5 ways to get rid of ingrown hairs – for good
Your insider guide to getting rid of pesky, sometimes painful, ingrown hairs (without picking or squeezing them).
Ingrown hairs can not only be unsightly, but they can be super-painful, especially if they get infected.
But removing them incorrectly – namely, picking or squeezing them – can put you at risk of scarring.
What are ingrown hairs, and how do you get them?
Ingrown hairs are hairs that get trapped under the skin’s surface.
They happen when the hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outward, causing an inflamed “bump”.
You’re more prone to getting them if you shave or wax – or if you have curly and coarse hair.
How to prevent and treat ingrown hairs
- Boost your body products with glycolic acid
Ingrown hairs happen when the hair follicle is blocked by dead skin cells, so using products that contain glycolic acid can help.
The lightweight acid breaks down the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells that cause obstructions to hairs, so that they can reach the surface much easier.
- Get smooth with BHA
Products that contain salicylic acid help prevent and treat ingrown hairs.
A BHA (beta hydroxy acid) penetrates deeper into the pores to dislodge dead skin buildup and oil, so there are fewer blockages.
It’s also an amazing anti-inflammatory, so helps with the bump factor, and the powerful antibacterial properties help reduce the risk of infection.
- Begin dry body brushing
A quick dry body brush before each shower improves cell turnover, which means fewer clogged pores so that hairs can grow out normally.
If you have IPL or laser hair removal, you’ll also find body brushing helps dislodge dead hair follicles from the root, resulting in fewer shadows and even less hair spikiness.
- Scrub in the shower
Just like acid exfoliators, body scrubs reveal newer, softer skin cells that hairs can penetrate easily.
If you tend to get ingrown hairs on your thighs or bikini line, invest in a scrub packed with sugar, which are much gentler on sensitive areas. Use once or twice a week to make a real impact.
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- Tweeze only as a last resort
Letting loose on your ingrown hairs with a pair of tweezers isn’t advised, but if just have to do it, do it properly.
Only attempt it when you can actually see the hair, and when the ingrown hair is fresh and near the surface of your skin.
Use a specifically designed, fine-pointed tweezer to gently pull it out.
Always make sure the tweezers are sterilised first.
Dab the spot with an antiseptic afterwards to avoid infection.
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Written by Nikki Yazxhi.