How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs

If you’ve ever shaved before, you’ll know exactly what’s to follow in the coming days: irritation, redness and those painful, zit-like bumps – more formally known as ingrown hairs.

It doesn’t matter how closely or slowly you shave, these pesky pimples always have a way of disturbing your newly acquired smoother-than-smooth skin. While completely abolishing them from ever appearing is impossible, there are a few insider hair removal tricks and tips that can prevent ingrown hairs from occurring so often.

So run yourself a bath, get the shaver out and read on to discover some of the best ingrown hair prevention techniques.

1. Exfoliate

The main reason for ingrown hairs is follicles becoming blocked with the likes of dead skin cells and the dirt and grime of everyday life. When the hair follicle is blocked, it can make the hair grow at an angle – cue the oh-so painful journey to an ingrown hair. The best way to minimise this is to scrub the dead skin cells away with a skin-loving scrub that isn’t too abrasive.

2. Use a decent blade

If you don’t feel ready to swap over to hair removal creams and their egg-like smell (you know the one I’m on about) then it's definitely worth investing in a decent blade. A blunt and overused blade can cause more dragging than necessary and requires multiple attempts to successfully shave the same area.

3. Use hair regrowth inhibitor sprays

Regular razor burn can seriously aid in the development of ingrown hairs because of its dragging effect on the skin. Ward off that pesky regrowth by using a hair growth inhibitor to stunt the time in which each hair grows back, leaving your skin feeling smooth and hair-free for longer.

4. Practise skin maintenance

It is so important to moisturise after you’ve showered, but even more so once you’ve shaved. Prevent irritability by keeping skin well nourished and hydrated – bonus points if you can include aloe vera into your routine to diminish the appearance of that post-shave/wax redness. Before leaving the shower, spritz yourself down with a splash of cold water to close up any open pores and lather up in your favourite moisturiser.

5. Use shaving creams

Another key step for getting the smoothest shave possible is using shaving cream. These specialised formulas help to provide a little extra slip, which in turn prevents dragging; the smoother and creamier the shower gel is the better. Alternatively, if your bathroom can’t hack yet another body care item, use your hair conditioner as a substitute.

6. Invest in laser hair removal

Sure, laser hair removal may branch out to the pricier end of the spectrum but the benefits far outweigh the price tag. Laser hair removal works by damaging the hair follicle to prevent regrowth, meaning you get smoother skin for longer (and less nasty infections that result in ingrown hairs).

7. Carry out post-shave treatments

Aftercare products are essential if you want to prevent irritation. Look out for cooling solutions that contain camomile or aloe vera as these will ensure a healthier grow-back environment for both the hair and skin.

Once you've mastered the art of a clean shave, and checked out our guide to body hair removal at home for tips, try out some of the 7 best smelling body lotions that have us drooling.

Post Hair Removal Care FAQs

What is the best after wax care treatment?

The best after wax care treatment (after waiting 24 hours) is to apply some sort of lotion that contains either aloe vera, witch hazel, or diluted pure lavender essential oils. These key ingredients help to sooth and calm the skin after undergoing an intense body care ritual such as waxing.

There are several things you can do after your wax to make the most of your treatments and ensure that the skin is kept feeling happy and comfortable. First and foremost, ensure that you allow 24 hours before applying any heavy lotions or creams to the skin, as this can clog the pores and do cause unnecessary trouble. Secondly, try gently exfoliating after the 24 hours has passed to reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs occurring.

What does after wax lotion do?

As with any regular lotion, an after wax lotion serves the primary function of hydrating, nourishing and soothing to ensure skin doesn't feel tight or dry. Once applied, the after wax lotion helps to stop the skin from chapping or tightening – a common occurrence that can happen to freshly washed skin. As waxing as quite aggressive on the skin, it is important to give your skin an extra dosage of TLC, and this should take the form of applying lotion.

After wax lotion typically takes a slightly thinner, more spreadable form to ensure that the skin's pores won't get too clogged with product.

Is after wax lotion different to regular lotion?

In short, yes. After wax lotion hydrates and nourishes like a regular lotion would, but it also contains more skin-soothing ingredients to target the redness and irritation that can occur after waxing and other hair removal processes.

Usually, you can expect to find ingredients like aloe vera within the mix to soothe that post hair removal redness. Other popular ingredients include blue chamomile essential oil, lavender essential oil and tea tree oil.

Additionally, most after wax lotions are made with a gel-like consistency, meaning that it feels lighter on the skin and sinks in easily to prevent clogging the skin.