Everything You Wanted to Ask About Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs can be deceiving. On one end, they resemble a pimple with a raised pore and whitish bump on top. And on the other end, they consist of a small strand of hair trapped under multiple layers of skin. Sometimes they’re small and barely noticeable and sometimes they’re large and all kinds of uncomfortable. No matter what they look like, getting rid of them can be a pesky task (especially if you’re someone who likes to pick).
Want to know the best way to get rid of an ingrown hair? You’re in luck. Bree Goldwater, founder of BOX® Human Landscapers®—one of the first niche waxing salons in the country to specialize exclusively in Brazilian and bikini waxing—and waxing extraordinaire spills her secrets on how to get rid of ingrown hairs (and how to prevent ingrown hairs from happening in the first place), ahead.
1. What is an ingrown hair?
“An ingrown hair will appear as a small grayish spot under a couple of layers of skin, a small blackhead-looking spot or a larger reddish-colored one with maybe a whitish bump. Could be as large as a nickel for those that are very inflamed and irritated. Typically, an ingrown hair will be soft if you push down or around the edges gently. If it seems hard or has that ball-bearing feel and possibly just red—or something raised with a non-smooth texture—that’s probably not an ingrown.”
An allergic reaction due to waxing seems to be fairly rare in all my years. However, if it were to occur, it would most likely look like little red bumps all over just the waxed areas or (possibly) white, welt-looking bumps. It may be itchy as well.
2. What is the best way to get rid of ingrown hair?
The safest way is to leave it alone and let it heal on its own. There is another way to expedite the healing process—which is pretty much like pricking a pimple—but I suggest leaving it to the professionals. If the pain and redness bother you, there are ointments out there that will assist with the healing [process] and relieve the symptoms.
3. How do I prevent getting an ingrown hair?
Daily exfoliation, especially before shaving, will slough off dead skin cells that can trap hair. If you’re scheduled for a wax, start exfoliating 12 to 14 days before your appointment. Continue exfoliating even after the treatment, preferably after the initial redness has subsided or after one or two days. Read more
Also read Is Eyelash Perming Safe?
