Grooming Guidelines
Growing and caring for a beard is an art but unfortunately, it can prove to be a difficult endeavor. Ingrown hairs are an especially annoying problem that many men face when growing a full beard. These hairs curl, instead of growing straight up, as they grow. This causes the hairs to curl back and re-enter the skin, leading to inflammation, redness and above all, discomfort.
Trimming can play a major role in preventing, and ultimately, fixing the problem of ingrown hair. With this in mind, your number one priority when grooming a beard should be to employ the right trimmer, or clippers, to ensure a nice and even trim.
Luckily, there are many trimmers and clippers specifically made to trim, shape and maintain a beard. It is also essential to consider the width of your beard when making the choice. Choosing the right tool will allow you to give your beard an even trim, which in turn prevents and helps to solve the problem of ingrown hairs. Trimming the beard can help release the tip of the ingrown hair and encourage it to grow in the right direction.
Cleaning
Apart from trimming, it is also important to keep the beard and underlying skin clean. Furthermore, regular washing of the beard will help to clear away dead skin cells and any other debris that may be restricting hair growth. A mild shampoo and face wash should do the trick. It is important to ensure that the product you use does not contain any harsh chemicals, as this can dry out the skin and lead to irritation.
A deep cleaning of the beard twice a week is essential for preventing and fixing ingrown hair. Applying a warm compress on the affected area can also help to open up pores and remove any dirt. Doing this three to four times a day can help relieve the swelling and irritation associated with ingrown hairs.
Avoid Touching And Pulling
It is also important to avoid touching or pulling out any ingrown hairs. This can cause the skin to become infected and lead to scarring. In addition, the regrown hair may enter the skin again, leading to further irritation. If you cannot resist picking, use a pair of tweezers to gently pull out the hair, but make sure that no part of the hair remains under the skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating or scrubbing the skin can also help to release the ingrown hair from the skin and promote hair growth in the right direction. Exfoliate the skin two to three times a week, which can help to remove any dirt and bacteria that may be clogging up the pores. Soft scrubs and face washes are a great way to gently exfoliate the skin.
Moisturize
As the skin beneath the beard can often become dry due to the products used to clean, groom and style the beard, proper moisturizing is essential. Many men use oils such as argan oil and jojoba oil to moisturize the skin and hair beneath their beard. Not only do these oils nourish the beard, but they also help to hydrate the skin.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is one of the most effective natural remedies for ingrown hair. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can reduce inflammation, redness and irritation. The oil is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can help promote healthy hair growth. All you need to do is apply a few drops of the oil on the affected areas three to four times a day.
Topical Treatments
If you find that the above methods are not helping, you may want to consider using some over-the-counter topical treatments. Many products such as creams and ointments are specifically designed to reduce the symptoms of ingrown hair. These can be helpful, but please consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any of these products.
Physical Exercises
Physical exercises can help to reduce the symptoms of ingrown hair. Started with stretching exercises like yoga and Pilates, they can help to relax the skin and improve circulation within the affected area. Regular exercise will also help to reduce stress levels and may even help to reduce the amount of testosterone in the body, which can be responsible for excessive beard growth.
Securing Professional Help
If you find that the above methods are not able to solve your ingrown hair problem, then it may be time to seek professional help. A doctor or dermatologist will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment for you. They may also suggest some laser hair removal or electrolysis treatments depending on the cause of the ingrown hairs.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a safe and effective way to permanently remove ingrown hairs. In this procedure, a tiny needle is inserted into the hair follicle, delivering a small electrical current that breaks down the structure of the hair. This is typically done in multiple sessions and can help to permanently get rid of ingrown hairs.
Waxing
Waxing is a popular hair removal technique and can help to get rid of ingrown hairs. However, it can be very painful, so make sure that you are aware of the risks and side effects before opting for this procedure. It is also important to ensure that the individual performing the waxing is properly trained as any mistakes can lead to further irritation.
Tweezing
Tweezing is the manual removal of ingrown hairs using a pair of tweezers. Professional tweezing can be time consuming and expensive, so it is important to ensure that you have the right tweezers at home. It is also important to remember that tweezing can also cause inflammation and skin irritation, so make sure to be gentle and take your time.
Conclusion
Ingrown hairs can be a major source of discomfort and pain when growing a beard. It is important to remember that preventive measures should be taken in order to stop the appearance of these hairs, while additional treatments can be used to fix this common problem. A combination of proper grooming, deep cleaning, moisturizing and other treatments can help to prevent, and fix, ingrown hair.