Home Remedies for Ingrown Hairs

Home Remedies for Ingrown Hairs
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What are Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hairs occur when the tip of a short hair twists back or grows sideways underneath your skin, This condition generally occurs on areas of the body that have coarser hair and commonly appear on areas where the hair is removed due to shaving or waxing. Once the hair becomes embedded under your skin it triggers an immune response from your body and may become inflamed, resulting in the production of a small, round bump that is either solid or pus-filled. The area can become itchy and painful, especially if there are numerous ingrown hairs. Although ingrown hairs are not medically harmful, they are irritating and chronic ingrown hairs can become infected possibly leading to hyperpigmentation and/or scarring.

The primary cause of ingrown hairs is aggressive hair removal methods. When coarse hair is cut short and close to the skin it creates a sharp tip that can easily pierce the skin. Improper shaving, waxing, plucking and threading techniques may often break the hair off at the top, making the remaining part of the hair bend backward and grow into your skin. Ingrown hairs may also occur naturally, due to the build up of dead skin or a blocked hair follicles.

Home Remedies for Ingrown Hairs

Although there is no cure for ingrown hairs, with time and patience you can treat and prevent them. One of the simplest home remedies is to apply aloe vera to the affected area. Use an aloe vera product that is at least 99% pure or extract some directly from an aloe vera plant. Apply it directly to the ingrown hairs twice a day for 3 days. The inflammation and itchiness should decrease. If this does not work or the area is still extremely bothersome, you can try to remove the ingrown hairs.

If you can see the hairs underneath your skin, you can try to carefully remove them. Always start by sterilizing a needle or tweezers. Then make a paste using a crushed aspirin and a few drops of water. The salicylic acid in the aspirin will help exfoliate and reduce the redness. Cleanse the area thoroughly, apply the paste and allow it to sit for 5 to 7 minutes. Once the skin has softened, gently insert your needle or tweezers under the hair loops and carefully pull out the imbedded hair tip. Repeat the process as needed.

Ingrown facial hair is a common problem many men have after shaving. To treat those hairs, wet a washcloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using a circular motion, rub the affected area and try to dislodge the ingrown tips. Another simple home remedy for ingrown hairs on the face is to apply a sugar facial mask. This mask will exfoliate your skin and assist in the removal of the hairs, as well as heal and soothe the area. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a bowl. Mix in 1 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of honey. Heat and stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Cool the mixture until it is just warm to the touch and then stir in 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Dust the area of skin with cornstarch and then apply the mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes and remove it with a warm washcloth. Repeat once every 3 days as necessary.

Preventing Ingrown Hairs

One of the best home remedies for ingrown hairs is prevention. Exfoliating often will treat ingrown hairs and prevent them from reoccurring. Add a little baking soda or sugar to your liquid face soap or body wash. Use it daily to remove all upper layers of dead skin and clear the hair follicles. Epsom salts can be used to exfoliate legs or the bikini area. Prior to shaving or waxing, allow enough time for your skin to hydrate and soften. Always apply shaving cream. Shave with a new, single blade razor each time, or switch to an electric razor. Shave slowly, with the grain of the hair, and run the blade lightly over your skin. After shaving or waxing, apply witch hazel to the area.

Dealing with ingrown hairs can be embarrassing and frustrating. By following these simple home remedies you can have smooth, soft and beautiful skin for years to come.

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Resources

MayoClinic: Ingrown Hair - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ingrown-hair/DS01167

Ingrown Hair Association: Official Treatment Guidelines and Prevention Advice - https://www.ingrownhair.org/

Image Courtesy Of: WikiMedia Commons - Andrew Dyer