How to avoid ingrown hairs

Dr Anita Sturnham, Braun ambassador and skin specialist, gives her sought-after advice on this age-old dilemma

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Ingrown hairs can be painful and unsightly and the last thing you need before you go on holiday. Braun ambassador Dr Anita Sturnham shares her wisdom on how to treat and avoid this beauty problem.

Why do some people suffer from ingrown hairs more than others?

Our hairs are unique – the thickness, coarseness, colour and regrowth rate varies from person to person. Despite using similar methods of hair removal, some people struggle with ingrown hairs while others do not. It’s important to find a hair removal solution that works best for you and there are a few simple things to keep in mind that can help prevent ingrown hairs from making an unwelcome appearance.

Dr Anita Sturnham, Braun ambassador

What causes ingrown hairs?

The condition of skin is important when it comes to ingrown hairs. They occur where hair pierces the follicle wall growing into the surrounding skin. The follicular opening can become clogged with a build-up of skin cells which then trap the hair, impeding its natural progress out of the skin.

How do you get rid of them?

Gently exfoliating skin before removing hair is the best way to prevent ingrown hairs, as the gentle scrubbing action removes the upper layer of skin so that the hair can get through to the surface. I recommend exfoliating a couple of times a week to keep the skin in top condition. The new Braun Silk-Épil 9 Skin Spa with SensoSmart Technology features a deep exfoliation head that offers six times better exfoliation than a manual scrub. This helps efficiently remove dead skin cells which in turn helps reduce the risk of ingrown hair.

Braun Silk-Epil 9 Senso Smart, £126.17, Buy now

What is the best way to remove hair to prevent ingrown hairs?

Always remember to hydrate your hairs first, by soaking in lukewarm water for three to five minutes. This not only makes epilation more comfortable but improves the efficacy of your hair removal by up to 60 per cent. Hydrating skin also plumps up your epidermal barriers (top skin layer) so that you have a smoother surface to glide the epilator along. During hair removal make sure you aren’t applying too much pressure as this can also contribute to ingrown hair.

What product do your recommend for hair removal?

The new SensoSmart technology in the Braun Silk-Épil 9 Skin Spa provides you with continual feedback while you epilate – alerting you if you are applying too much pressure to provide a gentle treatment that doesn’t irritate skin and gives you up to four weeks of smoothness. After hair removal, I recommend applying a moisturiser with cooling ingredients, such as aloe, to ensure the skin stays nourished and supple.

To experience the Braun Silk-Epil 9 Skin Spa with SensoSmart Technology, shop now at amazon.co.uk

For more information, go to uk.braun.com or follow @Braun_Beauty on Instagram