Pick. Pick. Pick.
That’s the sound of an ingrown hair being fidgeted with—a common source of discomfort and irritation. Ingrown hairs often start as a mildly annoying itch, but they can quickly escalate into major discomfort if left untreated. So, what can you do about them?
Everyone Gets Ingrown Hairs
At some point, everyone will experience an ingrown hair, typically caused by improper hair removal techniques or the need for exfoliation. Even something as simple as wearing tight synthetic clothing can lead to ingrown hairs, especially for those with thick, coarse, or curly hair.
Understanding the Two Types of Ingrown Hairs
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Transfollicular Penetration: Occurs when a hair gets trapped in the follicle due to debris like dead skin cells. The sharp tip of the hair punctures the follicle wall, growing in an unnatural direction.
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Extrafollicular Penetration: Happens when a hair exits the shaft but curls back around to re-enter the skin. Both types can cause significant irritation and, at times, infection.
Ingrown Hairs Can Happen Anywhere
While any part of the body with hair follicles can develop ingrown hairs, they’re most common in areas like the bikini line, underarms, and men’s faces—places where hair tends to be thicker and coarser. The upper thighs are also prone to ingrown hairs due to friction from clothing.
The Good News
Ingrown hairs don’t have to be a permanent part of your life. Many people, like AP brand ambassador Marie Digby, once believed that ingrown hairs were unavoidable, but that’s simply not true! With the right care, you can significantly reduce and even prevent ingrown hairs.
3 Steps to Ingrown Hair-Free Skin
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Perfect Your Hair Removal Technique: Sugaring is highly recommended as it removes hair from the root and clears debris from the hair shaft. If you shave, always do so in the direction of hair growth using a fresh razor. Avoid waxing and tweezing, as they can lead to hair breakage. If you do choose these methods, follow a strict at-home care protocol.
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Follow the Full Circle of Skin Conditioning® Program at Home: Soften skin cells with Phenomen-all® Skin Repair Cream, exfoliate with a gentle, non-comedogenic exfoliant like or Sweet Cheeks® Facial Scrub or Salt Smoothie® Body Scrub, purify with a Mud Puddle® detoxifying mask, and moisturize. This routine keeps your follicles clear, allowing hair to grow naturally without obstruction.
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Minimize Irritation: Reduce friction by wearing breathable cotton clothing and avoiding tight garments that rub against the skin. For delicate areas like the bikini line, scrub gently or use a salt compress instead of vigorous exfoliation.
And most importantly, DON’T PICK! Picking at ingrown hairs can lead to infection or scarring. If you experience frequent ingrown hairs despite taking preventive measures, consult a dermatologist for further treatment.
As always, stay smooth, everyone!
