How to Prevent Ingrown Neck Hair

Growing hair is something everyone does. Regardless of gender, every mammal --- including humans --- constantly undergoes the process of hair production. While growing hair is natural, it is not always easy due to ingrown hair. When hairs grow under the skin, they can grow straight, penetrating skin perfectly. When hairs grow under the skin with a curl, they can improperly penetrate the skin, causing inflammation and even infection. But an ingrown hair can be not only treated but also prevented, thereby relieving sufferers from undue pain.

Things You'll Need

• Electric razor
• Shaving gel
• Loofah or skin-scrubbing pad
• Exfoliation cream
• Skin moisturizer

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Instructions

• 1

  Change shaving tools. Shaving with a bladed razor can often remove the hairs in a fashion that leaves a sharp edge to the remaining hair. When the follicle grows again, it tends to curl and grow ingrown. Using an electric razor will remove the hairs smoother and with less edge. Electric razors do not cut as close to the skin as a bladed razor. Wash the skin around the neck before shaving rather than only applying shaving cream first. Wet hair is easier to cut and is not pulled from the neck skin like dry and tougher hair would be.

• 2

  Alter shaving technique. Avoid using excess force and pressure when shaving the neck area. Pressing the blade too close to the skin will lead to irritation and will send the hairs back under the skin to develop ingrown. Also shave in the direction of the neck hair. Shaving against the direction can lead to ingrown hairs and irritation.

• 3

  Care for the skin on nonshaving days. On off days, treat the skin with acne cream to alleviate any bacteria and infections that could gather around growing hairs and exacerbate the incorrect hair growth. Creams with salicylic acid are suggested. Exfoliation is recommended as well. Using an over-the-counter exfoliate will remove dirt from pores that could block the follicle growth and cause it to twist. Exfoliation can be done with a cream and the use of a scrubbing pad or loofah to aid in cleansing. Moisturizing is also recommended. Smoother skin will translate into hair follicles with abundant moisture which allows the hair to grow correctly. Using a moisturizer labeled as noncomedogenic is best as this type of solution will not clog the pores of the skin.

• 4

  Consider medical treatment. Numerous procedures exist to alleviate ingrown hair. Depilatory creams can be prescribed for ingrown hair. Applying the cream will provide short-term removal of hair and prevent growth, which could lead to ingrown development. Electrolysis is also a procedure recommended for hair growth problems. Electrolysis will kill the roots in the area that would allow for hair growth.