Why Does Hair Itch When It Grows Back? [Explained]

Have you ever noticed how your skin tends to itch more than usual when your hair starts to grow back after a shave or a wax?

This can be particularly annoying, especially when you can’t seem to find relief from the discomfort.

If you’ve been left scratching your head (or legs, or any other hair-growing part of your body), wondering “why does hair itch when it grows back?” then this blog post is for you.

Why Does Hair Itch When It Grows Back?

Let’s dive right into the core of the issue. For instance, when hair begins to grow back, it typically does so with a sharp, pointed tip.

Consequently, this pointed tip can poke at your skin, leading to an itchy sensation. Moreover, it’s not only the sharpness of the hair that’s the issue, the direction of its growth plays a role too.

For the same reason, when hair is growing back, it may not follow its original path out of the follicle. Sometimes, it curves back and punctures the skin, causing inflammation and itching. This is known as pseudofolliculitis or, more commonly, “razor bumps“.

Additionally, hair regrowth can cause the skin to become dry and flaky, which can further contribute to itching.

Read Also: Reason why hair itch when sweating

How to Get Rid of Itchy Hair?

First, while the itching might be uncomfortable, it’s crucial not to scratch the affected area, as this can lead to further inflammation and even potential infection.

Next, you can try some simple home remedies to soothe your skin. For example, applying a moisturizer or lotion to the area can help to hydrate the skin and minimize itching.

Aloe vera, in particular, is known for its soothing properties.

Secondly, exfoliating the skin before hair removal can help to prevent hairs from growing back into the skin, thereby reducing the risk of itching.

Further, using a single-blade razor or electric shaver instead of multi-blade razors can help to reduce razor bumps.

Lastly, washing the skin with warm water and using a mild soap can help to remove any dirt or sweat that could irritate the hair follicles and cause itching.

Prevention

However, the best way to prevent itching when hair grows back is to take preventive measures.

For instance, consider alternative hair removal methods that cause less irritation to the skin, such as laser hair removal or depilatory creams.

Alternatively, if you prefer shaving or waxing, ensure you’re using the correct techniques and aftercare procedures to reduce irritation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hair itches when it grows back mainly due to the sharp, pointed tip poking at your skin or the hair curling back and puncturing the skin, causing inflammation.

However, by following some simple skincare steps and potentially altering your hair removal method, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing this discomfort.

Hence, even though it may be an annoying part of hair regrowth, remember that the itch is temporary and manageable with the right care.