How to prevent ingrown hair

Healthy hair and skin are a boon to anyone. Busy lifestyle coupled with pollution can seriously damage both. Caring for the skin and hair is necessary, more so today. While there are overflowing skin and hair care products in the market, one can begin care at home.

When hair is cut too close to the skin, the follicle remains intact but the hair ends in jagged way. Typically, hair grows in a tapered manner. When this tapering is lost, hair grows in an abnormal manner, not growing outward but inward into the skin. The hair, together with its follicle forms a 'clump' which trap other hairs growing around it. This bump, which may appear red, can feel itchy. Such an abnormality is often called an Ingrown hair. While not a serious problem, it may develop into one if an infection is developed around the area.

Prevention if ingrown hair can be explored while exploring its causes.

Shaving is known to be the most common cause of ingrown hair. In men, the beard area is shaved often, while women prefer to shave their arms, legs or the pubic area. This has both aesthetic and hygienic reasons, and one cannot advise against shaving at all. But caution while shaving can ensure that it does not lead to ingrown hair formation:

One can begin with the general cleanliness of the razor and blade used. A clean and rust-free razor will ensure that cuts are avoided while shaving and even if they do occur, they do not get infected.
An antiseptic like an aftershave lotion, must always be applied after shaving.
While shaving, making sure that the area is well washed before makes sure that cuts will not be infected or lead to ingrown hair. Using shaving gel instead of foam is also a better option.
If using a regular razor, the blade must be frequently changed.
Avoiding same strokes on a particular area to attain a closer shave is also not advisable as this can also lead to uneven cuts, which lead to ingrown hair.
It is also important to keep in mind to always shave along the direction of hair growth. Shaving on the opposite of hair growth can again lead to closer cuts and eave hairs with jagged ends.
If possible, an electric shaver can be used alternatively. Electric shavers do not shave as closely to the skin as regular razors do. This makes sure that hair is cut evenly along the surface of the skin.
Shaving should be done while skin is relaxed, not taut. Stretching the skin exposes the hair closer to the skin and rough cuts near the hair follicle are more probable.
When waxing, the area should also be washed properly before the process begins.
Making sure that disposable strips are used is imperative to the hygiene needs.
Lotions to soothe the skin as well act as an antiseptic should also be insisted upon.
Making sure that razors or waxing articles are not shared can also prevent an infection of an ingrown hair.

Right clothing can also contribute to preventing ingrown hair. Tight clothes restrict the skin from breathing naturally. It can also lead to abnormal hair growth, especially in the underarms or the groin area.
Wearing clothes fit for the weather also contributes in a huge way. Hot and humid climate calls for loose cloths, made of fabric that allows the skin to breathe. Otherwise sweat can accumulate, along with oil secreted from skin glands. This will not only lead to body odor, but also causes germs to gather in skin. Ingrown hair can be infected sooner in these conditions.
General body hygiene is also necessary to avoid ingrown hair.
Moisturizing the skin not only adds to the glow, but also ensures that skin remains even. Smooth skin makes sure that hair is cut or removed smoothly along its surface, without any rough cuts.
Exfoliation is also important as dead skin cells can gather on the skin surface, making the skin not only dull to look at, but become a potential trap for bacteria and fungal infections to grow. It also makes skin uneven. This type of skin is prone to ingrown hair. Regular exfoliation can be done while taking a bath, with the help of a loofah or a bathing brush.

Simple steps that begin at home and take little time can make sure that ingrown hairs are avoided. Even if they do occur, it is important to make sure that they do not get infected. The best thing is to keep the area clean, and give it time to disappear on its own. Ingrown hairs should not be touched with finger nails or be scratched or picked at. If it is bothersome after a while, one may carefully remove it with the help of tweezers, making sure that they are clean first.