There is nothing worse than having your girlfriend, wife or mother point out your ingrown hairs and try to get them out. It’s a little gross and downright embarrassing. If you are one of the blessed ones who have not yet experienced this lifelong joy, an ingrown hair can occur when the hair grows sideways or curls backwards into the skin.
They are itchy and ugly, causing a small red, raised bump that looks really similar to a pimple. They usually occur on the face and neck, and can appear for several reasons such as from shaving, wearing tight clothing or dead skin cells.
Most ingrown hairs can go away eventually, but others can get infected. To avoid all these wonderful things, we have 5 quick tips for reducing ingrown hair:
Change How You Shave:
Many men stretch their face to get a close shave, but this is actually a common cause of ingrown hair. Avoid using cartridge razors and switch to a double-edge safety razor as it cuts the hair without pulling the skin and prevents ingrown hairs. Also, ensure your blade is clean and sharp – dirty, clogged up blades will do more damage than good.
Moreover, shaving while showering or even straight thereafter, can significantly reduce the possibilities of getting an ingrown hair. Warm water softens the hair, creating an optimal surface for the blade to move across the skin without friction for a smoother, closer shave.
Take Proper Care of Your Skin:
Follow the three main principles for maintain a flawless skin: Exfoliation, Cleansing, and Moisturising. You only need to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove the dead skin cells from the face. Cleansing should be doing to get rid of any dirt or grime that is clogging your pores, without sacrificing your manliness of course – so find a good ol’ Man Brew to keep you going. Moisturising should happen at least once a day to keep your skin hydrated and protected, so look out for some great male moisturisers like the Bro-To Very Useful Face Cream and get rubbin’.
Use a Robust Lather and Shaving Brush:
Use a good quality shaving cream and shaving brush to prevent ingrown hairs.
Get Yourself Some Quality Beard Oil:
Good quality beard oils also often contain antiseptics like Tea Tree Oil, preventing infection and relieving itchiness and burning. Apply this oil 2-3 times a week.
Apply Aftershave Cream:
Aftershave balm can bring your skin to its natural state. It can moisturise instantly, soothe the skin, and heal it quickly too.
If you pick up these 5 easy habits, you will experience the difference and feel like a new man in no time!