How to Help Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Struggling with ingrown hairs? We’ve been there! All it really takes is one tiny spot to give you endless discomfort. The reality is that nobody likes it when there’s a hair stuck under their skin, desperate to break free. Yikes!

For hair-free happiness and a bump-free life, skin preparation and a good hair removal technique is key.

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

For a tiny bump, it can sure cause a lot of drama. Did you know that an inefficient shave could cause and even promote the growth of ingrown hairs?

All hairs grow from a root in the skin from a follicle. From time to time, hairs fall out and start over again (or get shaved, plucked, etc.). If the tip of the hair gets caught in the follicle, the hair still continues to grow, curling inside the skin.

While that happens, the follicle itself also gets clogged with dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat and oils from your skin. When they’re clogged, ingrown hairs will cause inflammation just like a pimple.

Take note of these four important skin preparation steps for happy hair removal: Cleansing, Exfoliation, Softening Hair and Skin, & Minimisation of Friction.

1. Start with Clean Skin

The easiest way to prepare for shaving is to take a warm shower and cleanse the skin. Showering and hair removal really go hand-in-hand, and so it’s ideal for any hair removal to take place in a shower or immediately after a shower.

Wash yourself well with a good soap or body wash, taking into consideration whether you have sensitive or dry skin and using a body wash tailored to that.

2. Exfoliation to Remove Dead Skin Cells

Exfoliation is the removal of excess dead skin cells, and it is crucial to successful hair removal. It also helps to prevent ingrown hairs.

You can use a simple body scrub (for the armpit / bikini line), or a body wash with a loofah mitt to help remove the layer of dead skin before shaving.

Scrubs should be suited for your skin type. Be careful not to use scrubs that may cause micro-tears in the skin, which can be damaging and irritating to the areas with thin, delicate skin. Never apply a scrub to intimate areas of the body.

3. Softening Hair and Skin

Softening hair and skin allows for more effective hair removal. The simplest way to do this is to take a warm shower.

The heat and moisture from the shower, with the additional use of a good shaving gel or cream can also help soften the hair for more efficient removal.

4. Minimise Friction

When shaving, minimising friction typically means using some kind of shaving prep, like our Schick Silk Sensitive or Moisturising Shave Gel.

A fresh cartridge will also help minimise friction, as a blunt razor will drag along your skin, causing nicks and cuts.

It’s a good idea to continue to exfoliate 1-2 times per week to help keep ingrown hairs at bay between shaves.