Ingrown hairs are shaved hairs that grow back underneath the skin. They result from blocked hair follicles, which accumulate dead skin cells and sebum residue on the skin’s surface.
Anybody can have ingrown hairs at any given time during their lifetime, especially if a person has very curly hair or often brushes past the before and after shaving procedures.
Though ingrown hairs are harmless– and they only appear from time to time– they can cause inflammation, reddening and other uncomfortable consequences for the skin.
Fortunately, in order to prevent further complications, there are several natural solutions that can help extract them without too much trouble.
In our article, we’d like to share the 5 best ways solve this bothersome problem.
Causes of ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs form when the hairs, instead of growing straight and outwards, can’t break through the skin barrier.
This can occur because of the dead skin build-up over the hair follicle or because the hair itself is too thick and curly.
Other associated factors include:
- Using electric or traditional razors
- Dry shaving
- Pulling on skin while shaving
- Plucking
Signs of ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs appear in zones that you shave frequently such as the chin, legs and the pubic region.
The main sign is a small bump that looks similar to a pimple. Inside, it contains the ingrown hair.
Other problems that may result from ingrown hairs are the following:
- Reddened skin
- Small pus-filled bumps that look similar to blisters
- Darkening skin
- Pain or sensitivity
- Itching sensation
Natural solutions for extracting ingrown hairs
In order to remove ingrown hairs successfully, it’s essential to determine whether your shaving method has something to do with the problem or not.
You should stop shaving for a while, at least until you notice an improvement.
During that time, you can try out some natural remedies that help soften skin to make it easier to remove ingrown hairs.
1. Warm compress
Applying a warm compress over the affected area can soften the tissue surrounding the inflammation, making it easier to extract ingrown hairs.
How can you use it?
- Submerge a small towel or cloth in hot water and apply it over the ingrown hair.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes, take it off for another 5 and apply again.
- Use this treatment several times a day until the hair is close enough to the skin’s surface for extraction.
2. Sea salt
This natural exfoliant helps remove dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, reestablishing the original function of the affected hair follicle.
Sea salt improves blood circulation and helps hairs grow normally, among other things.
How can you use it?
- Moisten a little sea salt with water and rub it into the affected area with a gentle massage.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes and wash off.
- Repeat the remedy every day until the ingrown hair is gone.
3. Apple cider vinegar
The organic acids that are found in apple cider vinegar help regulate the skin’s pH levels and reduce the inflammation that results from ingrown hairs.
Directly applying apple cider vinegar softens the bump and helps remove the residue that hinders hairs from growing out of the skin.
How can you use it?
- Submerge a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it over the ingrown hair.
- Gently press it in and leave it to work for 5 minutes.
- Repeat use 2 times a day until the problem is gone.
4. Baking soda
Another exfoliating and disinfecting product that helps improve this problem is the one and only baking soda.
Using baking soda reduces the presence of dead skin and sebum residue. Thus, it unblocks clogged hair follicles.
How can you use it?
- Prepare a paste using baking soda and water. Then, rub it into the affected area.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes and wash off.
- Repeat use 2 times a day for best results.
5. Black tea
Black tea contains tannic acid, which is a substance that softens skin while reducing inflammation and reddening.
How can you use it?
- Submerge a black tea bag in hot water and let it steep.
- When the water cools, apply it to the affected hair follicle and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Repeat use 2 or 3 times a day.
See a bump or two on your skin after shaving? If it’s your case, don’t think twice about out one of the aforementioned remedies to treat it quickly.
Via: HomeRemedyHacks | EverydayRoots
