Ingrown Facial Hair Prevention | How An Aftershave Can Help

Ingrown facial hair can be a huge problem for men. This growth can cause the skin to feel irritated and itchy. However, if you shave regularly, you are more likely to experience this type of hair growth. If ingrown beard hair is becoming a problem for you, take advantage of the following guide.

The causes of ingrown hair

Before coming up with a treatment plan, it is essential to understand the causes of the problem. Ingrown facial hair is commonly observed when the hair initiates the growth without exiting the skin. Contrary to the normal stages of hair development, the hair grows and expands within the top layer of the skin, which causes a bump on the surface. For most men, this bump can cause pain and sometimes result in an infection.

Some men are more prone to the development of ingrown hair. The following elaborates on a few factors that influence the growth of ingrown hair.

1. Genetic Susceptibility

Certain men are more prone to the development of ingrown facial hair. According to research, men with curly and coarse hair have a higher probability of growing ingrown facial hair. This is because, genetically, their hair is more curly and dense. Therefore, when the hair is sliced off and begins to regrow, the follicle has a high chance of curling back into the skin, instead of popping out on the skin’s surface. As a result, men with curly and coarse hair are more likely to experience ingrown hair.

2. Presence of Dead Skin

The presence of dead skin cells on the face’s surface can hinder the natural hair growth. When this happens, it becomes quite difficult for the hair follicle to make an exit from the surface of the skin. Therefore, the hair curls up underneath the top surface of the skin. Taking this into account, it is imperative for men to regularly exfoliate their skin with a scrub.

3. The use of razors

It is no hidden fact that razors are primarily the reason behind the growth of ingrown hair. In addition to this, the use of razors can also result in razor bumps and skin irritation.

However, different types of razors produce a different reaction. When you use a multi-blade design, the razor cartridges employ a hysteresis effect. In this approach, the blades employ a lift-and-cut method, which can often cut the hair below the skin’s surface. This increases the growth of ingrown hair.

With that said, many men are under the false impression that using an electric razor can limit the growth of ingrown hair. However, this perception is not entirely true. When you are using an electric razor, the vibrating capabilities of the blades are hindered from performing a clean-cut shave.

Contrary to the typical razor, the electric razor trims the hair and functions quite similarly to a lawnmower. Therefore, when you run the electric razor on the skin, the top of the hair becomes stunted. Considering this, when you are using an electric shaver, make sure to apply pressure to ensure that the stunted tip is completely removed.

4. Inappropriate shaving technique

Inaccurate shaving also triggers the growth of ingrown hair. If you shave against the grain, the hysteresis effect takes place, the effects of which are already discussed. Therefore, whenever you are shaving, make sure to run the razor in the direction of the grain. This ensures that the hair re-growth is not stunted. Although running the razor in the direction opposite to the hair growth results in smoother skin, it can significantly increase the rate of growth for ingrown hair.

Common symptoms of ingrown hair

Dealing with ingrown hair can be slightly painful. If you have ingrown facial hair, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Slight pain in the area covered by facial hair.
• The appearance of blisters comprising pus (pustules).
• Darkening of the skin.
• Slight itchiness.

Prevention for ingrown hair

Ingrown hair can come with a significant amount of discomfort. There are a few ways in which you can limit the growth of ingrown hair.

Use Aftershave

Aftershaves is an amazing product for limiting the growth of ingrown hair. This product comprises moisturisers, which makes your skin smooth, while simultaneously preventing razor burns. Additionally, as aftershaves come with antifungal and antibacterial properties, they are able to limit and prevent the growth of ingrown hair.

The aftershave should be applied each time after you finish shaving. Once, the product is lathered over the skin, it is essential to avoid washing the face. Any contact with water can remove the product, which would limit its effect significantly.

Shave and Groom Effectively

The effective shaving and grooming of facial hair can help you reduce the growth of ingrown hair. While you are shaving, make sure to shave in the direction of the grain. This would make sure that the hysteresis effect does not take place. Additionally, once the beard is fully grown, be sure to comb it effectively. When you comb or ‘train’ your beard, the direction of the hair growth is tamed- to a certain extent, This limits the growth of ingrown hair.

Dealing with facial ingrown hair can be distressing. Therefore, it is essential to prevent the growth before it becomes a problem. You can easily limit the growth of ingrown hair by effectively shaving and grooming your facial hair, combined with the use of aftershave. If you are in the search for the best aftershave for men, visit Match Fragrances.

John is a contributor and blogger who loves to share his experience and knowledge about all there is on the internet