Ingrown hairs are a cosmetic and aesthetic problem in the growth area of those hairs that are removed from time to time. We suggest that you find out the reasons for the appearance of this problem, as well as methods to get rid of it.
Ingrown hair is a phenomenon in the upper layers of the epidermis. It is characterized by slight darkening, irritation, swollen bumps, and redness in areas where the hair is frequently and incorrectly removed. Ingrown hair is the central part of the hair remaining under the skin, which continues its natural growth in the opposite direction from the desired and average direction, inwards under the skin.
Causes of growing hair on legs
Ingrown hairs can appear anywhere in the hair growth. You can most often encounter this difficulty in areas of stiff hair – legs, beard and neck in men, bikini in women, armpits. Frequent mechanical hair removal causes hair to thin out, change its growth direction, and therefore make it impossible in the future to “pave” the right way out of the dense epidermis.
The most common causes of ingrown toenails
Ingrown hairs on the legs can be related to the following reasons:
- The density of the skin layer … It has been noticed that the problem of ingrown hairs is often faced by people with thick skin, as it is tough for new hair to grow in the right direction. It grows curved and follows the path of least resistance.
- Structure and structure of the hair … People with dark hair color, curly, naturally curly hair, and ethnicity, endowed with stiff, coarse, and dense curl types (African-Americans, Africans), are more likely to face the problem of growing hair.
- Incorrect preparation of the skin … The condition of the cover before the removal of unnecessary vegetation is critical. The average growth of the hair shaft is disturbed due to the lack of preparation which involves removing the old dead layer of the skin with a cleanser.
- Hormonal background … An increase in ingrown hairs can be influenced by the rise in the hormone estrogen, whose production changes during adolescence and the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and endocrine diseases.
- Improper use of work tools … The razor should have sharp blades since, over time, cracks appear on old edges that have been in use for a long time, which can cause minor cuts and scratches that act as an entrance to infection. With the help of a boring machine, it is impossible to immediately shave the hair with perfect smoothness from the first time. Therefore it is often necessary to carry out several times in the same place, constantly damaging the skin and irritating it. Electric shavers create a lot of skin friction, which can also cause ingrown hairs.
- Products for removing hair … These include creams for depilation and wax. Their regular and constant use contributes to the fact that the hair follicle (root) becomes irritated and inflamed, the hair structure weakens, and they become thinner and can no longer sprout usually and correctly.
- Lack of proper skin care … After the hair removal procedure, should apply a special disinfectant and moisturizer to the skin of the feet. The skin after the operation is the most sensitive and “open” to bacteria, so should give it maximum protection. Anti-inflammatory processes that can appear on the epidermis after removing unnecessary vegetation contribute to the appearance of ingrown hairs. Treat the skin with special lotions, gels, or creams for use after shaving. The primary condition for such funds is that they do not clog the pores of the epidermis.
- Tight and tight clothing … Don’t wear clothes that are too tight as this leads to a lot of rubbing on the skin and can also cause ingrown hairs. The skin is constantly exposed to mechanical friction and pressure, which contributes to the tightening of its upper layers, the clogging of the hair follicles, and the appearance of ingrown hairs.
Why does leg hair grow during depilation?
Ingrown hairs are often associated with burning, painful itching, discomfort, and even abscesses and swelling in hair removal areas. From a medical point of view, this phenomenon does not pose a threat to health. Still, from a cosmetic point of view, it may lead to unpleasant consequences such as the appearance of scars, hypertensive scars, skin discoloration, and infectious processes on the skin.
The main reason for the appearance of ingrown hairs is the improper use of hairdressing methods and improper depilation techniques. Not everyone can use the same methods of hair removal or removal. For example, during shaving and electrolysis, the structure of the hair changes towards thickening and compression. Very often, with an illiterate method of eliminating unnecessary vegetation with these methods, not all the hair is pulled out. Still, only its visible tip, the root, and the growing part remain under the skin, and the hair changes its growth direction.
Mistakes in the pulling and shedding phases are the source of ingrown hairs. Hair should not be removed with violence (hand pressure should not be intense) so as not to damage the hair follicle in the direction of their growth, but not against or chaotically, without pulling the skin. Due to damage during exfoliation of the hair follicle, a microwave can be created where the mouth of the hair follicle will narrow, and this will result in it being very difficult for hair to grow from such a narrow space to the surface. A curved coil of hair will form under the skin, which will begin to grow directly into the skin and cause inflammation.
Another growth possibility is superficial hair growth in the form of a loop, when the hair, as it grows, will bend down and grow into the skin.
How to get rid of ingrown hairs on legs
There are several ways to solve the problem of growing hair – preventively, mechanically, and by contacting a beauty salon. Let’s take a closer look at their features.
Ingrown hair, what to do when the first symptoms appear
The appearance of infected blemishes, redness, rash-like eruptions, abscesses, and painful bumps are associated with ingrown hairs. However, the problem will increase as they continue to grow. The inflamed area causes significant pain. Such sensations will continue until the cause (ingrown hair) is removed under the skin.
Suppose there is an inflammatory process on the skin, first of all. In that case, inflammation should be removed with particular drugs (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, calendula tincture) that have a soothing effect on the hair follicles, and then proceed to eliminate the source of this problem.
Try regularly (several times a week) to steam, soften and cleanse the skin, then treat it with moisturizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and special lotions that inhibit hair growth.
Removes ingrown hairs on legs in the salon
When the removal of ingrown hairs becomes permanent and turns into a problem that is difficult to solve on your own
You can resort to hairdressing methods in a salon that lead to excellent results:
- Laser removal … is a quick, painless, radical, and most effective method of removing unwanted vegetation and growing hair. This method gives long-lasting and lasting results. The disadvantage is that the laser cannot remove gray and blonde hair.
- Photography … Under the influence of high heat, destruction of hair follicles. The procedure is a little painful, but in terms of effectiveness, it is not inferior to laser hair loss. High growth and growth stops entirely after 5-8 cycles.
- Electrolysis … A method of affecting hair growth areas using current. The procedure is painful, so you cannot use it on large skin sites. The great advantage of this method is that it is suitable for any type and color of hair.
- Bio epilation … a prevalent method of hair removal with cold, hot, or warm wax. The result is not long-term; the procedure is painful.
How to remove ingrown hairs on legs with tweezers and a needle
Of course, it is better to entrust the removal of ingrown hairs to a professional, but often we try to deal with this problem on our own.
For the process of getting rid of ingrown hairs not to cause problems in the form of wound infection
Should carry out all operations strictly according to the rules:
- Before starting to grab ingrown hairs under the skin, it is necessary to steam the skin. To do this, apply a warm, wet compress based on a decoction of chamomile or calendula to the affected area for a few minutes.
- Then massage the area to be treated using a stiff brush or washcloth and scrub in different directions. Thanks to this, the surface layer of the skin will become softer and more flexible, blood circulation will improve, and it will better prepare the hair follicle for the hair loss process. Further preparation consists in treating the skin with emollients.
- Then treat the skin with whatever disinfectant you have.
- Remove ingrown hairs with sterile or sterilized tweezers and a needle. Using a middle, you get rid of hair and then remove it with tweezers in the direction of hair growth.
- Treat newly removed hair with salicylic alcohol, calendula tincture, or tea tree oil.
Never try to squeeze out an ingrown hair, as this can damage the top layer of the skin and infect it.
Folk remedies for ingrown hair on legs at home
Homemade exfoliating scrubs are the most effective home remedies used to prevent and remove ingrown hairs. Such a cosmetic method as cleansing can give an excellent visible effect almost from the first use because the old upper layer of the epidermis is renewed and softened.
You can buy a unique exfoliating scrub at any beauty supply store. Still, when making a home remedy, you can adjust the composition and its hardness yourself, choose a recipe for a product suitable for your legs or bikini area and consider your skin type.
Recipes for scrubs for ingrown hairs on legs:
- Salt Scrub … Create a scrub that heals wounds and brings growing hair closer to the skin’s surface. Take 2-3 tbsp. l. refined salt, add a little of any moisturizer, and 2 tsp—oils (olive, peach, orange). By consistency, you should get a creamy mass. Massage the prepared product onto your skin while showering. After that, treat the skin with a mixture of calendula tincture and salicylic acid (1:1). Finish the scrub with nourishing baby oil.
- Body scrub … Pure bodyaga or a mixture of bodyaga powder and hydrogen peroxide (1:1) will help eliminate ingrown hairs and skin discoloration that has formed after them. Apply the composition 10-15 to the hair that has sunk into the skin, then lubricate the skin with a moisturizer or baby oil.
- Sugar scrub … Make a scrub that softens and disinfects the skin. Mix 2-3 tbsp. l. brown sugar with 1 tbsp. l. oils (olive, grape, or jojoba) and 10-15 drops of tea tree oil.
- Aspirin scrub … Mix 3-4 tablets of acetylsalicylic acid, 1 tsp. Honey and a few drops of water. Apply the prepared mixture upside down on the hair for 15-20 minutes. This product perfectly exfoliates the skin, relieves inflammation, and helps prevent them from appearing.
Attention! Clean the day before the planned hair loss and 2-3 days after. It is firmly not recommended to use a scrub immediately after hair loss. After cleansing, be sure to moisturize, nourish and soften the skin.
Remedies for ingrown hairs on legs
The modern cosmetic industry offers many professional products to prevent and fight against ingrown hairs. They act on the upper layers of the epidermis and remove dead skin particles, soften it, calm and clear the way for ingrown hairs. Such funds are applied immediately before the hairdressing process and several times after it.
Anti-ingrown foot cream
When choosing a cream, be guided by the fact that it must contain components that soften the skin.
The most popular remedies for ingrown hairs are:
- Tretinoin cream … Reduces congestion in the skin, thins the epidermis, and prevents abnormal hair growth.
- Vaniqa cream … The base is 13.9% eflornithine hydrochloride; when applied 1-2 times a day to the ingrown hair area, this process is significantly reduced.
- Eldoquin absorbent cream … The main active ingredient in it is 4% hydroquinone; it can overcome not only ingrown hairs but also skin discoloration.
- Follivit cream … Prevents ingrown hairs and skin inflammation and sets the right direction for hair growth.
Attention! The distinctive feature of creams for ingrown hairs is the exfoliating effect achieved thanks to the fruit acids in the composition.
Ointment for ingrown hairs on legs
The action and composition of lotions are similar to that of hair growth creams, the only difference being that ointments can slow down the growth of unwanted growth.
Gloria Sugaring or Green Mama and the professional Velvet line are considered effective lotions to combat ingrown hairs on the legs. These are proven products that have worked well in salons and at home. Balanced and enriched with AHA acids, the formula gently, efficiently, and effectively eliminates the problem of growing hair. Moisturizing ingredients soften the skin and remove irritation and dryness.
Use equal amounts of aspirin and glycerin to make a homemade lotion to fight ingrown hairs on your legs. Apply this mixture to ingrown hairs for 1 to 2 hours. Such a device will help stretch the hair to the surface as much as possible, facilitating their transfer.
Conclusion
Ingrown hair on the legs is a problem. Still, it can be easily solved by following preventive measures and proper hair removal methods. Each woman should try different ways of hair removal (exfoliation, shaving, sugaring, waxing, depilation, laser) and choose the one that will be less traumatic for her and suit her legs the most.
