Here’s how to clear the hair
People in the humid Far North are more likely to get ingrown hairs after waxing than our southern counterparts and it’s largely due to bacteria and sweat. “It’s caused by dead skin cells clogging follicles, but most of the time it does work itself out,” said Wax Room Manunda hair removal specialist Leonie Ballantine.
PEOPLE in the humid Far North are more likely to get ingrown hairs after waxing than our southern counterparts.
The Wax Room Manunda hair removal specialist Leonie Ballantine said it was largely due to bacteria and sweat.
“Technically ingrown hairs can happen to anyone, they’re a natural thing,” she said.
“The hair gets trapped under a layer of skin and causes bumps.
“It’s usually caused by dead skin cells clogging follicles, but most of the time it does work itself out.”
But she said there were a few things people could do to reduce their chances of getting ingrown hairs.
“Keep the area that’s been waxed clean and use an antibacterial wash.
“Men’s backs get ingrown hairs particularly often, so we use a wash like Isocol over it, especially if they are going to put a sweaty shirt on right afterwards. Exfoliation with an exfoliation mitt is also a good idea.
“If they’re more stubborn you can use a chemical exfoliator, which normally has retinoids, hydroxyacids and salycilic acids, and they dissolve the dead skin.
“If you use that it’s important to remember to wear a sunscreen.”
Ms Ballantine said some ingrown hairs could turn nasty.
“Sometimes you can see folliculitus, which is a bacterial infection and causes small bumps that look like pimples,” she said.
“Sometimes they can become cysts, which you’ll need medical help to remove, and sometimes they can stay in the skin for up to a few years.
“If they last more than a few days you should go to your doctor.
“You shouldn’t pick at them or at any ingrown hair because it can cause infections, scars and hyperpigmentation.”
She said prevention was always better than a cure.