If we want to prevent the hairs from ingrown after depilation, we must dilate the pores before, exfoliate and, above all, disinfect the area when we finish.
Ingrown hairs can be somewhat painful, especially if infection occurs. It usually manifests after waxing or a razor blade, appearing as small pellets of hair that did not grow or could not be removed with hair removal.
They generally disappear over time but can become infected. Therefore, in addition to treating them, they must be avoided. Learn how to avoid and treat ingrown hairs in this article.
It is essential to pay attention to the type of hair removal. Others claim that hot or cold wax makes hairs easier to bury; Others allege that this occurs only when shaving.
In the case of wax, what it does is weaken the roots of the hair follicles, so the hair will not have enough strength to grow and penetrate the skin. Shaving involves not removing the hair from the root, which can cause ingrowth, and therefore infection.
Tips to prevent and care for ingrown hair
- Take care of the skin. When hair follicles are clogged with fat, dead cells, dirt, and germs, the hair finds it difficult to grow. To do this, perform a weekly exfoliation, cleaning and hydrating the skin daily and using non-comedogenic products that prevent clogging of the pores.
- Shave properly. Prepare the skin with water, neutral soap or shaving foam, pass the blade in the direction of ingrown hair, apply slight pressure during the passage of the blade and use a new machine each time (or change it every two or three passes).
- Avoid tight clothing. So that the skin can perspire. In turn, it is advisable to use cotton clothes instead of synthetic material.
- Kill germs after waxing. Use natural antiseptics such as tea tree oil to prevent infections. Can be used a few hours before waxing
- Dilate the pores, using hot water or a steam bath. A hot wet towel or hairdryer can also be applied to the legs.
- Avoid the same wax several times if you shave at home.
Aspects to consider…
These remedies may work to remove ingrown hair. However, they are not the only possible methods. Remember that you can always consult a dermatologist if they appear frequently:
- Dip a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply to the skin where there is ingrown hair. This home remedy is great for calming irritated skin. It serves in turn to reduce redness and inflammation. It is a product that exfoliates, moisturizes and unclogs clogged pores. Use it before and after hair removal.
- Remove the surface of the ingrown hair with a tweezer. You should know that the hairs are “trapped” under the first layer of the dermis and therefore can be removed by gently scraping. Gently lift your hair, but don’t pull it out, as it will further irritate the area and infect it. Do not forget to have clean hands (wash with neutral soap) and apply a little alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the clamp before using it.
- Apply gel from an aloe vera stem, an amazing natural remedy for ingrown hairs. Place it on the affected area every night and let it act. It is best to have an aloe plant at home, open a stem, and remove the pulp. Creams and lotions are also sold, but you will need more time to take effect. Make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol because it will irritate and burn a lot.
- Choose some essential oils like chamomile or lavender.
Steps to remove ingrown hairs
- Wash the area with water and neutral soap, removing with cold or warm water.
- Exfoliate well the area where the hair has been incarnated, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, so the hair will be “loose”. This should be done gently to avoid irritation or bleeding. It should only be done to remove dead skin, oil or dirt.
- Apply a warm cloth (not to burn) where the hair incarnated, for a few minutes, to soften the skin.
- Use a clamp that has been sterilized before with alcohol or boiling water.
- Stretch the skin firmly and grasp the hair from the roots with the tweezers to extract it with a quick “tug”.
- When finished, use an antiseptic like tea tree oil or aloe vera.
Remember that these tips may not work for you. See a doctor if you have recurring ingrown hairs.