Tired of ingrowns? It’s time to revamp your summer hair removal routine | Canada Voices

If razor burn or ingrown hairs are stopping you from feeling confident and fuzz-free this summer, it’s time to rethink your hair-removal routine. “What you do after is just as important as the treatment itself,” says Kyla Dufresne, the Vancouver-based founder and CEO of Foxy Box Laser and Wax Bar. “Whether you’ve waxed or lasered, the skin needs a little TLC afterward to keep it calm, smooth and happy.”

The same goes for shaving. Preventative care is the best way to manage any form of irritation, inflammation or hyperpigmentation (such as dark spots) that occurs because of hair removal, says Danny Guo, a dermatologist at Rejuvenation Dermatology in Calgary.

“Apply a gentle post-treatment product – we love aloe vera, tea tree or chamomile to calm redness and reduce inflammation,” says Dufresne. In the case of razor burn, Dr. Guo suggests applying a cool compress to hydrate the area. “Follow that with a thicker moisturizer such as an ointment or a balm,” he says, pointing to the CeraVe Healing Ointment and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume as solid options. Then, it’s best to practice patience. Dr. Guo says it’s best to allow the skin to fully heal before shaving again, as it will be prone to further irritation. This can take a few days; once any burning or redness subsides, you’re in the clear.

For maximum smoothness and to prevent ingrown hairs, it’s worth incorporating regular exfoliation sessions. Ingrown hairs are caused by the hair shaft poking into the skin and getting trapped underneath, causing irritation and inflammation. “This often appears as a red pimple,” explains Dr. Guo, adding those with curly or coarse hair are particularly at risk of developing ingrowns. “This is definitely more common if you shave against the grain because there will be no portion of the shaft that is outside the skin.”

After hair removal, it’s important to maintain a buffer period before exfoliating the area. “Wait 48 to 72 hours, then exfoliate gently two to three times a week,” says Dufresne. “This helps keep dead skin cells from clogging follicles.” Whether you choose a mild scrub, a dry brush, or a chemical exfoliant with ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA), use a light touch and don’t overdo it, she warns.

As for the “best” hair-removal option, different methods offer various perks and trade-offs. Dufresne highlights waxing as incredibly versatile, because it’s suitable for all skin tones, hair types and nearly every body part. “It’s perfect for people who want quick, immediate results without a big commitment,” she says. “Plus, it actually damages the bulb of the hair, so when it does grow back, it’s weaker, finer and less noticeable.”

Laser hair removal is pricier, but offers long-term results. “It’s generally a very successful treatment that can permanently remove or reduce hairs in the treated area,” says Dr. Guo. However, it isn’t suitable for all skin tones. “The laser has trouble distinguishing the melanin in your skin and your hair,” he says. “The bigger the contrast between the hair and skin colours, the easier it is to optimize the laser’s energy output.”

Shaving earns top marks for speed, accessibility and low cost. If you’re going the razor route, the first step is to clean the area to minimize infection, says Dr. Guo. Next, trim hairs longer than a quarter inch for a more effective shave. He adds that you should never shave dry. “It’s best to use shaving gel to reduce friction and irritation. At the very least shave with water.”

And don’t underestimate the impact of grooming with a tool that’s in top shape. “Use a clean razor and ensure the blade is sharp,” says Dr. Guo. “People often overuse razors without replacing them, which can cause the blade to be dull, thus causing disruption to the skin barrier.”

Six buys to try

At-home hair-removal helpers, starting at $16