Knowing what causes ingrown hair can help you prevent it from occurring. The leading culprits are:
Too Close Of A Shave:
Blades that shave too close to the skin can cause ingrown hairs to develop. Shaving so close to the skin in such a way that the hair is just on the level of the skin gives it a greater chance to curl right back into the root. Another reason that the razor may cause ingrown hair is due to the fact that the end of the hair shaft itself may be so sharpened that it re-enters the follicle. One proven solution to this is to use an electric razor and this is available for use for women too.
Another solution is to shave in the same direction of the hair growth. This allows the hair to grow out straight rather than curling backward into the skin. Use this method to shave legs, underarms, pubic regions as well as facial hair. After shaving applying a damp cloth helps to soothe and soften the area.
Other Hair Removal Methods That Cause Ingrown Hairs:
Tweezing or the pulling the hair out at the root can cause the hair follicle to become so distorted that the hair grows at an improper angle leading to ingrown hairs.
Waxing also involves pulling the hair out at the root, and can also cause distorted follicles and ingrown hairs.
Sugaring is a hair removal method that is similar to waxing. There is an increased risk of hair breakage when sugaring and therefore an increased risk of ingrown hairs.
As a solution you may want to consider using depilatories, electrolysis or laser hair removal as options for reducing ingrown hairs.
Dead Skin Cells:
Another leading culprit for the cause of ingrown hairs dead skin cells blocks the hair follicles from breaking through the skin. As the hair continues to grow it curls under the skin and become inflamed causing severe pain, pus, irritation and infection. A quick solution is to remove these hardened plugs of proteins with exfoliating products so that the hair follicles can break free.
Dry Skin:
Dry skin also makes it difficult for hair follicles to penetrate the skin. The result is that the hair grows inward beneath the skin. For this reason it is especially important for people with the tendency to develop ingrown hair to keep their skin moisturized. This should become part of their daily routine.
Trapped Oil:
Oil trapped below the skin is another cause for ingrown hair. Trapped oil makes it almost impossible for hair follicles to push through the skin and this too causes the hair to curl back and grow under the skin. A daily routine of exfoliating and moisturizing will help lift trapped oils.