How Can You Prevent Ingrown Hairs Naturally?

Ingrown hairs occur when hair follicles, following hair removal or shaving, struggle to break through the surface of the skin. This causes redness and swelling of the skin around the hair, forming a hard, painful lump similar to a spot or a small cyst.

This can be caused by various factors, including hair thickness, the curvature of the hair follicle, dry skin, friction from tight clothing, and aggressive hair removal techniques. Areas such as the bikini line, legs and underarms, as well as the beard area, are particularly prone to ingrown hairs.

Preventing ingrown hairs requires a holistic approach. First and foremost, you need to:

• Hydration: Keeping your skin well-hydrated helps to soften the hair follicles. Opt for natural products that combat dryness, such as tiger nut oil, known for its moisturising properties

• Hair Regrowth Inhibitors: Such as AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or salicylic acid, which help to slow down hair regrowth

To treat existing ingrown hairs and help prevent new ones, you can use:

• Scrubs: Use gentle scrubs to remove dead skin cells and help the hair emerge

• Exfoliating gel: Apply exfoliating gels made from natural ingredients to promote gentle exfoliation

• Essential oils: these gently exfoliate and help open the hair follicles whilst soothing inflammation

Spotlight on the Active Ingredient: Plant-Based Salicylic Acid

A powerful keratolytic, plant-based salicylic acid provides a gentle exfoliating effect on the skin, which helps to stimulate cell renewal and remove dead skin cells that prevent hair from growing properly.

Spotlight on Organic Tiger Nut Oil

Highly nourishing, organic tiger nut oil is traditionally used to slow down hair growth. It promotes slow growth and nourishes dry to very dry skin, preventing flaking which blocks pores and causes ingrown hairs.

Focus on the Cosmetic Active Ingredient AHA – Fruit Acids

True ‘new skin’ active ingredients, AHAs (fruit acids) promote cell renewal and gently remove impurities from the skin that block hair growth. They restore elasticity to the skin and promote good hydration, which is essential for preventing ingrown hairs.

Spotlight on the Organic Sugar Body Scrub

This certified organic body scrub, made from 100% natural ingredients and rich in organic sugar, effectively exfoliates and removes dead skin cells and impurities, leaving your skin soft, smooth and velvety. Its ultra-indulgent gel-like texture, rich in organic plant oils such as cotton, argan, and sweet almond, transforms into a milky veil on contact with water, leaving the skin supple and nourished.

To reduce inflammation caused by an ingrown hair, you can try various natural remedies:

• Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress to the affected area. The heat promotes blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps the ingrown hair to rise to the surface

• Aloe Vera: Apply aloe vera gel, known for its soothing properties. This can help to calm the irritation

• Green Clay: Apply a thick layer of green clay to the affected skin to benefit from its antibacterial and soothing properties

If the ingrown hair is close to the surface, you can try the following steps to help it come out:

1. Soften the Skin: Apply eucalyptus essential oil, traditionally used for its antiseptic and soothing properties

2. Exfoliate Gently: Use a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells around the ingrown hair. Geranium essential oil is also highly astringent and helps regulate sebum production, a substance naturally produced to lubricate the hair

3. Disinfect Tweezers: If the hair is visible, use disinfected tweezers to gently remove it. Make sure you do not cause excessive trauma to the skin

If you have a painful abscess caused by an ingrown hair, it is recommended that you take the following steps:

• Avoid Lancing the Abscess: It is crucial not to lance the abscess, as this can worsen the infection

• Warm Compress: Apply warm compresses to relieve the pain and encourage the abscess to drain

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: If the abscess persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional. Medical treatment may be necessary to prevent complications

• If you experience signs of a severe infection, such as a fever or the inflammation spreading, seek medical attention immediately

Shaving (or hair removal) is a delicate process. If done incorrectly, it can lead to ingrown hairs. Always shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent them from forming. Replace your razor blades frequently: a sharp blade will prevent you from having to go over the same hair several times and will reduce the risk of the hair growing back under the skin. If you’re particularly prone to ingrown hairs, a few days after shaving (or hair removal), apply a gentle moisturiser and exfoliator (containing AHAs or salicylic acid) daily to prevent ingrown hairs.

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