Whether you’re more of a ‘skin-is-in’ kinda gal or you’re vibing with the ‘bush is back’ movement, if you want your bikini line to be as soft, smooth, and bump-free as possible, then you know it takes some work.
If you choose to remove the hair around your bikini line, you probably know the continual struggle of ingrown hair. There’s nothing more infuriating than when you’ve gone through the effort to get goddess-level soft skin, and then an ingrown pops up. Ingrown hairs are one of the most dreaded beauty woes, especially if they materialise around the bikini area. They hurt, can get irritated and swollen easily, and are just not worth peeking out from the bikini. Plus, if you remove them incorrectly, it can lead to scarring. So for folks suffering from a case of the bumps, we’ve curated the complete guide to treating ingrown hair at home and preventing ‘em from popping in the future.
Here’s How To Properly Treat And Prevent Ingrown Hair Down There
Use A New Razor
Shaving is one of the most common hair removal methods for this zone because it’s quick and easy. Hair down there has a tapered edge, meaning the hair gradually decreases in its thickness towards the end like the shape of a blade or sword or grass. Shaving creates sharp edges on hair when it’s cut. These sharp edges make it easier for the hair to pierce the skin and grow back into it. When you’re shaving it’s best to use a new razor and shaving cream to prevent ingrown hair and cause the least amount of irritation.
Always Shave In The Right Direction
The most important thing you can do to prevent ingrown hairs is to shave in the direction of hair growth, despite what you may have been taught, to get a closer shave. If you work against the direction of hair growth, there may be an increased chance of ingrown hair. Also, be mindful of the ingredients in your shaving gels and creams. Products with edible oils in them can actually clog pores and make ingrown hair worse.
Exfoliate Pre And Post-Shaving
Exfoliating the bikini area before and after shaving is an extra step towards keeping ingrown hair at bay. You can use an exfoliating body wash with ingredients like salicylic acid and bakuchiol to prep for grooming. For ingrown hairs that have already popped up around the bikini line, exfoliating can assist in alleviating them faster.
Try Sugaring Instead Of Shaving
Waxing and sugaring help remove the hair from the follicle, which is why the results can last so much longer than shaving. Sometimes, though, the hair breaks above or below the skin’s surface as it’s being uprooted. Just like the case of shaving, these broken ends create a breeding ground for hair to grow back into the skin.
Epilate After You Exfoliate
Epilators work by using tiny tweezers to uplift each hair out of its follicle. There’s usually more chance of breakage when using an epilator than when you get a sugar or wax hair removal because hair isn’t always taken out at the perfect angle with these devices.
Treat Existing Ingrowns
Most ingrowns go away on their own. Sitting in warm baths daily or more than once a day can help, as so hot compresses on the area. If you see ingrown hair, a warm compress can help soften the hair and bring it closer to the surface. If you have ingrown hair that’s bothering you, apply a steroid cream to reduce inflammation and any itching or a topical antibiotic cream if it’s painful and seems infected.
Consider Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a permanent option if you’re sick of irritated skin from shaving or waxing. The technique damages the hair follicle, preventing the hair from growing back in. If you don’t have any hair around your bikini line, you don’t have to worry about it growing in the wrong direction.
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Swipe On Deodorant
Yup, your antiperspirant could help keep those ingrown hairs at bay. One trick after shaving is to swipe your soft deodorant over the freshly shaven area. Aluminum products have antibacterial, astringent, and anti-sweating properties so this can also help.
Buh-bye ingrown hair!
Featured Image: Pexels
