An ingrown hair is when a hair basically curls back or grows sideways into the skin. Tender pimples can also surface when closely cut hairs grow out and pierce the hair follicle or re-enter the skin. It commonly appears in areas where the skin is shaved or waxed,(legs, bikini, underarms) but can also appear elsewhere on the body.

Shaving is the leading cause in ingrown hairs and certain parts of the body are more prone to ingrown's due to body heat and friction between the skin and clothing, so items like tights and leggings can play a major role in getting those dreaded ingrown hair. Also waxing at home can result in hairs breaking instead of being totally removed, which can lead to hairs becoming ingrown. Make sure you visit a waxing specialist like the girls at OFF WAX AND BROW BAR.

Rest assured there are a number of things you can do to prevent them.

Exfoliate Exfoliate Exfoliate!
This will remove dead skin cells so the hairs can come through the skin naturally, The team at OFF recommend using The Riffi Mitt, its inexpensive ($30), made of natural fibres, mould resistant and can be popped into the washing machine for hygiene. It’s a must have in any bathroom and once you have tried it you will see why the supermarket variety don’t cut the mustard at sloughing dead skin.

Moisturise!
Deodorants, soap, hot water, cold weather cause dry skin which doesn't help when trying to prevent ingrown hairs, make sure you keep you skin soft and pliable by moisturising daily.

Specialist products
Make sure you have one to hand in case bumps form, so you are ready and waiting, try PFB Vanish, it gently exfoliates skin cells with a combination of glycolic, salycilic and lactic acids to "lift ingrown hairs" above the skin, reducing swelling and redness due to irritation. PFB is available at OFF WAX AND BROW BAR.

Always remember exfoliating prior to waxing/shaving is just as important to help keep away ingrown hairs!

And most importantly of all NO PICKING! This will spread bacteria and make matters worse!