What Causes Ingrown Beard Hairs?
Ingrown beard hairs are a common problem for facial hair-growers; however, there are certain steps one can take to avoid them. To begin, it’s important to understand what causes ingrown hairs in the first place.
The most common cause of ingrown hairs occurs when the hair is shaved or trimmed off too close to the skin. This results in the hair curling back and growing downwards, as opposed to outwards. The hair then penetrates the skin, leading to redness, inflammation, and even infection.
Other less common causes of ingrown beard hairs include improper cleansing and exfoliation, which can lead to clogged hair follicles; regular skin irritation; and some certain disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome.
How To Prevent Ingrown Hair?
It’s important to take steps to prevent ingrown hairs from occurring in the first place.
The most effective way to prevent ingrown beard hairs is to use a sharp razor and avoid going over the same area of skin more than twice. This will ensure that the hair is removed cleanly. It is also advisable to use light strokes rather than pressing down hard.
It’s also important to make sure the razor is clean and sharp, as this will help minimize the potential for any irritation or infection caused by a blunt blade.
Proper exfoliation is also important in preventing ingrown beard hairs. Exfoliation helps to keep the follicle clear by removing dead skin cells and other debris that could clog the hair follicle. This is especially important for those with curly hair, which can easily become trapped in the follicle and cause an ingrown hair.
Finally, plenty of good hydration and proper moisturizing is recommended for keeping the skin soft and supple, which in turn will prevent the hair from becoming stuck in the follicle.
Products To Help Avoid Ingrown Beard Hairs
There are also a variety of products on the market that help reduce and even prevent ingrown facial hairs.
One such product is an exfoliating scrub, which helps to remove dead skin cells and keep the follicle clear. Such scrubs are usually made with natural ingredients such as sugar and baking soda, and they should be used on a regular basis (about once a week) to help keep the skin soft and free of obstruction.
Oil or gel-based moisturizers are also useful in preventing ingrown hairs, as they help keep the skin sufficiently hydrated while also allowing the hair to grow freely.
An additional preventive measure is foaming or cream-based cleansers. Cleansers help to remove dirt and sweat, which can clog follicles, and also help to reduce bacteria growth, which can often lead to infection.
Home Remedies For Ingrown Beard Hairs
There are also some effective home remedies that can be used to help reduce the appearance of, and even prevent, ingrown hairs.
One common solution is to use warm water to soften the skin and hair, which allows for easier removal. A cotton swab can then be used to gently lift the hair from the skin and out.
Tea tree oil is also a popular home remedy for ingrown hairs. It contains antibacterial properties that can reduce infection and promote healing.
Finally, aloe vera is a popular home remedy for ingrown hairs; it is soothing and anti-inflammatory, making it useful in reducing redness and swelling.
Treating Ingrown Beard Hairs
In cases where an ingrown hair has become infected, it may be necessary to seek medical attention. This is especially important if the infection is severe or if the infection is not responding to at-home treatments.
An infected follicle may need to be drained; this may be done at home with a sterilized needle, although it’s important to remember to always keep the area clean. In extreme cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or even lancing or surgery to remove the infected area.
What To Do After An Ingrown Hair
After an ingrown hair has been removed, it can be tempting to think that the problem has been solved. However, it’s important to take steps to ensure that the problem doesn’t recur.
Firstly, it’s important to ensure that the skin is properly hydrated and moisturized; this will help to ensure that the skin remains soft and supple, and will also reduce the chance of the hair becoming trapped in the follicle again.
Exfoliation is also important, as this will help to remove any debris blocking the follicle.
Finally, it’s important to avoid tight clothing and products that can irritate the skin, such as perfumes or hair removal creams.
Beard Care Tips To Avoid Ingrown Hairs
When trying to prevent ingrown beard hairs, proper beard care is essential.
Firstly, it’s important to make sure that the beard is properly trimmed and maintained, which will ensure that the hair is not too long and is not growing too close to the skin.
Secondly, it’s important to keep the beard soft and hydrated; using oils, balms, and conditioner can help keep the skin dry, which will reduce the likelihood of an ingrown hair forming.
Finally, it’s important to regularly exfoliate the skin under the beard, this will help remove dirt and debris and will help keep the hair follicles clear.
Conclusion: Tips To Avoid Ingrown Beard Hairs
In conclusion, to avoid ingrown beard hairs, it is important to take the following steps: use a sharp razor; exfoliate; moisturize and hydrate; use exfoliating products; seek medical attention if needed; practice proper beard maintenance; and utilize home remedies. Taking these steps will help keep the skin and follicles healthy and prevent any further problems from arising.
