We're pretty sure everyone hates ingrown hairs, they can be painful and uncomfortable forcing you to pluck and pick at your skin.  Nobody should go through this hell, unfortunately we do. This is because ingrown hairs are caused by dead skin cells.

Therefore, it makes sense that preventing ingrown hairs is all about removing dead skin and hair. Here are a few steps to prevent ingrown hairs:

• Make use of a single-blade razor.

We took a look at shaving above, and we discovered multi-blade razors are not good for women's bodies. Therefore, use a single safety blade razor for ingrown hairs. This is the most important and crucial step to prevent ingrown hairs.

A clean, safe, single-blade razor will cut off hair in one pass without dragging hairs or dead skin. Fewer bacteria buildup means fewer chances of ingrown hairs.

• Exfoliate

Exfoliating helps you prevent ingrown hairs effectively. It removes dead skin that could block skin pores and lifts hair off the skin, allowing a razor to cut the hair closer to the skin in one smooth motion. Exfoliating is important no matter what, and it's especially important before you shave.

You can use dry brushing or a washcloth to exfoliate. The latter is the better option for sensitive areas of your skin or if you have extra sensitive skin. Dry brushing is an ancient method that removes dead skin cells. It also gives your lymphatic system a jolt, which helps remove toxins and contaminants from your body.

• Pick a new shaving technique.

Wet your hair after exfoliating to soften it. The hair softens under a warm shower, making it simpler to remove.

Pay attention to how your razor is angled. If your skin is less sensitive, you don't need to pay as much attention to the direction you're shaving. When shaving your underarms, stretch the skin taut by raising your arm high above or behind your head. Shave in an X pattern as well as vertically and horizontally. Because our hair grows in several directions, capturing every single strand is easier. When shaving your legs, make sure the razor is at a 30-degree angle, so the blade gently grazes your skin. Bend your leg to tighten the skin around your knees.

Replace your blade regularly. It's time to change the blade if the razor pulls at your hair instead of cutting it swiftly and precisely.

• Try other hair removal options.

Depilatory creams used for removing hair are less likely to cause ingrown hairs when compared to other methods of hair removal. The downside is that they are packed with chemicals, and you might want to keep an eye on which ones you use.

Another option is electrolysis or laser hair removal if your wallet can afford it. You won't need to worry about ingrown hair if there's no hair growing. But unless you have good pain resistance, you might want to swerve on this one.

• No Tight Clothes or Underwear

We already talked about why tight clothes are a no-no for ingrown hairs. Don't wear them unless you absolutely need to, especially not after waxing your skin. Your skin likes the breeze too, you know.

People also asked

What to do immediately after and between waxes?

Well, it depends on a couple of factors. But here are a few things to consider:

• Who waxed you?
• When was the last time you had your legs waxed?
• Skin sensitivity

If you got waxed by the professionals, you should have little to no problems if you follow the aftercare information specific to the area they just waxed. Follow these instructions to the T. Here are a few of them:

Immediately after waxing:

• Take a cold shower to reduce the irritation. Irritation leads to itching, and itching means bumps and ingrown hair.
• Do not wear tight clothes; if possible, wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment.
• No perfumes, scented products, or lotions. You can survive a couple of hours without smelling like the beginning of spring, darling.
• Get an over-the-counter cortisone cream and apply it to the waxed area. This should reduce inflammation.
• Do not go to the gym or do anything that could cause excessive perspiration, as swearing and bacteria aren't good for inflamed skin.

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Two days after waxing:

• Keep those loose-fitting clothes.
• Nope, you still can't use perfumed oils and creams. Use mild gels like aloe vera to ease the skin and provide coolness.
• Continue to wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction.
• Continue to avoid perfumed oils and creams. You can apply mild gels, such as aloe vera to help soothe the skin as needed.

Before your next wax:

• Exfoliate and cleanse regularly. Dead skin and other materials can be removed to aid in releasing trapped hair and preventing more ingrown hairs.

Is it common to have bumps?

Absolutely. The surrounding skin is strained whenever hair is removed by force, such as during waxing. Many women experience small bumps and discomfort as a result of the procedure. Although the bumps usually go away in a few days, treatment can help speed up the healing process and prevent a recurrence.

What causes bumps?

Folliculitis is a pimple-like, bumpy rash that many people get after hair removal, be it waxing or shaving, and can be very unpleasant. It is often caused by inflammation, but luckily, it goes away without treatment the majority of the time.

If you find that you have a fluid bump after a few days, you may have a mild infection, which is what is causing your folliculitis. This can also be treated at home.

Is it infected?

Well, ingrown hair will definitely become infected if you continue to scratch and pluck at it like a chicken on a farm. You know it's infected when it's red, irritated, and hurts when you touch it. Swelling and itching are also signs to look out for.

If these symptoms match yours, then check out the How to treat ingrown hair section of this article, and if symptoms persist, you might want to see a doctor.

Conclusion

Well, ladies, we have covered quite a lot in this article, wouldn't you say?

From what causes bumps, how to prevent ingrown hairs and as a bonus we added a FAQs. But as with everything, prevention is better than cure, so keep in mind the steps we listed above. That way, you can avoid having to deal with ingrown hairs after waxing.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and your secrets on how to prevent ingrown hairs. Share your tips with us in the comment section or you can message us on our Facebook or Instagram account. 

See you in our next article!