Ingrown hair is no serious concern; however, it can be embarrassing as well as irritating to have ingrowth, especially when it forms painful, boil-like sores that are quite evident. But what exactly is ingrown hair and why does it occur, you ask? Ingrown hair is when the hair curls and grows back into the skin instead of rising up from the surface or when a hair gets trapped under the skin even before it leaves the follicle. If you have a lot of ingrowth, then you may also start feeling itchy and uncomfortable. Good news is that, the secret to reducing ingrown hair lies in your kitchen shelves itself. Here are 5 home remedies that'll help treat excessive ingrowth...
01Apple cider vinegar
ACV has natural anti-bacterial properties that help slough away dead skin cells. All you need to do is soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, go over with it on the affected areas and let it air-dry. Let the vinegar work its magic by opening up clogged pores and giving access to the ingrown hair to grow outwards. Rinse with normal water after about 15-20 minutes. Repeat this twice or thrice a day for effective results. However, if you have sensitive skin, then make sure you dilute ACV with water before applying on the skin.
02Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best ingredients that helps treat acne. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that loosen up the skin's pores and helps you get rid of ingrown hair easily. All you need to do is mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply the mixture on the affected area. Massage for about 2 minutes and let the mixture sit on the skin for 10-12 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
03Epsom salt
Apart from its anti-bacterial properties, Epsom salt also helps detoxify and cleanse the skin, thereby making it easier to remove the ingrown hair. All you need to do is add Epsom salt to warm water in a bathtub and soak in the water for about 15 minutes. And then shower as usual. Soak in this warm bath every day to get rid of ingrown hair on your body.
04Warm washcloth
Take a washcloth and soak it completely in warm water. Remove it and squeeze out the excess water. Place this warm washcloth on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. This method brings the ingrown hair close to the surface of the skin. You can then use a sterilised tweezer to pull the hair out once it has emerged on the surface and get rid of the ingrown hair on your body.
05Aloe gel
Rich in nutrients and chemicals, aloe vera gel quickens the healing process and soothes the skin. All you need to do is extract the gel from a fresh aloe leaf and apply it on the affected areas. Let the gel rest on your skin for half an hour before washing off with warm water. Apply the gel twice or thrice a week to get rid of ingrown hair.
