Ingrown Hair
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, better known to us as razor bumps or ingrown hair, can be an annoying and often painful concern for many men and women who shave. For women, ingrown hair is most visible on the legs or bikini lines.
As the name suggests, ingrown hair occurs when the end of the hair shaft is cut in a sharpened edge and as the hair grows it pulls back into the hair follicle rather than growing to the surface. The result is a hair becoming trapped and a red, itchy and sometimes infected bump is formed. Oftentimes we can see the hair just below the skin’s surface while sometimes the hair will continue to grow and can curl into a nearby follicle causing an inflammatory reaction in the skin which further leads to painful bumps and pimples.
The curlier one’s hair is, the higher the risk of getting ingrown hair. For most people this is an irritating and annoying problem, but in some cases severe inflammation or even a type of acne can occur.
The best way to avoid getting ingrown hair lies in the way we shave. Investing in a good razor is important.
Try not to use a disposable razor as the quality of the blade is often poor and would be harsh on the skin. Cartridge, double-edged safety or electric razors are your best bets. Your blades should be changed after every three to four uses depending on the hardness of your beard. After shaving, your razor should be sterilised with hot water and alcohol or overproof rum.
The best time to shave is after a hot shower. Use warm water and an antibacterial cleanser to wash your face to remove dirt and bacteria. A loofah or face cloth can be used to exfoliate the skin before shaving. Keep your face wet, use a good-quality shaving cream and stay away from harsh products, especially those containing potassium and sodium hydroxide as these ingredients make the skin swell slightly, then push the hair up and away from your skin to supposedly give a better shave. However, as the skin subsides the hair can retract into the follicle, become trapped as they begin to grow and create an ingrown hair.
Regular exfoliation of the skin on your face will help slough away dead skin cells, stimulate the circulation and help ease the hair back to the surface. An easy exfoliator is to mix a teaspoon of cornmeal with a little honey and water, apply with your fingers and work into your skin with a gentle circular motion, concentrating on the bearded area.
Always shave in the direction of the hair growth as shaving against the growth will make the hair retract into the follicle. Shaving in the same direction will also train your hair to grow straight. If possible try not to shave every day and when shaving use the least amount of strokes possible while using as little pressure as possible so that the shave is just above the skin’s surface. Being gentle on your skin will also stop you from getting razor burn.
After shaving use a hot wet face cloth to soften blunt hair cuts, then follow with a cold water splash to close the pores. Using fresh aloe vera gel will help soothe and heal irritated or sensitive skin.
Create your own natural shaving cream and aftershave lotion with the following recipes:
Shave Cream
Ingredients:
1/2 cup yogurt
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp. honey
2 tsps apple cider vinegar
(I recommend Braggs)
Method of Preparation:
Blend all ingredients prior to using. This will not only soften your hair but will also add an antibacterial shaving barrier.
Aftershave Lotion
Ingredients
6 oz witch hazel
2 oz overproof rum
10 drops tea tree oil
Method of Preparation:
Shake well and splash on face after shaving.
Spa Elder Tip
Proper shaving practices will reduce or eliminate the chances of getting razor bumps.
Stella Gray is the Spa Elder at Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon, with over 35 years in the spa industry. She can be reached at ferntree@halfmoon.com.
