If you've ever shaved or tweezed hair from your face or body, you likely got an ingrown hair. However, these painful and unsightly bumps don't have to be synonymous with hair removal. Learn more about ingrown hairs and how to prevent them below.

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

An ingrown hair occurs when a short strand of hair is unable to penetrate the skin and starts growing beneath one or more dermal layers instead. This often happens when the follicle is clogged with dead skin, forcing the hair to grow laterally instead of upward.

Other times, the problem arises shortly after hair removal. For example, when you trim naturally curly hair too short, the end of the strand can twist around, penetrate the skin, and start growing beneath the dermis.

Ingrown hairs often lead to red, itchy bumps that can become infected. On men, they usually occur on the cheeks, neck, and chin. On women, they typically occur on the soft flesh of the thighs, bikini area, and underarms.

How Can You Prevent Them?

Apply a hot, damp cloth to your skin every time you shave and massage in a circular motion to tease wayward hairs out. Always shave in the direction of hair growth rather than against it and use a sharp blade, moving in as few strokes as possible.

Depilatory creams, waxing, and sugaring are also effective hair removal methods, since they don't trim hair down to the level of the skin.

If you've experienced ingrown hairs shortly after hair removal, stop by Smooth Solution Studio in Federal Way, WA, for relief. They’ve served clients throughout King County and the Greater Seattle-Tacoma area for more than 10 years. Whether you want waxing or sugaring, they can ensure your hair removal doesn’t lead to ingrown hairs. View a complete list of services on their website, or call (253) 533-1994 to book an appointment.