Tips And Tricks On How To Remove Ingrown Hairs
Many of us would give anything to stop hair from growing back and have beautiful-looking smooth skin. However, to remove unwanted hair, you’ll need to learn how to remove ingrown hairs effectively.
The problem with the majority of hair removal techniques is that they can irritate the skin. They can cause uncomfortable ingrown hairs that are unsightly and even painful.
For the hair follicle to reach the surface, it must break through the fine layer of skin that covers it. However, this does not always happen, either because the hair is too fine or the skin is too thick.
When the hair cannot reach the surface, it continues growing under the skin in a direction opposite its natural growth. It’s at this stage where most of us recognize an ingrown hair.
Removing ingrown hairs is no easy task and to do right is important. So, we’re going to share some of the best tips to say goodbye to this uncomfortable problem.
How to remove ingrown hairs: removal technique
Waxing and other hair removal techniques that involve pulling the hair out are associated with different dermatological problems, including ingrown hairs.
It’s true that they are quick and effective techniques for removing unwanted hair. However, it’s a better idea to find an alternative method on how to remove ingrown hairs.
If you have a tendency to suffer from this problem, choose hair removal methods like shaving or depilatory creams. These are less harsh on the skin and reduce the risk of developing ingrown hairs.
Regular exfoliation
To avoid and combat ingrown hairs you have to exfoliate the skin regularly to remove dead cells that accumulate and block the follicle.
You can use a commercial exfoliating product, one with natural ingredients or a horsehair glove. Ideally, you should repeat this treatment two or three times a week.
Don’t forget to read: The Best Exfoliants for Your Face and Body
Daily moisturizer
By moisturizing your skin daily, you’ll keep it from drying out and prevent common skin problems.
If your skin is dry and hard, you’re more likely to experience ingrown hairs as the hair won’t be able to break through the hard layer of skin to the surface.
Hot water
This trick is great before removing hair as it moistens the skin and the hot water opens the pores for more effective hair removal.
If the hair is already ingrown, you can apply hot water compresses to soften the skin and help the hair reach the surface.
Fried onion
If the hair is already ingrown and you worry about the bump that’s going to form on the skin, fry a little onion and apply a little heat to the affected area.
What we’re trying to accomplish with this treatment is to get the bump to burst and release the ingrown hair.
Don’t forget to read: Properties and Benefits of Onions
Avoid tweezers
When the hair cannot reach the surface, it’s tempting to try and pull it out. This can be dangerous because when not done correctly, it can lead to an infection or other problems can leave scars.
If for some reason you’re using tweezers and are worried about an infection, use glycolic acid to disinfect and heal the pore. If it does become infected, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Use acne medication
In general, ingrown hairs are similar to acne, especially when they are filled with pus. Another method to treat them is by applying acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
These types of remedies, accompanied with a good exfoliation, can be sufficient to eliminate the problem as they reduce inflammation which gives the hair more room to reach the surface without problems.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Anand P, Sarin N, Misri R, Khurana VK. Eruptive Vellus Hair Cyst: An Uncommon and Underdiagnosed Entity. Int J Trichology. 2018;10(1):31–33. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_61_17
- Grajqevci-Kotori M, Kocinaj A. Exfoliative Skin-peeling, Benefits from This Procedure and Our Experience. Med Arch. 2015;69(6):414–416. doi:10.5455/medarh.2015.69.414-416
- Kraft J, Freiman A. Management of acne. CMAJ. 2011;183(7):E430–E435. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090374
