Bye-Bye, Bumps! Helping Your Clients Overcome Ingrown Hairs with Ease

• Understand why clients suffer from ingrown hairs.
• Learn ways clients can prevent ingrown hairs.
• Teach your clients ways to cover their ingrown hair inflammation. 

 

Ingrown hairs occur when hair grows back into the skin instead of rising from it. They can be frustrating and embarrassing for your clients due to their appearance and the pain that they cause. Ingrowns often result in erythema and inflamed bumps that can be mistaken for acne or other skin issues, leading to self-consciousness and reduced confidence, especially in visible areas. The irritation and potential tenderness associated with this skin condition can cause discomfort, making everyday activities unpleasant. Additionally, frequent occurrences of ingrown hairs can indicate underlying issues with hair removal techniques or skin care routines, adding to their frustration. Their persistence and tendency to recur makes managing and treating ingrown hairs a continual challenge for many people. Let’s discuss why your clients may be suffering from ingrown hairs, how they can prevent them and how to cover, hide or camouflage the inflammation.

The several reasons why clients suffer from ingrown hairs:

Wrong Shaving Techniques

• Shaving Against the Grain: Most people shave in the opposite direction of hair growth. This can cause their hair to grow back into ingrown hairs.
• Dull Razors: If your client is using a dull razor blade, it can make their hair ends jagged and more likely to grow back into the skin.
• Frequent Shaving: Shaving often can irritate the skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs.

Hair Removal Methods

• Waxing and Plucking: These methods remove hair from the follicle. If the hair is not removed correctly or partially, it increases the chance of hairs growing inward as they regrow.
• Depilatory Creams: These creams are made with harsh chemicals which can sometimes irritate the skin, leading to inflammation and ingrown hairs.

Tight Clothing

• Friction: If your clients wear tight clothing, it can cause friction and pressure on their skin, especially in areas where hair grows, leading to hair being pushed back into the skin.
• Limited Airflow: Lack of airflow can create a warm, moist environment conducive to ingrown hairs.

Curly or Coarse Hair

• Hair Type: Clients with curly or coarse hair are more prone to ingrown hairs because their hair tends to curl back into the skin as it grows.

Dead Skin Buildup

• Clogged Pores: Dead skin and oil can clog your client’s pores, trapping their hairs underneath the surface.
• Exfoliation: If your clients do not exfoliate regularly, it can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, which can block hair follicles and cause hairs to grow inward.

Skin Conditions

• Dehydrated Skin: Dry, flaky skin can create an environment where it makes it difficult for hairs to grow out smoothly.  
• Inflammation: Pre-existing aggravated skin can worsen ingrown hairs.

Improper Skincare Routine

• Lack of Moisture: Clients that do not keep their skin properly moisturized may suffer from dry skin and an increased risk of ingrown hairs.
• Harsh Products: Certain chemicals in products can irritate the skin contributing to the development of ingrown hairs.

Genetic Predisposition

• Family History: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing ingrown hairs due to their skin type or hair characteristics.

Hormonal Changes

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels can affect hair growth patterns, potentially increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

 

How can your clients prevent ingrown hairs – 

• Proper Waxing Routine: Stress to your clients the importance of waxing on a consistent basis, based on their hair growth pattern. The typical hair growth pattern for neck and above is every 4 weeks; shoulder and below is every 6-8 weeks.

 

• Exfoliation: Your clients will need to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells. They can exfoliate their skin manually, with a body brush or scrub, or chemically such as an acid. Check out Dermwax Elite Ingrown Solution! It contains Salicylic and Lactic acid which encourages cell turnover, reduces hyperpigmentation and inflammation, and moisturizes the skin. 

 

• Moisturization: Encourage your clients to keep their skin hydrated with gentle, non-comedogenic lotions or oils. Try Dermwax Calendula Oil! It reduces inflammation and irritation while promoting the skin to heal.

 

• Avoid Tight Clothing: Clients should wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce the possibility of friction and irritation.

 

Effective, stylish and creative ways to hide ingrown hairs:

 

Because ingrown hair can be frustrating and sometimes painful for your clients, there are many ways they can cover themselves up while their skin heals. 

 

Makeup Solutions

 

• BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer: Provides light coverage and can help even out skin tone.
• Concealer: Use a color-correcting concealer (green for redness) followed by a skin-toned concealer.
• Foundation: A full-coverage foundation that matches your client’s skin tone can effectively cover ingrown hair bumps. 

 

Accessories

 

• Bandanas or Scarves: Your clients can wrap a cute bandana or scarf around their head or neck if the ingrown hair is on their neck or face.
• Headbands: Wide headbands can also cover up ingrowns on the forehead or near their hairline.

 

Clothing Choices

 

• High-Neck Tops: Turtlenecks or high-collar shirts can hide razor burn on the neck.
• Long Sleeves: If the ingrown bumps are on your client’s arms, long sleeves or light jackets can cover them.
• Patterned Clothing: Your clients can also wear clothing with bold patterns which can distract from any visible irritation or erythema.

Hair Styling

 

• Hair Down: If the ingrown inflammation is on their neck or near their face, their can wear their hair down to cover the area.
• Side-Swept Styles: Styles like side ponytails or braids can help cover one side of their neck or face.

DIY Patches

• Decorative Bandages: Clients can use fun, colorful bandages or those with cute patterns to cover small areas.
• Stickers or Temporary Tattoos: Small stickers or temporary tattoos can be a playful way to disguise bumps on visible areas like the arms or legs.

 

Although ingrown hairs are a common issue, it can cause discomfort, irritation, and even infection. The inflammation can be frustrating and embarrassing for your clients. By understanding the factors that can exacerbate flair ups, it can help your clients take proactive steps to prevent ingrown hairs and maintain healthier, happier skin.

-Written by Kyla Sampson