What is an ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface for one of two reasons - the hair could have been trimmed (e.g. by shaving), forcing it back into its follicle, or dead skin may have clogged the follicle, causing the hair to grow under the skin. When the hair grows into the skin, instead of out, its symptoms can mimic those of a pimple in the form of a painful red lump that needs some serious unclogging to make it go away! To help treat ingrown hairs, the best course of action is to both exfoliate and moisturise the area. This way you're both removing that dead skin, unclogging the follicle to release the hair from beneath the skin's surface, and soothing the sore or infected area to help avoid future ingrown hairs. It's also worth looking at alternative hair removal methods to help stop ingrown hairs from forming in the future.
How to treat ingrown hair
Natural exfoliators for ingrown hair
Hydrea Dry Body Brush
The Hydrea Dry Body Brush is a great option for ingrown hair removal! This FSC Certified body brush is made from natural Cactus plant bristles which have been cut on a special angle to hug the body, gently removing dry and dead skin cells without scratching the skin or stripping it of its natural oils. Daily dry body brushing can actually help to lift out infected ingrown hairs, keeping the skin smooth, soft, supple and bump-free.
Life Basics Konjac Body Sponge - Activated Charcoal
Another option for those prone to ingrown hairs is the Life Basics Konjac Body Sponge in Activated Charcoal. Charcoal is known for its natural ability to draw out impurities from clogged pores and absorb excess oil and build-up, making this Charcoal-infused body sponge worth trying as part of your ingrown hair treatment as well as anyone suffering from breakouts on the body. Used wet, this gentle konjac sponge buffs away dry and dead skin to leave it smooth and ingrown-free. It's also great for gently exfoliating hair under the armpits.
Eco Tan Extreme Exfoliant Glove
The Eco Tan Extreme Exfoliant Glove has been designed to thoroughly rid the skin of any dry and dead skin cells (also removing old fake tan in the process). With a rough textured surface, this polishing glove also doubles as a dry body brush to help boost circulation while freeing any trapped ingrown hairs. It's one of the best ways to treat ingrown hair on legs and arms!
Weleda Birch Body Scrub
It can also be a good idea to pair an exfoliating brush, sponge or glove with a natural body scrub like the Weleda Birch Body Scrub for extra exfoliating power on ingrown hair bumps. I love this scrub in particular as it is packed with Silver Birch Extract, Beeswax Pearls and Sesame Oil to purify the skin and encourage greater circulation and cell turnover. Smoothing and stimulating, this hardworking scrub refreshes sensitive and inflamed skin to remove build-up from the skin's surface and target problem areas.
Natural ingrown hair removal
MOOM Organic Hair Removal Kit
One of the best ways to stop ingrown hairs is actually opting for an alternative to shaving. I recommend the MOOM Organic Hair Removal Kit, as it works by glazing the hair with Sugar, Chamomile, Lemon Juice and Tea Tree Oil. It sticks to even the most stubborn hairs without sticking to the skin, so you aren't left feeling red, raw and irritated after use. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, this certified organic hair removal system can be used all over the body, including on legs, underarms and bikini line.
Natural oils for ingrown hair
Fur Ingrown Concentrate
The Fur Ingrown Concentrate is an ingrown hair treatment with all natural ingredients, including hydrating Jojoba, Grapeseed and Almond Oils, these work together to help soothe irritation, redness, bumps, ingrown hairs and razor burn! It's also great for soothing the skin after hair removal thanks to antibacterial Tea Tree, calming Chamomile and Lavender. Dermatologically and gynaecologically tested, this vegan and gluten free oil also comes with an exfoliating finger mitt to target areas prone to bumps and lift out ingrowns, especially ingrown hair along the bikini line.
Life Basics Nourishing Body Oil
Another great natural ingrown hair treatment is the Life Basics Nourishing Body Oil. This nutrient rich formula is perfect for ingrown hair maintenance thanks to deeply hydrating Sunflower, Jojoba, Rosehip and Avocado Oils, replenishing Vitamin E, soothing Calendula and calming Evening Primrose, which work together to replenish skin with moisture and encourage healthy skin cell turnover. Smoothing and softening, this vegan body oil can be used all over to help with ingrown hair on the face, armpits and legs as well as on any ingrown hair scars.
