Ingrown Hair - Causes and ways to prevent them

Ingrown hair is never welcome. They are quite literally the biggest bumps in our quest for smooth, beautiful skin. Plus, they can cause serious discomfort and itching. This blog is going to discuss the many ways of keeping ingrown hair at bay.

What Are Ingrown Hair? 

When the hair that normally grows outward curls up and starts growing inward i.e under your skin then it is known as ingrown hair. The inward growth creates a bump on your skin which may look like a pimple, but it does not break.

A variety of hair removal methods such as waxing, plucking, threading, or shaving can cause ingrown hairs. Sweating and excess sebum clogs the pores and can lead to ingrown hair. Ingrown hair can happen to anyone but generally, people with curly hair are more prone to ingrown hair.

Next, we will be discussing how to get rid of ingrown hair permanently and how to remove ingrown hair.

What Does Ingrown Hair Look Like? 

Ingrown hairs appear as raised red, itchy, and bumpy structures on the skin similar to pimples. Sometimes, the trapped hair is visible underneath your skin. It's possible to experience ingrown hairs if you have curly or coarse hair.

How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Hair? 

It can appear anywhere but is most common in areas of hair removal such as the underarms, eyebrows, or the bikini line. Follow this step-by-step guide for eliminating ingrown hairs permanently, no matter how or why you get them.

1. Make Sure Its An Ingrown Hair 

Before proceeding with the next step make sure that the bump on your skin is ingrown hair. Closely examine the area. The hair beneath the skin is an obvious sign of ingrown hair,

Next, observe where exactly is the bump? The location will help identify the ingrown hair. If it's located in an area where you are regularly shaving or waxing, then it's more likely to become an ingrown hair rather than an ordinary pimple. Additionally, is the bump painful or itchy? Is it a yellow pustule? Experts caution that if it hurts and isn't going away within one month, it's likely caused by an ingrown hair warns doctor. Also, look out for hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation due to ingrown hair.

2. Exfoliation 

Once you are sure that the skin bumps are ingrown hair, then you can try exfoliating the affected area. AHA and BHA are the best exfoliators as it is gentle on your skin and the easiest way to get rid of ingrown hair effectively. Experts recommend acids such as lactic acid and glycolic acid which is gentle on your skin as they act as mild exfoliators. Exfoliants slough away the dead skin cells releasing the trapped ingrown hair.

The best formula for you will depend on the body area you are looking to target. Pre-soaked wipe pads are ideal on the bikini line as they can physically exfoliate the bikini area. A lotion that spreads is perfect for larger areas like the arms and legs. No matter what exfoliant you choose make sure that you follow it up with sunscreen as acids can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.

3. Dry Brushing 

In dry brushing, you vigorously brush the body with stiff bristles to stimulate your lymphatic system. This type of physical exfoliation stops ingrown hairs from developing because it releases trapped ingrown hairs.

4. Scrubs 

Scrubs are a less intense alternative compared to dry brushing to remove ingrown hair around the bikini line. Use a salt or sugar scrub that's not too oily as excess oil can clog the pores. Scrubbing once or twice a week will help to remove ingrown hair.

5. Stop Shaving 

Shaving helps to get rid of unwanted hair, but the way the hair regrows can be a problem. The sharp edges of the razor cut the hair at an angle and when the hair regrows, there are chances of ingrown hair. Instead of shaving, threading, waxing, or tweezing look for other safer options such as hair removal creams, laser hair removal, or an electric shaver.

Also Read : Waxing Or Shaving ,Which One To Choose?

6. Avoid Heavy Moisturizers 

You can exacerbate the problem of ingrown hair by slathering heavy lotion on your skin because it tends to clog the pores. Adhere to a lightweight moisturizing formula that keeps your skin moisturized.

How To Remove Ingrown Hair? 

There are many DIY suggestions on how to remove ingrown hair but it is always advisable to visit a dermatologist if you permanently want to remove ingrown hair. The process of plucking ingrown hair is not typical plucking. A tiny incision is made on your skin to release hair that is trapped. Just like you do for a deep or painful pimple, apply a warm compress to bring the infection closer to the surface, Then clean the area thoroughly and using a sterile pointed tweezer gently reveal the hair and remove it. Cleanse the area, apply an antibacterial cream, and then leave the bump to heal on its own. The thing to be aware of is that painful treatments especially on the skin may cause scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on sensitive skin. Ingrown hair may be an embarrassing beauty problem, but it can certainly be treated, with the aforementioned tips.

Also Read : Face Shaving For Women, Is This Trend Here To Stay ?

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