YOUR GUIDE TO PREVENTING RAZORS BUMPS AND INGROWN HAIRS
I’m sure many of you can relate to the struggle of painful ingrown hairs, razor bumps and burn. Growing up, I was never informed that there is a right and wrong way to shave. Let’s just say I’ve learned the hard way over the years, but I feel as though I have a pretty good handle on how to shave properly. I’m a girl’s girl, meaning I’m all about helping a sister out, and what kind of person would I be if I didn’t share my tips and tricks?
So, let’s jump right in, shall we?
FIND THE RIGHT HAIR REMOVAL METHOD FOR YOU
You guys should know by now that I am an advocate for doing your research and figuring out what will be best foryou. The worst thing you can do is just buy a product or try something new on a whim without researching how it can affect different types of people, skin or body types, or affect health conditions. Especially when deciphering the best way to remove your body hair, doing your research is a vital key.
The most common way to remove body hair is by shaving. I’m sure many of you have done it (although, props to my natural queens. I aspire to have the confidence you do), however, it’s not the only option out there for removing body hair.
Another option that might be worth checking out islaser hair removal.This method has proven to be effective at “permanently” removing unwanted body hair. I say “permanently” as in, once you have finished your laser sessions, it typically lasts about 2 years with a few maintenance sessions in between. It’s not a one-and-done kind of thing, but it definitely helps reduce the work you have to put in for a seemingly hairless body.
This method is typically done in 4 to 6 sessions and is priced anywhere from $100 – $600 per session depending on the strength of the laser removal, == and what area(s) of the body you are doing. Obviously if you are doing small or just one area of your body, it will be cheaper, but full body sessions are quite the pretty penny.
Now, laser hair removal definitely isn’t for everyone seeing as it is quite expensive and a long process. And since shaving is the most common method of hair removal amongst the majority of us ladies, I want you to ask yourself this question:are you removing your body hair correctly?
If you are like me and you struggle with razor bumps and burn as well as ingrown hairs and scarring in your bikini area, I want you to take into question a few things…
ARE YOU USING A RAZOR THAT HAS A SHARP BLADE AND IS CONDUCIVE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
You want to avoid using dull razor blades because they can cause your skin to get irritated due to it tugging your skin and can result in razor burn and ingrown hairs. When searching for a good razor, you also want to look for one that is for sensitive skin.The Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Women’s Disposable Razorsare great for those of us that are prone to ingrown hairs, razor burn and bumps. I know a lot of people have raved about theBillie Razorscause of how close a shave you get and how it’s great for sensitive skin.
Once you have found the razor that’s best for you, make sure you are changing them out regularly to protect your skin and keep it looking soft, supple, and smooth and to prevent those painful ingrowns and bumps.
ARE YOU EXFOLIATING BEFORE AND AFTER SHAVING?
Photo byAnne NygårdonUnsplash
When I realized how important exfoliating was, I never went back. Exfoliating before and after shaving, whether it be on your bikini line, legs, or any other part of your body, is extremely important if you want to reduce your chances of getting ingrown hairs or razor bumps.
Exfoliating before shaving preps your skin by lifting your hairs, removing dead skin cells and unclogging your pores so that you can get a closer shave. I love the line ofTree Hut Scrubs. This exfoliator is very accessible and can be found pretty much anywhere such as your local drug store like CVS or Rite Aid, Target, Ulta, etc. Another great product is theFirst Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA. This product was specifically designed for people who suffer fromkeratosis pilaris, a skin condition that causes dry, rough or bumpy skin. Even if you don’t suffer from KP, this product is great for reducing razor bumps and making your skin appear and feel smoother because it includesAHA, which helps to exfoliate the surface of the skin and even out the pigmentation as well.
ARE YOU SHAVING IN THE DIRECTION YOUR HAIR GROWS?
If you are shaving against the grain of your hair growth, you are more likely to get ingrown hairs and your skin will be more irritated. Shaving in the direction of your hair growth ensures that you are removing the hair in the best and most comfortable way for you.
At the end of your shaving routine, if you want to take an extra step further, you can applyTend Skin Solutionto really aid in preventing painful ingrown hairs or razor bumps. Make sure you apply this solution ondryskin only. Additionally, you always want to moisturize and give your skin the hydration it needs post shaving.
What are some shaving tips you have that we may have missed? Leave a comment down below!