If you’re old enough to shave, you’ll probably know about in-grown hairs – those itchy red bumps that form on the skin.
In-grown hairs are not just unsightly. When scratched or pressed, the bumps can become inflamed and infected, and may require medical attention.
We take a look at in-grown hairs – what they are, what causes them and how to prevent them.
We also share some of the best shaving and barber products to prep, calm and soothe irritated and inflamed skin, and help prevent in-grown hairs.
Recommended products are available online at Hairhouse Warehouse, a leading supplier of quality barber and salon products for sale in South Africa.
What are in-grown hairs?
In-grown hairs are strands of hair that grow back on themselves after shaving or waxing.
Instead of growing straight through the skin, the hair loops, grows backwards into the follicle, and becomes embedded in the epidermis.
The red or dark bumps are a direct result of the “looping effect”.
In-grown hairs leave blemishes on the skin similar to razor burn, though razor burn is a type of contact dermatitis. It’s a temporary rash caused by incorrect shaving techniques, like shaving against the natural growth of the hair, using a dull razor blade or using too little shaving cream.
What causes in-grown hairs?
Your shaving technique and equipment can cause in-grown hairs, but other factors contribute to the problem.
Genetics plays a part. If you’ve got coarse or curly hair, or dark skin, you’ll be more susceptible to in-grown hairs.
Frequent shaving is another cause. Close shaving tends to sharpen the hair strands, which allows them to penetrate the skin more easily and loop back into the hair follicles.
The way you shave and the equipment you use can influence the development of in-grown hairs.
How to prevent in-grown hairs
The good news is there are steps you can take before, during and after shaving to prevent in-grown hairs anywhere on your body.
Before shaving
A pre-shave skincare routine to soften the skin and open the pores helps prevent the formation of in-grown hairs.
Before you start, splash skin with warm water and use a mild exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, which often help trap hairs.
Always apply a pre-shave oil to soften the beard and increase the skin’s slipperiness. The extra slip allows the razor blade to glide more easily across the face and neck, preventing both in-grown hairs and razor burn.
During shaving
Apply a generous amount of shaving cream to the face and neck, and shave in the direction of the hair grain.
Avoid shaving over the same area twice (a transparent shaving gel can help). Use as few strokes of the razor as you can, rinsing the blade after each stroke.
If that doesn’t prevent in-grown hairs, consider using an electric shaver.
You won’t get such a close shave – beard trimmers and electric shavers don’t cut that close – but you’re more likely to have a smooth, unblemished and pain-free skin.
After shaving
Once you’ve shaved, apply a cold, wet cloth to tighten the skin and prevent the pores from becoming clogged.
Splash on an aftershave with mild astringent properties to reduce the risk of infection.
If that doesn’t do the job, there are dedicated skin treatments containing witch hazel, a natural ingredient that’s effective at treating a range of skin conditions.
Here’s a list of helpful resources covering in-grown hairs:
- What are Ingrown Hairs and How to Prevent Them
- How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs
- Ingrown Hair
- 6 Tips That Can Help You Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Best products for preventing in-grown hairs
If you’re susceptible to in-grown hairs, these products can help. Consider integrating them into your routine.
This lightweight pre-shave formulation of natural oils softens facial hair to enable an easier shave. It increases skin slip to allow the blade to move more freely.
A soft, lubricating shaving cream for sensitive skins that contains fragrant natural oils that moisturise and hydrate as you shave, including avocado, grapefruit peel, jojoba seed and sweet almond oil.
Hairgum Transparent Shaving Gel
A transparent shaving gel to prevent over-shave and reduce in-grown hair formation. Shea oil, aloe vera juice, prickly pear extract and a host of other natural ingredients hydrate, purify and protect the skin against the abrasive effect of the blade.
Gamma Più Absolute Zero Cordless Titanium Finishing Foil Shaver
Developed by a leading Italian barber brand, the Gamma Più is an advanced alternative to the conventional razor. Hypoallergenic foils, floating cutters and a retractable trimmer are key features. It’s an electric shaver that’s designed to deliver a close shave while keeping the skin free of in-grown hairs and razor burn.
Woody’s For Men Shave Relief Balm
Formulated to deliver instant post-shave relief for sensitive, irritated skin, this grease-free balm is effective at preventing in-grown hairs. It works by soothing, calming, nourishing and tightening red and angry skin.
An effective treatment for a range of skin conditions. The key ingredient, witch hazel, has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and tighten pores and reduce itching.
A cool, fresh aftershave lotion formulated with menthol and allantoin, an ingredient that acts as a gentle exfoliant to soften and moisturise sensitive, irritated skin.