What is an ingrown hair?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
What is an ingrown hair?
An ingrown hair is either a hair that fails to grow out of the hair follicle and stays embedded under the surface of the skin or a hair that when it starts to grow changes direction and begins to grow back in on itself. Although they can happen naturally, usually it is waxing or shaving that causes them. Usually you first notice one because they itch or feel uncomfortable and if left untreated can be painful and become infected. Ingrown hairs can look a little like a small pimple in the later stages. If the inflammation extends beyond the immediate area of the ingrown hair or after you have treated the ingrown hair it still persists you should consider getting it checked by a do
What do I do?
Ingrown hairs can be simply treated by following the instructions below and you will need to arm yourself with a clean washcloth and some warm water, a mild antiseptic, pointy nosed tweezers and a small needle you have sterilised in boiling water.
- Gently apply a washcloth to the ingrown hair until it grows cool down and repeat again – this often helps bring the hair closer to the surface and softens the top of the skin covering the hair.
- Use a small needle to pierce any pimple that has formed over the ingrown hair and gently try to remove the ingrown hair by teasing it out.
- If a head has formed gently squeeze with a tissue until it has all gone and you can see the ingrown hair.
- Don’t try to pull the hair out – it may form again – you are trying to release the hair to grow normally.
- Apply an antiseptic to the area with a cotton wool ball to minimise the chance of infection.
How do I minimise ingrown hairs?
- Wear looser clothing if you suffer from ingrown hairs, tight clothing is a big cause of causing ingrown hairs to form, especially on the legs.
- Exfoliating regularly will help ingrown hairs. Exfoliating gloves are easy and quick to use and can be thrown in the washing machine to keep them clean of bacteria.
- Don’t use harsh exfoliators that can strip the skin of oils and dry it out making ingrown hairs more likely to form.
- Don’t use loofahs as they can’t be washed very easily and can harbour bacteria.
- Use cleansers and moisturisers that are non comodegenic, that is they won’t block the pores and make ingrown hairs more common.
- Cleansing the skin morning and night will keep the hair follicles and pores clear and remove grime and dead skin cells allowing the hair to grow more freely.
- Do not use products with alcohol that dry the skin.
- Use a long lasting hydrating moisturiser that will keep the hair soft all day and help prevent it in growing.
- Many men suffer ingrown hairs from shaving. Try leaving the hair fractionally longer by not using a multi blade razor as the hair is less likely to become ingrown if it is not shaved too closely.
- Don’t pull the skin too tight as this also makes the shave closer than you need.
Waxing and men
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Waxing has become more popular with men and not just athletes and body builders. Men are choosing to rid themselves of unwanted hair from all different areas of the body, sometimes to please a partner and sometimes for themselves. Waxing can be done at all ages, men typically getting hairier as they get older but younger males are more likely to have tried waxing to remove unwanted body and facial hair.
Is waxing different for a male?
Male’s hair like a male ‘s skin is coarser in texture and thicker than a woman’s. Sometimes this means that the waxing can be more expensive than for women as larger areas and more wax needs to be applied which means a longer appointment time too. Otherwise the before and after care is the same for both sexes. Waxing is a very safe procedure when done by a qualified professional but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Is waxing suitable for everyone?
- Never wax red, irritated skin or skin that has been sunburned
- Never wax skin that has any cuts or abrasions
- If any medications or creams are used containing retinoids then waxing should not be done as the skin becomes thinner and could tear
- People with varicose veins or have hairy moles should avoid those areas
- People with diabetes should seek medical advice before waxing
- If you have hair that is under 1/4” or 6mmm the wax will not be able to get a grip sufficient to pull the hairs out.
What is involved in waxing?
- The area to be waxed will need to be non greasy and completely dry
- The area being waxed will be covered with warm wax with a spatula
- A cloth or paper strip is placed on the wax and drawn up and away quickly to remove the wax and hairs attached to it
- The complete hair and the root are removed – so yes you will be hair free for a while and yes it hurts!
- A soothing, calming lotion will be applied after the waxing.
Is waxing for everyone?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Almost anyone who wants to remove unwanted body hair is suitable for waxing both male and female. Waxing can be done on many different body parts including moustache, chin, eyebrows, legs, bikini line and the back. Waxing can be done at any age.
Who shouldn’t wax?
People who are taking oral retinoids, usually taken for skin conditions, should not have waxing done for at least six months to one year after the course of retinoids has been completed. Ask your dermatologist or doctor for advice.
The skin can thin while taking these medications and will be more prone to tearing and possible scarring. Retinoids may also be prescribed to be used topically, that is applied to the skin and waxing should not be done for 1-2 months after finishing the topical retinoid treatment.
Anyone who has skin that is broken, has sunburn or skin that is sore, red or irritated.
Before you wax
- If you are taking any medication check to see if it
not an oral retinoid or topical retinoid. - If you are doing it yourself – the skin should be non greasy and perfectly dry
- Always check the temperature before applying wax to the skin – wax that is too hot can give a nasty burn
- Check to see the area is not already irritated or broken
- Do not wax the same day you have exfoliated
- Consider getting waxing done professionally the first time so you can learn the process if you want to do your own waxing
After you wax
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least twenty –four hours after waxing
- Loose clothing will feel more comfortable
- Massage or rubbing can further irritate the skin
- An icepack can be applied if the area is still painful after waxing, cover the icepack before applying to the skin
- A soothing lotion with anti inflammatory ingredients will help to relieve redness and soreness