Protecting Your Hair during the Summer Months

How To Prevent Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair can happen all over your body. Your bikini area is definitely not where you want to have one, as the ingrown hair can look like a large pimple, or if infected can look a little less than sexy. Ingrown hair can happen from a number of reasons including shaving improperly, or from not exfoliating, so preventing them is key. See below for tips on how to prevent ingrown hair on your body (especially the bikini area).

Avoid Tight Clothing

Friction from clothing that is too tight such as underwear can cause ingrown hair from occurring. Wear proper fitting underwear and avoid jeans/pants that are also too tight and not breathable.

No Exercising After Waxing

Avoid exercising immediately after a bikini wax. The area will be sensitive and exposed, and your sweat can cause inflammation, redness, ingrown hair or even infection of this area.

Stay Away From Tanning Beds And Sun

Much like avoiding exercising, as the sweat can cause inflammation or redness, so can tanning beds and the sun. Both can cause you to sweat, but in the case of the tanning bed, there could also be underlying bacteria from the bed not being cleaned properly.

Shave The Correct Direction

Always shave in the direction that the hair is growing. Shaving in the opposite direction will definitely cause irritation, ingrown hair, and may feel painful afterward.

Exfoliate 

Exfoliate your body with a loofah to get rid of dead or dry skin cells. These dead cells can block hair from growing out and is a major cause of ingrown hair. Exfoliating will help prevent ingrown hair, as well as make your skin glow and look much healthier.

Use Medicated Ointment

Apply a medicated ointment to the infected area or to any area that is inflamed after shaving or waxing. This will help prevent infection and sooth inflammation. Talk to your doctor about options for ointments so you use the proper product. 

Keep The Area Moisturized

Just as exfoliating can help get rid of dead skin cells, moisturizing can prevent your skin from drying out in between shaving and waxing. Use a thick and creamy moisturizer to help keep skin hydrated.

Apply A Cool Wash Cloth

If you feel a little burning after shaving, apply a washcloth soaked with cool water to the area to help soothe it. Be gentle, as the area will be sensitive.

Having your bikini area waxed by a professional will also help to prevent ingrown hair in the most sensitive area of your body.