Tag Archives: ingrown hairs
At SkinSense, we treat many male clients with shaving issues. Here are some useful tips to help ease this necessary and often irritating daily ritual.
Think lilacs and violets and a shave beyond belief that starts the night before. Think no nicks, irritation or ingrown hairs. These are the elements that come together to provide the perfect wet shave.
Basic Tools:
A good brush – preferably Badger and English made.
Lots of hot water.
A good razor – non-disposable, preferably a single blade.
Good quality shaving creme in a tub, not a can. This is where the lilacs and violets come in. Initially more expensive but longer lasting.
Topical salicylic acid and/or Neosporin creme.
Gentle toner and soothing aftershave balm.
A silk pillow case.
Technique:
Make sure the night before you shave that you apply plenty of moisturizer. It will make the overnight hair growth softer and less resilient. In the morning, shower first, and then shave. If you don’t shower, then fill a wash basin with plenty of hot water and splash the skin thoroughly before beginning to shave. For best results, the skin needs to be wet.
Wet your brush well, twirl it around in the shaving creme and apply to the face lavishly. Work up a really rich lather. Take your razor and shave with downward strokes, keeping the blade wet at all times. Use gentle pressure and let the weight of the razor guide you.
When all the beard growth has been removed, pat the skin dry with a towel and apply a gentle toner to the whole face. If there are any nicks, cuts or ingrown hairs, spot treat with a 2% salicylic acid or a dab of the Neosporin relief creme. Finish with a light, soothing moisturizer and SPF.
Why a silk pillow case? There are two benefits. Not only will your face be less wrinkled in the morning but you will be less likely to get ingrown hairs. Happy Shaving!
In Southern California, because of our year-round sunny climate, we don’t have the option of hiding our legs and arms under extra clothing and letting our body hair grow out in the Winter months. So regular waxing treatments are imperative. It is therefore essential to find expert technicians who can deliver optimum results with a minimal amount of pain.
Depilatory waxing is an age-old method of removing unwanted hair. At SkinSense we use a soft, warm resin wax for the larger areas of the body and a green, hard wax for Brazilian and some facial waxing. Both waxes are comfortable, hygienic, efficient and suitable for sensitive skins. Because hair grows in three stages, waxing has to be done more regularly for the first few visits to regulate and to some extent, weaken, the growth pattern. Here are a few important waxing tips that will make your waxing experience with us more enjoyable.
Avoid sun exposure, hot showers/baths immediately before and after treatment.
Always exercise before getting waxed.
Leave waxed areas free of perfume and fragranced body wash/soap 24 hours after treatment.
Avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol before treatment. If you have a low pain threshold, a mild painkiller without aspirin is recommended 30 minutes before treatment.
Avoid waxing just before menstrual cycle. Waxing can be more painful at this time. Many clients wax during their cycle depending on their comfort level and pain tolerance. We as technicians don’t mind either way.
Clients who are severely hypoglycemic or diabetic should not wax. Any clients using Retin-A, Tazarac, Accutane or any other Tretinoin-type topicals should also avoid waxing. Always inform your technician of all the topicals you are currently using before waxing the skin and any prescribed oral medications that you might be taking.
When switching from shaving, allow the hair to grow 2-3 weeks before your first wax. This allows for the right amount of growth for a successful result. Have your technician advise you about aftercare protocols and at-home products to avoid ingrown hairs, especially in the bikini area.
One final word about BROW WAXING. Having well shaped and tidy brows can make all the difference to your facial appearance. This applies to both men and women. Once the initial shape is in place, monthly maintenance is all that is needed for that completely groomed look.
