The majority of Spanish women wax their legs (82.2%), eyebrows (73.3%) or armpits (84%), among other parts of their anatomy. On the other hand, Spanish women, for the most part, continue to prefer men with their natural hair, although in young girls we see a notable tendency (40%) to be attracted to shaved men. Almost 15% of Spaniards choose underarm waxing , while almost 14% shave their legs.
We live in an age where hair is in excess, however, waxing requires a lot of dedication. The main drawback after waxing is that small inflammations usually appear that can become infected . They are hairs that have not been able to grow correctly, that is, ingrown hairs. Apart from being unsightly, when infected they can cause a serious problem.
Cystic hairs are more common when we depilate with a razor, but they can appear after any waxing technique, even with wax or depilatory creams. You need to take steps to avoid this problem, so keep the following tips on how to remove ingrown hairs in mind.
Tips to avoid ingrown hairs
The best way to get rid of ingrown hairs is to prevent them from coming out, so heed these recommendations:
- Always apply an antiseptic to disinfect the skin in the area before waxing.
- Change your razors frequently, do not use them with a dull edge or they will irritate your skin too much. Also, better to opt for those with a moisturizing tape.
- A steam bath with hot waterwill help to dilate the pores and you will achieve a more effective hair removal.
- Never shave your skin dry, it will irritate it excessively and you will not get to remove the hair completely. Before you start waxing, moisten your skin and apply shaving gel or cream.
- To avoid ingrown hairs, always shave the area in the same direction as the hair grows. You will need to use the razor several times to remove the hair, but you will be less irritating to your skin.
- In case you use hot depilatory wax,avoid using the same one several times. In beauty centers it is common for them to reuse it, but if you do it at home, it is better to use it only once.
- At least three times a week exfoliate the skin of your body,either with homemade scrubs or with commercial products. This will remove the dead cells and the fine skin that covers the ingrown hairs so that they can grow correctly.
How to remove an ingrown hair
Despite having followed all the above tips, if you have not been able to prevent ingrown hairs from appearing on your skin after waxing, pay attention to these home remedies to treat them and reduce their discomfort.
- Infusion of chamomile or mallow
Ingrown hairs usually lead to a painful reddish and inflamed pimple. Don’t pop it or squeeze it with your fingers or the infection could get worse.
One of the most effective is to apply chamomile compresses to the affected area. This medicinal plant, as well as mallow, are powerful natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. So, in addition to reducing inflammation, they will prevent a serious infection and help the skin heal faster.
To do this, prepare an infusion of chamomile or mallow and, once it is warm, soak a gauze and place it on the area to be treated. Leave it for 10 minutes to notice relief, in addition to being hot it will also favor the dilation of the pores and the treatment will penetrate much better.
- Aloe vera gel
The aloe vera or aloe vera is another great ally to get rid of ingrown hairs. On the one hand, it removes dirt and residues accumulated in the pores and, on the other, it is soothing, antibacterial and regenerating. Thus, the irritation and inflammation will disappear, accelerating the healing process.
In addition, it cares for the skin and regenerates it, keeping it hydrated and preventing marks and scars. You can use it in two ways: directly from the plant by cutting one of its leaves, extracting the pulp and applying it to the skin, leaving it to act for 30 minutes . And the second, with an aloe vera gel applied every night before going to sleep. Rinse the next morning with lukewarm water.
- Baking soda
Exfoliating the area where the ingrown hairs are found is very effective in promoting their exit to the outside. In this way, you will eliminate the dead cells accumulated on the surface of the skin and the pores will open better. The exfoliation must be very gentle so as not to damage the skin and have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect .
To enjoy its benefits, mix two tablespoons of water with one of bicarbonate in a container and apply the resulting paste to the area gently. Perform circular massages and leave for five minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also an excellent product for treating certain skin conditions, such as ingrown hairs, and renewing damaged skin. It contains malic acid that gives it antibacterial properties, thus reducing the risk of infection. In addition, it unclogs the pores and helps improve blood circulation.
Dilute a tablespoon of this vinegar in a tablespoon of water and soak a cotton pad with this mixture to apply it on the area. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water .
- Aspirin
A mask made with aspirin can be used to treat ingrown hairs by bringing them to the surface, as it has exfoliating properties and reduces redness and swelling.
You only need to crush two tablets into a very fine powder, put them in a container and add three drops of water. Stir and apply this paste on the affected area and leave for 15 minutes . Then remove with lukewarm water.
How to remove ingrown hairs
Once you have used any of the above remedies, it will be time to remove the ingrown hairs. You must be very careful to avoid severe infection.
If you cannot treat the ingrown hairs yourself, you will have to go to the doctor in case they are in great depth, as it will get worse as the days go by. Instead, if it’s in the outermost layer of your skin, follow these steps:
- Wash the area with warm waterand antibacterial soap. Then pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a gauze pad with hot water on the pimple and let it sit for about five to 10 minutes.
- With sterilized eyebrow tweezers, stretch the skin where the ingrown hair is. Pick it up and remove it firmly,but carefully to make sure you extract it by the roots.
- Finally, apply an antiseptic product to the area to prevent infections, such as aloe vera, it will also help your skin heal faster.
