15 Homemade Treatments That Will Be Helpful In Relieving Ingrown Hair

What are ingrown hairs, other than painful, unsightly nuisances? In essence, an ingrown hair is a hair that started growing outward (like hair normally would), but then curled under itself and began to grow inward, underneath the top layer of your skin. This inward growth creates a little bump that might look like a pimple in an area that usually doesn’t break out, like your bikini line or calf.

Individuals with curly hair are especially prone to ingrown hairs since the nature of curly hair lends itself to growing in directions that aren’t linear. But anyone can develop them, thanks to common practices like sweating, natural oil secretion, and hair removal. They can occur anywhere, but especially in hair-removal hot spots like around your eyebrows, underarms, or bikini line. Regardless of how and why you got them, here’s your guide to getting rid of ingrown hairs for good.

# Shave it Off

This is very important to remember, to shave with the hair. It will create less friction, less irritation and will reduce the number of razor bumps. Shaving against the grain might seem to give you a closer cut, but this technique is much tougher on your skin and hair. It pulls up the hair when the blade passes over and catches it. Once you are done shaving, the result will be that the haircut up just below the surface. This is when the hair struggle and will not grow in a normal way.

# Coconut Oil Before and After Shaving

Pure coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for various skin conditions. It makes a wonderful zit treatment for ingrown hairs or razor bumps. When you apply before shaving it provides a barrier between the blade and the skin. It also gives the much vital moisture to prevent itchiness and irritation in the skin afterward.

To use this home remedy, wash your hands and apply coconut oil thinly to affected areas. A small amount will usually do the trick.

# Oatmeal

Oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It relieves skin irritation naturally. The colloidal oatmeal was approved by the U.S. FDA as a skin protectant.

Mix an equal amount of ground oatmeal, yogurt, and honey. Spread over the affected area. Leave it for half an hour. Wash it off with cold water. This method safeguards the growth of ingrown hair.

# Keep it Sharp

It is not advisable to use a dull blade as it can greatly contribute to the growth of ingrown hair. A dull blade twitches the hair and can create sharp edges. This happens especially in a curly hair. It can even pull out the hair completely, causing in ingrown hairs or razor bumps.

# Try not to Dig the Hair Out

Remember that pointed tweezers are better to use. This will let you have a good grip of the hair without hurting the skin.

# Sugar

The dead skin cells of the body can effectively remove by an exfoliator. Use sugar concurrently with other common ingredients works as a natural exfoliator. This can actually do wonder in bringing out ingrown hair.

Make a paste of extra virgin olive oil and white sugar. You can use jojoba oil in the place of olive oil. Drop in five drops each of lavender oil and tea tree oil.

Put on this scrub on the affected area. You have to gently apply in a circular motion for a few minutes. Leave it for five minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Use this remedy once a day. Note that the scrub can be kept in an airtight container. You have to keep it in the refrigerator for further use.

# Calendula Oil

Basically, the different kinds of oil can work wonder in treating skin razor bumps. Calendula oil is an effective home remedy for treating such skin conditions.

The oil is taken from calendula flowers. It is popular for its gentle effect on the skin and it also has strong antiseptic properties. It helps to soothe burning, irritated skin, reducing redness and gives pain relief.

Dilute about six drops of calendula oil with a teaspoon of jojoba, almond or coconut oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area. Note that pure calendula oil can worsen the irritation.

# Epsom Salt

If you have a problem with razor bumps, especially in the bikini area, this particular remedy is very effective. Add two cups of Epsom salt in warm water to bath. Drench for at least ten minutes in the Epsom salt bath. For best results, you can soak up to thirty minutes. Finally, put on moisturizer.

To exfoliate dead skin cells and remove ingrown hair, you can mix tablespoons of Epsom salt in one cup of water. Dip a cotton ball into the solution. Place the cotton ball on the affected area for 10 minutes. This should lift off the dead skin cells and let the ingrown hair to come out.

# Use Single Blades

Single blades razors tend to be less irritating than those with multiple blades. Although the multiple ones can produce a very nice shave, one blade is enough. Actually, it can cause more skin irritation when shaving with multiple blades.

# Honey

It is well known that honey can help moisturize the skin. It also works effectively as an antiseptic and can reduce swelling and inflammation.

Rub on a layer of honey directly to the affected area. Let it soak for ten minutes. Rinse it off with cold water. Do this two-three times a day. It is recommended to use raw unprocessed honey. It is more effective than the processed one.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a highly recommended home remedy as it has been popularised in its use for treating the range of inflammation. This serves it as a worthwhile remedy to stop irritation that is a common effect of ingrown hairs. This is by no means a universal method as it might not be suitable for use on certain skin types.

There are many who do not qualify for this treatment as their scalps are too dry and their skin fragile. When this method is practiced, apple cider vinegar should be applied directly to the affected area. Although, as stated earlier, it is not for everyone, it is worth a shot for some.

There has been vigorous debate concerning the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in reducing inflammation. There is strong and definitive evidence supporting this weak acid and for the time being, it can be confidently applied. Considering that inflammation is the chief cause of pain and discomfort, this is certainly worth your time.

It has also been known to prevent infections. Diluting the vinegar in warm water is a valid option if the vinegar’s strength concerns you.

# Cornstarch

Splicing some corn-starch can create an effective mix. This concoction can mitigate pain and swelling associated with ingrown hair, similar to products such as baking soda. The mixture should be applied generously to the aggrieved area only.

# Tea Tree Oil

This is an essential oil that has great medicinal effects concerning ingrown hairs. It possesses a strong and effective antiseptic that annihilates the infection that ingrown hairs may induce.

This too will combat inflammation and discomfort – reducing the length of your recovery time. It is crucial that the oil must be mixed with oil to reduce its potency. Only then, can this be safely applied to the skin – free of a strong irritable reaction.

Combine two tablespoons of a neutral oil and 15 drops of tree oil until they are indistinguishable. Apply this mixture directly to the ingrown hair. Now, use the cotton swab to gently clean the surrounding area and any excess oil. Only small amounts are necessary. This process should be reiterated at least twice a day. Any extra solution can be stored in a glass jar away from cold or heat.

# Aspirin

It reduces the effects of swelling and the reddish tint associated with the discomfort ingrown hair will inevitably evoke. It possesses salicylic acid that loosens ingrown hair and allows for easy extraction.

Allow two aspirin pills to dissolve in a small amount of water with the purpose of creating a paste. This should not be coarse. It should be applied to your skin then left to sit for approximately ten minutes. This should be subsequently cleaned off thoroughly. It is recommended that an application cycle of two-three days should be adhered to. It should be applied continuously to the effects of ingrown hair have subsided.

It’s of paramount importance that a skin test is performed before real application of this, or any substance is applied to your body. People are all different and may react differently to this mixture. In particular, people with fragile skin may suffer adversely.

# Exfoliate

Exfoliation should be executed prior to attempting any remedy. Exfoliation allows for the exposure of the hair shaft and the possibility of recovery. Any method, in fact, that will expose your follicles more, will work. This includes waxing too.