Ingrown hair is a skin problem where the hair grows inside the skin instead of piercing out. At times, ingrown hair causes skin infection or painful bumps on the skin. It often leads to swelling and redness and may even lead to slight scarring. Ingrown hair is more commonly observed in the areas which are either shaved or waxed. People may experience a problem of ingrown hair on any part of the body especially hands and arms. Ingrown hair is also referred to as undergrowth.
Ingrown hair can be embarrassing for some women as it looks very rough. There are many reasons why one may have ingrown hair such as waxing or sensitive skin. The underlying cause is irritated skin or clogged follicles which trap new hair under the skin. Some people are more prone to ingrown hair as compared to others.
There are many ways you could treat ingrown hair growth:
1. Exfoliate: You must exfoliate your skin every time before you shave, with a loofah or a simple sponge. You can use a gentle exfoliating cream for the same or make a simple exfoliating paste of your own. You can mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a tablespoon of your favorite liquid body wash and use it as an exfoliating mix. 2. Witch hazel to avoid razor bumps: After you have waxed or shaved your skin apply witch hazel to avoid any ingrown hair. Dab a little witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply it on the skin. Witch hazel has anti septic properties which help sensitive skin prevent ingrowths hair. 3. Aspirin: You can make a skin mask with aspirin which prevent razor bumps. Crush four or five aspirin and mix it in water to make a paste and apply it on the skin and leave for ten minutes. Make sure it is not completely dried, if it is then dab a little water over it. Rub the aspirin paste off. The anti inflammatory property in aspirin reduces redness and the risks of getting infection. 4. Apple cider: dab a little apple cider on the waxed or razor used skin. This is a very effective remedy to avoid ingrown hair growth. 5. Cucumber mask: You can soothe the irritated skin after waxing by using a cucumber and milk mask. Take half a cup of milk and add cucumber puree in it. Leave it in the refrigerator till it is cool enough. Using a cotton ball apply this mask on the skin and let it soak it for five minutes. Using cool water rinse the mask off. This cooling mask helps in reducing the ingrown hair and reduces skin irritation. 6. Cornstarch: cornstarch is another helpful home cure for treating ingrown hair. Use cornstarch like normal talc over the affected area and leave for fifteen minutes. Wash it off with cool water. 7. Aloe Vera: aloe vera is a successful home cure for many skin related problems. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the waxed or razor used skin twice a day for three to four days. This cools the skin and reduces the chances of getting inflammation due to ingrown hair. You can use aloe vera on your skin every day for better skin health. 8. Avoid ingrown hair triggers: some women experience ingrowth hair after they wax their skin. Instead of waxing try shaving your skin to remove unwanted hair for a while and see the difference. And vice versa.
Ingrown hair can be embarrassing for some women as it looks very rough. There are many reasons why one may have ingrown hair such as waxing or sensitive skin. The underlying cause is irritated skin or clogged follicles which trap new hair under the skin. Some people are more prone to ingrown hair as compared to others.
There are many ways you could treat ingrown hair growth:
1. Exfoliate: You must exfoliate your skin every time before you shave, with a loofah or a simple sponge. You can use a gentle exfoliating cream for the same or make a simple exfoliating paste of your own. You can mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a tablespoon of your favorite liquid body wash and use it as an exfoliating mix.
2. Witch hazel to avoid razor bumps: After you have waxed or shaved your skin apply witch hazel to avoid any ingrown hair. Dab a little witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply it on the skin. Witch hazel has anti septic properties which help sensitive skin prevent ingrowths hair.
3. Aspirin: You can make a skin mask with aspirin which prevent razor bumps. Crush four or five aspirin and mix it in water to make a paste and apply it on the skin and leave for ten minutes. Make sure it is not completely dried, if it is then dab a little water over it. Rub the aspirin paste off. The anti inflammatory property in aspirin reduces redness and the risks of getting infection.
4. Apple cider: dab a little apple cider on the waxed or razor used skin. This is a very effective remedy to avoid ingrown hair growth.
5. Cucumber mask: You can soothe the irritated skin after waxing by using a cucumber and milk mask. Take half a cup of milk and add cucumber puree in it. Leave it in the refrigerator till it is cool enough. Using a cotton ball apply this mask on the skin and let it soak it for five minutes. Using cool water rinse the mask off. This cooling mask helps in reducing the ingrown hair and reduces skin irritation.
6. Cornstarch: cornstarch is another helpful home cure for treating ingrown hair. Use cornstarch like normal talc over the affected area and leave for fifteen minutes. Wash it off with cool water.
7. Aloe Vera: aloe vera is a successful home cure for many skin related problems. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the waxed or razor used skin twice a day for three to four days. This cools the skin and reduces the chances of getting inflammation due to ingrown hair. You can use aloe vera on your skin every day for better skin health.
8. Avoid ingrown hair triggers: some women experience ingrowth hair after they wax their skin. Instead of waxing try shaving your skin to remove unwanted hair for a while and see the difference. And vice versa.