Prevent Ingrown Hairs When Shaving Or Waxing – When Shaving…
Shave after the hair has been wet for at least 5 minutes. Hair that is wet and full of moisture can be cut easily. Hair that is not well saturated can be very strong and tough. As the razor passes over, the hair is pulled up from the follicle. After it is cut it retracts below the skin surface with the resultant risk of it growing into surrounding tissue.
Shave in the direction of the hair growth. Cutting with the grain not against it will prevent hair being cut too short.
Prevent ingrown hairs by avoiding repeat strokes over the same area. Repeated strokes can also result in hair being cut too short.
Shave with the skin in a relaxed condition. Do not stretch the skin too taught. A little pressure may be necessary but excessive stretching can again result in hair being cut too short.
Use Tea Tree Oil twice a day in conjunction with a loofah bath or shower. Tea Tree Oil has a bacterial ability to kill infection and prevent pustules forming. (Avoid the eye area)
When Waxing
To pull out the hair cleanly without breaking it follow these recommendations: Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth, preferably holding the spatula or tongue depresser at a 45 degree angle as you spread the wax.
When applying the cotton strip over the wax, rub in the same direction as the hair growth leaving about 1/3 of the strip free to allow for a firm grip for a fast back pulling action.
Pull the skin taut before pulling the cotton strip away.
Pull back with a rapid movement close to the skin. Do not pull up or out, rather pull back.
One fast, smooth, pull back is much more effective than a series of light pulls which only increase the pain and leave patchy areas.
After 24-48 hours exfoliate the skin (with a Loofa sponge for example) to prevent the dead skin from accumulating in areas that can become ingrown such as the bikini line, upper thighs, underarms and calves.
Prevent ingrown hairs by not wearing tight clothing over freshly waxed areas to minimize the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.