- Cut cumber into slices and massage the skin. Leave overnight if required. Cucumber will reduce the itchiness of the bumps.
- Alternatively cut slices and keep it in refrigerator for 30 min and rub gently on the affected skin, do it for several times a day.
- You can also use puree from half cucumber and 1/3 cup of milk after keeping in refrigerator for 30 min. Soak cloth in the mixture and apply on affected area before rinsing with lukewarm water.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera moisturizes skin, and has soothing and cooling nature, so reduces itchiness and is overall very good for the skin. It also quickens healing process. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents.
- Extract the gel from the Aloe Vera plant and apply on skin. Leave on for 30 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat thrice a week.
D. Sugaring
11. Sugar
This technique was used in olden days to remove ingrown hair as it exfoliates as well as moisturize skin. Scrubbing sugar will unclog pores of the skin making ingrown hair to come out and also help in normal hair growth.
- Mix 2 cups of sugar, a quarter cup of lemon juice to an eighth cup of water. Let the mixture boil to 250 degrees and let it cool.
- Once cooled apply on the skin then rinse and pat dry.
- A paste of sugar and lemon can be applied in the opposite direction of hair growth and then towards the hair growth to avoid hair breakage.
E. Warm Compress
12. Normal Water Compress
A normal hot compress can unclog pores and give a chance to the ingrown hair to grow out. Pluck out hair by using sterilized tweezers once it grows on to the surface.
- Dip a towel in warm water and wring out to remove excess water and apply the compress on the affected skin for few minutes. This will reduce the pain and itchiness. Do it few times a day.
13. Black/Green Tea Compress
Black tea bags can be used to reduce irritation and inflammation of the skin caused by razor bumps.
- Dip a tea bag in warm water for a few minutes. Rub the bag against the skin for few minutes and repeat 2-3 times a day. It will help in reducing the swelling and getting the pus out.
F. Apple Cider Vinegar
14. ACV
Apple cider vinegar will reduce itchiness as it has anti-inflammatory properties and take away dead skin cells and reduce infection as it is natural antibacterial agent. It dries up the skin and brings ingrown hair to the surface. Dilute Apple cider vinegar with equal proportions of water if you have sensitive skin.
- Apply the vinegar on the affected area by using cotton ball and allow it dry out. Rinse with water after 15 minutes. This can be done daily, but moisturizing is necessary after this procedure.
After the remedies mentioned above, you can also try to bring the hair out of the skin. This is done usually after exfoliation or after the top layer of skin has been dried. Using tweezers, one can carefully pull the hair out if it is visible. If it is not visible, it’s better to leave it undisturbed.
Preventing Ingrown Hair/ Razor Bumps
The above remedies talk about reducing the problems after an ingrown hair is formed, but there are ways in which it can be prevented too.
- Wear loose clothing as tight clothes can cause friction and put pressure on the hair follicles.
- Shave carefully by holding the skin taut. Also, do not apply too much pressure as it will cut the hair below the skin level leading to razor bumps.
- Waxing is considered a better hair removal technique as there is a lesser chance of ingrown hair.
- Follow a good skin care routine of exfoliating, cleansing and moisturizing.
Conclusion
Ingrown hair is manageable with good skin care. It is common and unavoidable, as such it is better to take care and groom carefully for best results.