Dragging a sharp blade across
your face can have consequences. Ranking high amongst these is the ingrown hair, the annoying younger brother of the
pimple. While giving up shaving is the best resolution, it’s not the most practical solution for most of us. So how do
you keep your countenance looking good without sacrificing the razor? We’ve got your guide to keeping ingrown hairs at
bay.
What are ingrown hairs?
When you shave, your hairs become very sharp and as the tips grow out,
they can curl back into the skin, piercing it and causing inflammation, bumps, and soreness. Ingrown hairs tend to be
more common for those with curly hair.
How do I get rid of ingrown hairs?
Add exfoliation
to your skincare routine What skincare routine, you ask?
If you don’t have one yet, now’s the time to start, because when it comes to ingrown
hairs, prevention is the best defense. Exfoliate daily with a gentle scrub (like
Billy Jealousy Liquidsand Exfoliating Facial Cleanser) to remove dead skin cells that
clog pores and hair follicles. And once a week, opt for a strong facial polisher to really get rid of the gunk (like
Billy Jealousy Assassin Deep Exfoliating Scrub). If you have sensitive skin, start
slow and increase the frequency with your tolerance. If your skin is particularly reactive, only exfoliate the night
before shaving.
Before shaving
Wrap a warm towel around your face and neck and wait for your
hair to soften from the hot water. Alternatively,
shave right after you shower so your hair is weak (that's a good thing when you're
shaving) and your pores are open.
During shaving
The way you shave is a big part of
the razor bump equation. Use a fresh, sharp blade, since
dull blades can tug on your skin and cause more friction, leading to razor burn and
ingrown hairs. Also, since fresh blades offer a crisp cut, there’s no need to do several passes over the same
area, which can anger your skin. Shave in the direction your hair grows to reduce spikiness.
After shaving
Relieve freshly-shaven skin with a rich aftershave balm or serum.
Zirh
Soothe Post-Shave Solution contains aloe vera to moisturize irritated skin, and retinyl palmitate (a form of
vitamin A) to speed up cell turnover and reduce healing time, thus preventing clogged pores and ingrown hairs.
What if I already have an ingrown hair?
First we suggest giving your skin a breather. Stop shaving for
a few days and let your skin go through its regular repair processes. During this time, remember to moisturize and feel
free to try a cream formulated expressly for ingrown hairs, like
The Art of Shaving Ingrown Hair Night Cream, which exfoliates skin as
you sleep. If you wear a tie or a high collar, loosen them both. Stiff collars and ties can rub against your neck,
causing more irritation and slowing recovery. If after this waiting period the pesky ingrown is still there, you can
take matters into your own hands. To remove your ingrown hair at home, warm up the area with a wet towel or steam your
face over a bowl of hot water. Then use a pair of tweezers to lift the hair out of the skin. You can also consult a
professional aesthetician, who has all the tools to quickly pull that thing out with minimal damage.
SHOP: 1. Billy Jealousy Liquidsand Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, 2. Zirh
Soothe Post-Shave Solution, 3. Truefitt and Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil, 4. Billy Jealousy Assassin Deep Exfoliating Scrub, 5. The Art of Shaving Ingrown Hair Night Cream.
