How many times after shaving or waxing have you noticed that your hair isn’t growing the way it normally would? The tip of the hair inserts under the skin and seems to grow inward. If so, you are probably facing a hair removal problem. the presence of ingrown hairs.
We explain everything you need to know to identify, remove and prevent ingrown hairs and its complications.
What will you find in this guide?
What is an ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair is a common condition in people with frizzy hair, mostly of African American descent, with thick, coarse hair and tight curls, although it can also occur in all hair types.
They arise during the natural process of growth, when the hairs curl and grow back into the skin.. This generates an inflammatory reaction, accompanied by redness and certain complications.
Normally, occurs after shaving and waxing or tweezing due to clogging of the hair follicle by dead cells or oily debris. Additionally, stretching the skin before shaving can cause the hair to retract and penetrate the skin as it grows.
THE most sensitive areas are the armpits, the beard in men and the groin or pubis in women.
Recurring symptoms
The skin is usually irritated and the presence of bumpsThe bumps are red or dark in appearance, they grow larger and may fill with pus. They cause burning, pain, itching and alter the appearance of the skin.
How to remove an ingrown hair?
Ingrown hairs usually heal on their own and there is no need to see a doctor. If they are not too deep, you can bring the hairs to the surface with simple techniques. There are also preventive measures to avoid blocked follicles, ingrown hairs and the complications that come with it.
Use of natural exfoliants
The fight against ingrown hairs requires perseverance and begins with the use of a natural scrub. recurrent exfoliation, at least 3 times a weekof the area.
You can use any of these natural products and include them in your skincare routine:
- Blend 1 volume of coffee grounds (marc or waste) with 2 volumes of honey. Apply to the affected area with circular massages, forming a thick cream with a grainy appearance. Remove with lukewarm water. Presence of coffee residues antioxidant and bioactive compounds beneficial to health.
- Prepare a with water and baking soda.. Apply it in very gentle circular massages on the affected area. Bicarbonate has a disinfectant action, helps to soothe and reduce inflammation in the area.
- THE acetylsalicylic acid or aspirinprepared in the form of a fine paste, has exfoliating properties that allow hair to rise to the surface. It also helps unclog pores and reduce skin darkening and inflammation.
Hot or cold compresses
The heat, applied in the form of compresses, helps to dilate the pores and promotes the natural elimination of ingrown hairs. Cold compresses, on the other hand, soothe the skin and the inflammation.
It associates the temperature with the properties of these natural products:
- Chamomile teaapplied warm in compresses, helps reduce inflammation and prevents infection from progressing, helping the skin to recover.
- Aloe vera or aloe vera vegetable gel.has analgesic and antibacterial properties and stimulates the natural regeneration of the skin. Apply it and see how it soothes irritation and inflammation and improves the appearance of the skin.
- apple cider vinegarcontains malic acid with antibacterial properties. It also unclogs pores and improves blood circulation in the affected area.
- Products with glycolic acidhelp remove the layer of dead cells and sebum that clogs hair follicles and causes ingrown hairs.
- Black teacontains tannic acid which helps regulate pH and reduce the formation of dead cells. Also, it has an astringent power, helps reduce inflammation and soothes irritation in the treated area.
Step by step to eliminate ingrown hairs
To get rid of ingrown hairs, follow these steps:
- Clean the area with neutral soap and rinse with lukewarm water.
- If the area is not irritated, gently exfoliates by making circular movements.
- Apply a warm, moist compress for a minute.
- Check the area to make sure the hair is not sticking out of the pore.
- Using tweezers or a sterilized needle, try to lift the hair. With the tweezers, hold the base of the hair and pull firmly to remove it.
- Wash the area again and apply a compress to soothe the irritation.
Important
Very important ! If the follicle does not empty and the hair does not appear, do not try to squeeze the lump and force the hair out, as this could lead to infection. In any case, wait a day and repeat the procedure. If you do not get the desired result, consult your doctor.
Complications of ingrown hairs
As you may have noticed, you can treat ingrown hairs at home without any problem, but some cases can get complicated and require the consultation of a dermatologist:
- Development of a bacterial infection requiring the prescription of antibiotics.
- Produce a severe hyperpigmentation of the area, causing unsightly spots.
- Formation of keloids (prominent scar) or furrows (hollow scar) on the skin.
- Pseudofolliculitis of the beard.with severe inflammation, pain and the development of papules (solid bumps) and pustules (pus-filled bumps) on the cheeks, chin and front neck area.
If not treated adequately, these processes give rise to cysts which may require the intervention of a surgeon.
Tips and tricks to prevent hair from becoming cystic
Adopt good shaving practices or removing body hair is the best way to prevent ingrown hairs and the complications they cause:
- Apply warm compresses to soften the hair.
- Never dry shave. It is best to use shaving creams.
- Use clean utensils and sharp razors, preferably single blade ones.
- Avoid close shaves.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth, never the other way around.
- Exfoliate your skin frequently.
- Hydrate your skin.
If despite your care, the problem of ingrown hair persists remove the hair follicle using laser techniques or stop shaving. These actions have proven their effectiveness as a long-term treatment.
What should you avoid doing in case of ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs are a nuisance that can generate many complications, to the point of affecting the aesthetics of the skin, producing inflammation, the appearance of spots, attacks, permanent irritation and a lot of pain.
If you are very sensitive to its appearance, avoiding shaving is an option. But if you can’t give it up, adopting a personal hygiene routine that meets this need is your only solution.
Change hair removal method. Try chemical hair removal or use electric razors, adjusting the height of the hairs to at least one millimeter.
Also avoid multiple and dull bladed razors, dry shaving, shaving against the direction of hair growth, or stretching the skin during the process. And, of course, never squeeze bumps or try to force hair out.
