How to Combat Ingrown Hairs in People of African and Caribbean Descent

Ingrown hairs are quite a menace especially if you are of African or Caribbean descent. Ingrown hairs are a result of hair that grows and curls thus piercing the skin causing irritation and sometimes inflammation.

Ingrown hairs are common among all the races but have been reported to be a particularly serious among. This is because they cause dark spots, hyper pigmentation, razor bumps, sun damage and keloids. This is further aggravated by the fact that there seems to be a lack of skin care products geared towards dark skinned men.

See Also : womens humor, womens humor, womens humor t shirts,

The main reason why black men are susceptible to ingrown hairs is their hair is naturally course and curly especially the beard. Once it is shaved, it grows back and punctures the skin causing the skin to react as if the hair was a foreign object. This then causes irritation and even inflammation. In many cases, the skin breaks out and can cause serious inflammations. At times, this causes scarring of the skin leaving unsightly lumps.

Another consequence of ingrown hairs is razor bumps which is actually a skin condition medically referred to as Pseudofolliculitis barbae. This occurs when the skin breaks out because the ingrown hairs have become infected leaving black spots usually in the beard area. These spots and bumps are not limited to just the beard area. Women who shave their bikini area are also at risk of ingrown hairs especially if they do not take the necessary precautions when shaving.

Thankfully, there are solutions that exist that can help even black men and women eradicate razor bumps. Let us examine a few:

Razor quality
Sometimes we overlook the little things. Statistics show that most people use the same razor for at least 6 times before they discard it. Others mix new razors and old razors. An old razor is one of the main culprits when it comes to razor bumps. This is because it has lost its edge and no longer "cuts close". The half-shaved hair then re-grows and pierces the skin. To combat razor bumps, always buy new razors and avoid re-using them.

Shaving style
When shaving, take note of the direction of the hair growth and do not shave in this direction. This easily causes ingrown hairs regardless of whether the razor you are using is new or not. Also avoid using short repeated strokes on the same shaving area

Use warm water
It is recommended that you take a warm shower before you shave. This moisturizes both the hair and the skin and makes shaving easier. Apply gel or shaving crème.