Ingrown hairs are not only unsightly, they can also be painful, especially in the bikini line. How to avoid them, which mode of hair removal to favor and how to get rid of them, discover the advice of Auréne, esthetician in Aix en Provence.
You have just epilated the bikini line and after a few days notice the appearance of a small black spot where the hair should have grown back. It’s probably an ingrown hair. “The hair, instead of coming out following its usual path, will grow under the skin”, explains the beautician. The skin does not pierce and there is swelling and the formation of a small pimple. Ingrown hair is a very common phenomenon that is not only unsightly but can also become painful. Some (we see you!) Not resisting the temptation to want to bring out this rebellious hair by tickling it with pliers. On this point, the specialist is formal: “Forbidden to touch!”
Ingrown hair: what causes it?
“Different factors can explain the occurrence of ingrown hair and women are not equal when faced with this problem.”, Announces Aurélyne.
- The type of hair : A curly coat, as is the case with the bikini line, is more likely to get kinked. A thin coat will have more difficulty piercing the dermis.
- Skin type : The skin type is also involved in the development of ingrown hair. With thick skin, the hair sometimes has trouble piercing. Another case is that of very dry skin. “Dander can clog the hair opening and prevent it from coming out properlySays the beautician.
- The mode of hair removal : Hair removal promotes ingrown hairs, especially the epilator and the razor.
- Repeated friction and friction with clothing
A more common phenomenon in the jersey area?
No doubt on this point, ingrown hairs can occur on all areas of the body but are much more common in the bikini area. Several explanations for this: “The legs are a friction zone, but this is even more true for the jersey which is also a wet zone and in permanent contact with tight clothes like underwear and jeansSays the beautician. So many factors that promote the appearance of hair under the skin.
Razor, wax, epilator, when hair removal counteracts hair
As Aurélyne pointed out, hair removal promotes the appearance of ingrown hairs. “The double or triple blade razor will pull the hair back before cutting it. During regrowth, the hair will therefore not follow the classic path”, She explains. With wax and the epilator, two techniques that pluck the hair, the problem is a little different: "The wax, but even more so the epilator, will refine the hair over time and therefore it may be difficult to pierce the skin. ” There is no ideal mode of hair removal, but if you are a fan of the razor, for example, it is best to choose a razor with a single blade. The wax has the advantage, thanks to the heat, of dilating the pores of the skin and therefore allowing easier extraction of the hair. “The right compromise can be to alternate shaving and hair removal. On the other hand, it is better to avoid the depilatory cream but also the electric epilator at the level of the bikini line because it will not only pluck the hair but also irritate and dry the skin.”, Recommends Aurélyne.
I have ingrown hair on my jersey, how can I get rid of it?
Despite all your precautions, you notice the appearance of small buttons on the jersey. Once the embodied point is there, you have to be patient: "The most important thing is to first disinfect with an antiseptic and antibacterial product. You must at all costs avoid wanting to pierce the skin with a needle or remove the hair with tweezers”. If the area is painful, the beautician advises applying a compress with warm water. Normally, the initial button will turn into a white button which will then pierce on its own, without your having to intervene.
There are also creams and products intended to prevent hair under the skin and to promote its elimination. They are found in particular in the Phyt’s, SVR and Noreva brands. Aurélyne, however, gives us a little 100% natural tip: “Tea Tree essential oil is very effective in helping the scarring of hair under the skin. Just drop a drop on the button”. Another natural solution is the application of a poultice of green clay, a real miracle product.
Preventing hair under the skin: advice from the beautician
“The best prevention against ingrown hairs is hydrationSays the beautician. Ideally, it is necessary to apply a daily moisturizing oil or cream to the skin, including the bikini line, to maintain its elasticity. “We complete with a scrub once or twice a week, remembering to apply the cream then to nourish and soften the skin because the scrub alters the hydrolipidic film.”Advises Aurélyne. For those who use a razor, remember to disinfect it well after use to avoid infections. But the only way to permanently and permanently protect yourself from ingrown hairs is to perform laser hair removal with a dermatologist.
Infection, abscess, pain … possible complications
In very rare cases, ingrown hair becomes complicated and an infection occurs. You will easily notice it by the appearance of a small ball. “Most of the time, ingrown hair will go away on its own but sometimes the infection can lead to pus formation and even cause a cyst or abscess.Says the beautician. In extreme cases, ingrown hair can even cause fever. If you notice that the infection is getting worse and the pimple is degenerating, it is better to consult a dermatologist quickly and above all (above all!) Avoid playing surgeons yourself!
Thanks to Aurélyne, home beautician
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