporate into their daily routines, we decided to make one."
Who's it for?
"Simply put, the treatment is for anyone that suffers from ingrown hairs! Both bearded and unbearded men can suffer from ingrown hairs, so it’s made with everyone in mind. Whatever your canvas, the exfoliating treatment gets to work right away to reduce redness, irritation, and free the trapped follicle."
Treating and Preventing Ingrown Hairs: Now that we understand what causes ingrown hairs and we've heard from the pro's, let's explore some effective methods for treating and preventing them, most of which are included in our wet shave service:
- Gentle Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevent hair follicles from becoming blocked. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a soft-bristled brush to exfoliate the affected area 2-3 times per week.
- Moisturise: Keeping the skin well-hydrated can help soften the hair follicles and reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Our beard moisturiser is perfect for this.
- Adjust Hair Removal Techniques: If you're prone to ingrown hairs, consider adjusting your hair removal techniques. For example, try shaving in the direction of hair growth rather than against it. If shaving, investing in your regime will work wonders. Click here to explore our expert shave range.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and encourage the hair to surface by opening the pores. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and apply it to the ingrown hair for 5-10 minutes.
- Don't Pick or Pop: While it can be tempting to pick or pop ingrown hairs, this can lead to infection and scarring. Instead, allow the hair to grow out naturally or seek professional assistance if needed.
- Topical Treatments: Topical treatments, like our Ingrown Hair treatment, containing ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation. Apply these treatments directly to the affected area as directed.
Conclusion: Ingrown hairs may be a common annoyance, but with the right knowledge and approach, they can be effectively treated and prevented. By understanding the underlying causes of ingrown hairs and implementing gentle skincare practices, you can keep your skin smooth, healthy, and free from ingrown hair-related woes. Remember, patience and consistency are key when it comes to dealing with ingrown hairs, so don't be discouraged if it takes time to see results. With a little care and attention, you can bid farewell to ingrown hairs and enjoy smoother, happier skin.