Ingrown hairs can be a real pain, right? They’re unsightly, tough to remove, and can stop you from stepping out in your favorite dress. As frustrating as it sounds, there are ways you can tackle this issue. Here’s what you can do:
**Patience is Key!**
When you spot an ingrown hair, resist the urge to wax or shave. Let the hair grow out a bit. Sterilize a tweezer and gently straighten the curled hair; don’t yank it out, as that could cause another ingrown hair. If you can’t do it easily, don’t force it. You don’t want to unnecessarily hurt yourself or cause bleeding.
**Pamper Your Skin**
It’s easier to remove hair after you’ve showered because your skin is hydrated, and the hair is softer. If you exfoliate your skin, it removes dead skin and clears your skin. But be careful if you have sensitive skin, as exfoliation might irritate your skin.
**Rethink Your Hair Removal**
Pulling out a hair can change its growth direction, causing it to curl back. Be mindful of your hair removal technique:
* **Shaving**: Don’t shave too close or too often. Use a sharp, clean blade and shave with your hair growth, not against it.
* **Waxing**: It’s better to wax when your skin is well hydrated.
**Exfoliate and Moisturize**
Dead skin buildup might lead to ingrown hairs. Regularly exfoliate your skin, then moisturize to keep it soft and smooth. This helps hair grow through skin more easily, reducing the risk of ingrowths.
**Use Skincare Products Wisely**
Avoid products that could dry your skin, particularly those containing alcohol. Remember, dry skin can worsen the ingrown hair situation. Consider gentler products that keep your skin hydrated. Discontinue products that leave your skin feeling tight. Always do your research before buying any skincare product.
**Try Hot Compresses**
Hot compresses soften your skin, allowing the hair to surface. Use a warm wet cloth, press it on your skin, and repeat the process.
**Home Remedies**
Common kitchen ingredients can also help:
* **Egg Membrane**: Remove the membrane from inside an eggshell, apply it to your skin, let it dry, then rinse it off to help bring out the ingrown hair.
* **Aloe Vera**: Apply the gel to your skin and leave it to dry. This can soften the skin and ease ingrown hair’s surfacing.
* **Aspirin**: Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin. Mix crushed tablets with some oil, apply on the ingrown hair, and use daily until your skin is totally clear.
* **Acne Medication**: If an ingrown hair becomes inflamed or pus-filled, treat it with an acne medication cream.
Hopefully, with these tips in your arsenal, handling ingrown hairs will be less of a hassle. Enjoy smoother, clearer skin!
*[Aliceie Rodriquez, a skin expert, contributed to this article. Aliceie spends her time sharing her skincare expertise online, traveling, attending fashion shows, and enjoying music.]*
