Left unchecked, an ingrown hair can turn into a proper irritated bump. It can be painful and leave a scar... So, to avoid them as much as possible, we've got some natural tools!
Here's what's actually going on, and how ingrown hair prevention fits into a normal hair removal routine, rather than being an extra chore.
How to soothe an infected ingrown hair? Discover Aroma-Zone's complete guide.
What is an ingrown hair?
An ingrown hair happens when a hair, instead of growing straight out of the follicle, curls back or grows sideways into the skin.
The skin reacts to it as a foreign object, which is why it often shows up as a small, sometimes itchy or sore bump, occasionally with a bit of redness around it.
Why do we get them?
A few things make ingrown hairs more likely:
Curly or coarse hair: curved hair is simply more prone to re-entering the skin than
Dead skin build-up: if skin isn't exfoliated regularly, dead cells can block the follicle, forcing the hair to grow sideways instead of out.
Hair removal method: shaving, waxing and epilating all cut or pull hair in ways that can encourage regrowth at an awkward angle.
Tight clothing: friction against the skin can push emerging hairs back in rather than letting them grow out freely.
Ingrown hair prevention: Our method
Beyond good general hygiene, ingrown hair prevention really comes down to two habits, done consistently:
Exfoliate regularly
Ideally a day or two before hair removal, this clears away the dead skin that would otherwise trap the hair. Our Organic Sugar Body Scrub or the Oval Loofah Exfoliating Sponge both work perfectly well for this.
Use a purifying, salicylic-based active afterwards
Salicylic acid helps keep the follicle clear so hair has an easier path to grow out properly. Our Plant-Derived Salicylic Acid can be mixed into a light lotion and applied a couple of times a week.
The Organic Eucalyptus Black Soap, tagged Purifying and Cleansing, is also worth working into a pre-hair-removal routine, for skin that's properly clean before you start.
How to remove an ingrown hair once it's there
If one's already appeared, resist the urge to pick or squeeze it, that tends to make things worse and can lead to scarring.
Instead, try this:
Exfoliate gently over the area to help clear away the skin trapping the hair.
Apply a purifying active, like Aroma-Zone's Plant-Derived Salicylic Acid, to help calm the area and encourage the hair to work its way out naturally.
Give it time, most ingrown hairs resolve on their own within a week or two with this kind of gentle, consistent care.
If it becomes noticeably swollen, painful or shows signs of infection (spreading redness, pus, warmth), it's worth seeing a GP or pharmacist rather than continuing to treat it at home!
