Getting Rid of Hair Removal Bumps and Irritation for Good
Though it takes a little extra effort, you can remove excess body hair without destroying your skin in the process. Here are a few tips to get rid of hair removal bumps and irritation:
Let It Grow
It might seem counterintuitive, but for the best hair removal results, you need to let the hair grow to at least a quarter inch. Try to go even longer if you already have razor bumps. The reason for this is simple. Short hair is more likely to get trapped in dry, dead skin, but longer hair has a chance to work its way out. You might not relish having stubble for a few days, but by letting the hair grow a bit, you give your skin a chance at a fresh start.
Prep Your Skin
A major cause of ingrown hairs and general skin irritation is dead, dry skin. The hair gets trapped just underneath the skin’s surface, leading to painful irritation. You can nip this pain in the bud by thoroughly exfoliating your skin before removing any hair. And if you have a rash or other forms of irritation, wait till it fades to begin removing hair again.
Use the Right Hair Removal Products
Shaving is the most common source of ingrown hairs, so if it’s your preferred method, you’ll need to choose carefully. Invest in a sharp razor and use shaving cream. Shaving with soap or on dry skin can irritate your skin. Waxing is a natural exfoliant and greatly reduces the amount of ingrown hairs. Waxing does not cut the hair like shaving does, but rather pulls the hair out from the root which will leave you with thinner, sparser hairs each time you wax.
Keep It Hot
No matter what hair removal method you use, your skin will thank you if your pores are open during the procedure. If you’re shaving – Hot, steamy water will help soften the hair, making it easier to cut. If you shave in the shower, wait till the end of your shower, when your pores are most open and least likely to give way to nasty ingrown hairs. If you’re waxing – use a wax that must be used warm. Warm wax will naturally open your pores and make it less painful for the hairs to come off by the root.
Treat Your Skin
If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, thoroughly dry your skin immediately after hair removal and use a home treatment such as witch hazel, tea tree oil, or soothing chamomile oil (a little will go a long way). Ensure that the product is applied to your skin in a very thin layer, and allow it to dry on its own rather than rubbing it in. You’ll need to continue applying the product once a day for the best results.
If you’ve shaved a large area of your body such as your legs, you’ll also need to moisturize, because shaving can quickly dry out your skin. And if you’re sick of razor bumps, try waxing. Although it can hurt, it’s less likely to cause ingrown hairs, and your results will last much longer. No matter what hair removal method you use, though, remember that your skin responds to how you treat it. Endless bumps and irritation mean something is going wrong, so take some time to pamper your skin rather than raking a dry, dull razor over it.
