African-American men should try different methods of hair removal if they suffer from ingrown hairs, which are also called razor strokes. Shaving with a special type of safety razor that does not allow a very close shave may help. Do not stretch the skin during shaving and do not shave daily. If hairs become ingrown, lift them with an alcohol-cleaned needle (no clips or boot) just before shaving. Sometimes using a rough washcloth before shaving can help to loosen hairs about to grow inward. Hair chemicals do not remove hair, but should only be used once per week. It must be wiped off promptly according to package directions and wash your face twice with soap and water immediately afterwards to avoid irritation. The permanent removal of hair performed by an experienced Electrolysis Operator may be an effective solution and there are new medicated creams that may slow hair growth and help.
Be sure to consult your dermatologist about treatment options. Variations in skin color of African American skin has more melanosomes (cells that determine skin color) and the melanosomes contain more of the pigment melanin than those found in white skin. Because the protective effect of melanin, African-Americans are better protected against skin cancer and premature wrinkling from sun exposure. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is very common in dark skinned individuals, even after minor trauma. An area of the skin may darken after an injury like a cut or scrape, or after certain skin diseases like acne. To avoid or reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, avoid harvesting, washing hard and abrasive treatments.