Learn How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs on Legs and some prevention tips in this short and informative article!
Ingrown hair appears when a strand gets trapped under the skin and grows incorrectly, or it does come out but curls back and reinters the skin. To get relief from this condition, find out How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs on Legs below.
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What Causes Ingrown Hair?
Shaving, waxing, plucking, and clogged hair follicles are the culprits behind this painful and annoying condition. Furthermore, friction from tight clothing is also responsible for ingrown hair. People with coarse, curly strands are more prone, but anyone can get this common problem.
Ingrown Hair Symptoms
Below are some signs and symptoms of ingrown hairs.
- Tender, inflamed bumps
- Small, pus-filled pustules
- Slight pain and itching
- Irritated Skin
How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs on Legs?
Generally, ingrown hair is not a concerning issue until you’re experiencing pain and discomfort. Try the below remedies to get rid of ingrown hairs on the legs at home.
1. Tweezer Method
The tweezer method is a sure-shot way to get relief from the pus-filled ingrown hair.
Supplies
- Herbal Soap
- Tepid Water
- Microfiber Cloth
- Sterilized Tweezer
- Antibacterial Ointment
- Towel
Directions
- Begin the hack by cleaning the desired spot with herbal soap and tepid water. Pat dry with a towel afterward.
- Next, soak a microfiber cloth into warm water momentarily.
- After that, hold the wet cloth over the ingrown hair for 2-3 minutes. Repeat this step 3-4 times to lessen the swelling and soften the infected area.
- Once it’s done, expose the ingrown strand with a sterilized tweezer and carefully pull it upwards. Only do this when the hair emerges above the skin surface.
- In the end, clean the area again and apply a layer of antibacterial ointment.
2. Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub
This body scrub keeps follicles free from blockages and takes out ingrown hair. However, use this hack only if the ingrown strand is not infected or inflamed.
Supplies
- 1/2 Cup of Raw Sugar
- 1/4 Cup of Coconut Oil
- 6-8 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
- A Bowl
- Spoon
Directions
- Combine raw sugar, coconut oil, and tea tree oil into a bowl using a spoon.
- Spread the scrub on the desired spot and rub in a circular motion for 15-20 seconds with light pressure.
- Next, wash the leg with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry as usual, and then apply the body lotion.
- Repeat the hack regularly until the ingrown hair is gone.
3. Warm Compress
A warm compress followed by a gentle skin exfoliation softens skin and clears dead skin cells, bringing the problematic strand closer to the skin surface.
Supplies
- Washcloth
- Warm Water
- A Bucket
- Soft Bristled Toothbrush
Directions
- Submerge a washcloth in a bucket of warm water for a minute or two.
- Next, wring the washcloth and place it on the ingrown strand until it cools down. Repeat this step 2-3 times.
- After that, gently exfoliate the skin with a soft-bristled toothbrush by circular motions for 20-25 seconds.
- If the hair doesn’t come to the skin surface, redo the entire method.
Note- Always clean the tweezer with rubbing alcohol before using it to remove the ingrown strand. If you’re experiencing pain while using the tweezer, leave the hack.
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Ingrown Hair Prevention Tips
Follow the below tips to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Always use shaving cream to avoid friction.
- Before shaving, exfoliate your legs with a body scrub to remove dirt, oils, and dead skin cells, thus preventing hair follicles from becoming clogged.
- Replace your razor once every 30-45 days with a sharp one if it doesn’t glide smoothly over your leg’s skin.
- While shaving your legs with a razor, always shave downwards, not upwards.
- Make sure to wear comfortable clothing.
When to Visit a Physician?
Seeking a physician’s help is necessary when the in-home treatments are ineffective, or the condition worsens. If you have ingrown hair over large areas, consulting a dermatologist is highly recommended.
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