Namely, instead of hair growing straight out of the skin of the abdomen, it changes direction and curls under the skin. The problem of ingrown hairs on the abdomen is here. Let’s find out what causes this condition, how to prevent it, or how to deal with it for good!
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What are the main causes of ingrown hairs on the abdomen?
Incorrect shaving technique
Do you pay attention to how you shave or depilate? Or how often you change the blades and foils in your razor?
Using a dull razor reduces the effectiveness of shaving, causing the hairs to break or bend. They can then grow unevenly and start to ingrow under the skin. Dull shaving tools also irritate the skin, which is another risk factor for ingrown hairs.
The direction of shaving is also important – to minimize ingrown hairs, it is recommended to shave in the direction of hair growth.
Tight clothing
Maybe you tend to wear tight clothes that show off your figure well. But there’s a downside to that.
Wearing clothes that are too tight puts constant pressure and friction on the skin of your abdomen.
This friction and pressure causes the hairs to bend back into the skin or fail to straighten and grow through the surface of the skin normally, leading to ingrown hairs.
Dead skin cells
The accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin effectively blocks the hair from exiting the follicle.
Without the ability to break through the surface of the skin, the hairs overgrow, leading to the formation of inflammatory follicles or even infection.
That’s why it’s important to take the time and regular exfoliation and skin care to minimize this problem.
Genetic predisposition
Some people have a higher tendency to develop ingrown hairs due to genetics.
This predisposition may be due to the specific structure of the hairs, which are more fragile, with a tendency to break or grow in a curved direction. Skin type also plays a role, with some types being more prone to ingrown hairs due to their thickness or elasticity.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy or when using certain types of contraceptives sometimes cause changes in hair growth and structure.
The hairs may grow in greater numbers, increase in thickness and sometimes change direction, increasing the risk of ingrowth.
Hormonal changes can also affect sebaceous gland production. Oilier skin contributes to clogged follicles, which exacerbates the problem of ingrown hairs.
Manifestations of ingrown hairs you definitely don't care about
- The affected area is usually itchy and irritated, leading to discomfort and the urge to scratch. However, scratching only brings short-term relief and can soon make things worse.
- The skin around the ingrown hair often becomes red and may become inflamed, causing discomfort and sometimes pain.
- A visible sign of ingrown hairs are hard pimples on the skin that are sensitive to the touch. In some cases, the hairs themselves may be visibly collapsed beneath the surface of the skin, which they cannot break through.
- If the follicle becomes infected, the pimples may also fester and become inflamed.
- Hyperpigmentation, the appearance of darker patches on the skin where the hair has grown, can be one of the consequences of long-term or repeated hair growth. In some cases, permanent scarring may occur.
Hair growth can also have a detrimental effect on your psyche, especially if its manifestations are particularly visible on the outside.
It is not uncommon for sufferers to be embarrassed to sunbathe or expose their abdomen, to shy away from society and to suffer from dissatisfaction with their appearance, which can, in extreme cases, develop into depression.
All the more reason to address this problem early.
Different methods of hair removal and their effect on ingrowth
Shaving with a razor
Shaving with a razor is not only quick and easy, but also an accessible solution for hair removal. When shaving with a razor, you are removing the hair at the skin's surface.
However, the shaved hairs tend to be sharp at the ends, which makes it easier for them to grow into the surrounding skin, especially if it isn’t sufficiently moisturized or is too tight.
That’s why we recommend using not only sharp razors but also shaving gel or foam, and shaving in the direction of hair growth.
After shaving, it's a good idea to moisturize the skin to maintain its elasticity and reduce the risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Electric shavers
For most people, the number one method, to get rid of belly hair.
Electric shavers reduce the risk of cuts and skin irritation compared to traditional razor shaving. Although the likelihood is lower, they can still cause ingrown hairs.
The reason is that they don’t remove hair as deeply beneath the surface, so there’s still a chance for hair to grow inwards, especially if the skin is unevenly stretched during shaving.
Wax depilation
Waxing removes hair along with the root, leading to slightly longer-lasting results compared to regular shaving.
However, this process can be painful and cause irritation at the follicle level. The risk of ingrown hairs is higher in such cases.
Another issue arises when the wax pulls the hair in the opposite direction of its growth. The hairs may break instead of being fully removed, altering their growth direction.
To improve results and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, it's important that the hair is long enough (typically about 0.5 cm) for the wax to grip and remove effectively.
After waxing, apply a soothing cream or gel containing aloe vera or other anti-inflammatory ingredients to minimize irritation and support skin recovery.
Depilatory creams
Depilatory creams dissolve the protein in the hair just below the skin's surface, allowing for easy removal.
Although these creams reduce the risk of ingrown hairs by removing hair without sharp edges that could lead to ingrowth, the chemicals in these products can sometimes irritate the skin.
This irritation may indirectly cause ingrown hairs due to the resulting inflammation.
IPL epilators
IPL (intense pulsed light) technology uses a broad spectrum of light to target hair beneath the skin’s surface, slowing its growth.
IPL can help reduce issues with ingrown hairs by decreasing hair density and thickness. However, to achieve noticeable results, the procedure must be repeated, and its effectiveness may vary depending on skin type and hair color.
Compared to professional laser hair removal for men and women, IPL has a much weaker effect, even though both devices operate on the same principle.
Proper skin care prevents ingrown hairs
Regular peeling
Gently exfoliate the skin 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells that may block the hair from exiting the follicle. Use a gentle exfoliating product or brush on dry skin for best results.
Proper hair removal technique
Whether you choose shaving, waxing or any other method, always make sure you use the right technique. When shaving, use a sharp razor, shaving cream or gel and shave in the direction of hair growth. When waxing, make sure the hairs are the optimal length for effective removal.
Hydration of the skin
Keep your skin hydrated by applying a moisturizer on a daily basis. Hydrated skin is more elastic, which helps hairs break through the surface without ingrowing. Keep up your drinking regime too!
Anti-hair-growth products
There are products on the market specifically formulated to prevent ingrown hairs. These products often contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help to keep follicles open and prevent ingrown hairs.
Consider changing your hair removal method
If you constantly have problems with ingrown hairs, consider changing your hair removal method.
Laser hair removal tackles ingrown hairs permanently
Laser hair removal on the abdomen is currently the most effective way to remove hair.
This process uses a laser beam that converts to heat when it comes into contact with the melanin in the hair. The heat energy penetrates the hair follicle and effectively destroys it.
This is the only method that provides permanent results. A standard session of laser hair removal in the abdominal area takes around 15-20 minutes, so it’s really not something that will put too much of a strain on your daily schedule.
It usually takes 5-6 sessions to achieve complete hair removal, with several weeks in between.
Overall, it can take several months for hair removal to be fully completed. The result, therefore, can be several years without having to deal with the hair in any way. In short, there will be no hair left to grow back after the treatment.
In addition, laser hair removal is a very gentle method compared to other hair removal techniques. Modern lasers are equipped with skin cooling systems, which increases your comfort during the treatment.
For those with more sensitive skin, a soothing cream can also be used to reduce any discomfort to an absolute minimum. The laser can be used on any body part, from back hair removal to intimate areas.
It is, in short, the only solution that deserves to be called long-lasting.
