By Ingrown hair is a health problem which causes a lot of discomfort to your life. This condition can occur in your face, buttocks, and armpits. There are many simple-but-effective home remedies to treat the condition of ingrown hair and give you a healthy skin. Today’s article is going to give you the top proven home remedies for ingrown hair on the scalp, buttock, and armpit. Keep reading this article on Beauty Talk to find out more about these natural treatments.
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Time-Tested Treatments For Ingrown Hair On Scalp, Buttock, And Armpit
I. What Is Ingrown Hair?
Strange bumps springing up on your face which are neither hives or pimples could be ingrown hairs. It happens when your hairs do not rise up from your skin but curl around and grow back into it. Dead skin sometimes can block your hair follicle and make the hair grow sidewise under your skin instead of rising upward and outward. Also, ingrown hair can happen when a too close cut of naturally curly hair makes the end of your hair sharpened and pierce your skin. Although the condition of ingrown hairs is not serious, it can be embarrassing and irritating as well as cause a lot of discomfort to you.
An ingrown hair causes a raised, irritated bump or many red bumps which looks like a little red pimple. Ingrown hairs sometimes can a sore boil-like pain. When you get a great number of ingrown hair, they can be uncomfortable and itchy. There possibly will be pus or hairs causing condition inside these bumps. Ingrown hairs often appear on the cheeks, chin, or neck in men after they shave; and on the legs, armpits, buttocks, or in the public area in women.
II. What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs can occur in anyone, but this condition happens more often in people whose hair is very coarse or curly because curly hairs tend to grow backwards and re-enter your skin more than normal ones, particularly after you cut or shave it. Moreover, a high level of sex hormones can cause excessive hair growth and increase the possibility of this condition, particularly after shaving.
People who have curly or thick hair like Latinos and African-American often get a type of ingrown hair named pseudofolliculitis. These little bumps, also popularly known as “razor bumps”, commonly appear after you shave, wax or tweeze to remove the unwanted hairs in your beard area. As these hairs have a sharper edge, they poke back more easily through your skin, get trapped under the skin and cause ingrown hair. These are general causes of ingrown hair. Let’s see many specific reasons that cause this problem in your scalp, armpit, and buttocks.
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1. Ingrown Hairs On Buttocks
There are many factors that cause ingrown hair in the buttock area. The first cause is inappropriate hair removal. When you shave the hair improperly, such as using inappropriate shaving tools or blunt razors, shaving too close, or cutting off the strands without moisturizing your skin. The more frequently you shave your hair, the more often you will experience the condition. Shaving hair too close to your skin will make their tips pointed and sharp, so, it will grow back and re-enter your skin easily. If the tip of your hair remains beneath your skin, it would lead to irritation and bump. You may also get the infection when using shaving tools without cleaning and sterilizing them. Therefore, you need to disinfect and clean your shaver after every use.
Moreover, the skin around your buttock area is very sensitive and liable to get irritated due to wearing tight clothes or constant fiction when sitting on hard surfaces. The overgrown hairs may break, and while the follicles regrow, the pressure of sitting may prevent new hairs from projecting out and force them to grow inwards, which cause ingrown hairs. Especially, if you put pressure on or around shaved hairs, your hair tips can be trapped under the skin and get irritation.
Also, lack of scrubbing and exfoliating the buttock area will allow dead skin cells to accumulate and clog the hair follicle, making your hair grow inward.
2. Ingrown Hairs On Scalp
Like on the buttocks, shaving also causes ingrown hairs on your scalp, especially with dry hair. Shaving makes your hair tips sharp and easy to re-enter your skin when they grow.
Another reason for ingrown hair on the scalp is tender. No matter what your gender is, you can experience this problem on your scalp or any other areas on your body, especially the part frequently shaved. However, remember that the level of sex hormones can affect the possibility of this condition. The higher level of many sex hormones named androgens and testosterone can increase the risk of getting ingrown hairs.
Besides, if your hair follicles are blocked with debris, dead skin cells and dirt, you will get a higher risk of ingrown hairs. Clogged skin pore does not only cause ingrown hair but also infection because it may house bacteria inside.
Also, genes can affect the chance of getting ingrown hairs. People who inherit coarse or curly hair get a higher risk of this problem.
Moreover, the abuse of hair products can make your scalp prone to the problem of ingrown hair. Plus, harsh ingredients and chemicals in these products may block your skin pores and increase the risk of bacterial infections.
Wearing hair coverings like a scarf, headband or hat can clog your hair follicles, promote sweating and trap debris inside clogged pores. It also makes your short or cut hairs grow backwards and inwards the skin instead of projecting out.
Last but not least, an underlying health disorder or disease may result in ingrown hair, too. Some health conditions, such as infections from a surgical procedure, the weak immune system, or abrasion, can be the cause of ingrown hair problem.
3. Ingrown Hair On Armpit
Curly, coarse, and thick hairs in the armpit are likely to grow back to your skin and make ingrown hairs. Many removal techniques like waxing can result in the formation of ingrown hair cysts in your armpit. In this occasion, clogged hair follicles prevent the hair from breaking through your skin, which leads to this problem. Wearing too tight can also lead to clogged skin pores and cause ingrown hairs in the armpit.
III. Natural Home Remedies
While we are listing the scientific evidence, the recipes we have focused on are traditional home remedies so proceed with caution depending on your condition. Always consult your doctor before trying them.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil helps you get rid of ingrown hairs and prevent infection thanks to anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties[1]. It also helps heal many skin problems over the years. Applying essential tea tree oil regularly to the area of ingrown hair will help make ingrown hairs come out from underneath the surface of your skin and prevent further appearance of this condition on your head, armpit, and buttocks.
Method 1:
Apply this oil to the affected area with a cotton ball. Or else, you can dilute 5 drops of tea tree oil in 2 tablespoons of distilled water and apply the dilute oil directly into the ingrown hair and surrounding skin after cleansing it properly with antibacterial soap. Leave the oil for 10 minutes before using lukewarm water to wash it off. Keep doing this remedy every day.
Method 2:
Combine tea tree oil with other ingredients to make effective solutions for ingrown hairs. You can apply the mixture of 3 tablespoons of tea tree oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the affected area and massage gently. Leave the solution on for 10 – 15 minutes before rinsing off it with lukewarm water. Repeat it for 3 to 4 times per day for a few days.
Method 3:
You can also mix 12 drops of tea tree oil with 7 drops of lavender oil and 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Rub a small quantity of this mixture on the skin after removing hair to prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs. In addition to this, you can combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 5 – 7 drops of tea tree oil and apply it to the affected area. Wait for 15 minutes then rinse it off with cold water.
2. Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the most powerful and effective home remedies for ingrown hair due to its cleansing properties[2]. It also helps treat bumps, which are caused by blocked hair follicles. Applying the mask of this oil helps open skin pores and release pressure and pus from clogged pores.
Dip a clean cotton ball in the castor oil, apply a thick layer of it onto the affected area, and leave the oil for 15 minutes. Use a clean wet washcloth to wipe off the solution. Keep doing it 2 – 3 times per day to remove ingrown hair quickly.
3. Lavender Oil
Another powerful oil to treat ingrown hair problem is lavender oil. This fragrant home remedy helps relieve the ingrown hairs in many areas, such as armpits, head, face, neck, pubic area, arms, and legs. To make the solution, you mix 7 drops of lavender oil with 12 drops of tea tree oil and 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply a thick layer of the mixture onto the ingrown hair area and leave it on for a few minutes. Then, use a clean wet washcloth to wipe off the residue. Repeat it twice every day to get the best result.
4. Sugar Scrub
Sugar is a great ingredient to make a homemade scrub for skin care and treating ingrown hair problem. It removes dead cells from your skin and exfoliates your skin gently[3]. Also, sugar scrub encourages the ingrown hairs to come out of your skin to remove them. It also gives you a silky smooth skin.
To make the solution, mix 1 cup of white sugar with ½ cup of jojoba oil or extra virgin olive oil, some drops of honey, and 10 drops of essential lavender oil or tea tree oil, and stir well. Apply a small quantity of this solution to the ingrown hair area and scrub gently in circular motions for some minutes. Wash off the residue after 5 minutes with lukewarm water. Do it once every day for the best effect, or twice per week, alternatively. You can make a large amount of this solution at one time and store it in an airtight container for later use.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has therapeutic and medicinal properties, which help you get rid of skin inflammation naturally. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial features prevent the appearance of swelling and itchiness related to the ingrown hair on the scalp[4]. This herb also eases the affected area thanks to its pain-relieving properties. It is also a gentle skin moisturizer and active booster for the healing process. Besides, its antiseptic components can protect your scalp from dandruff naturally. That’s why this herb is used in many topical creams, which help treat razor bumps and ingrown hair.
To make the solution, extract the pure gel from fresh aloe vera leaves. Take some gel with your fingertips and rub it on the affected and surrounding area. Massage the skin gently to relieve the inflammation and discomfort caused by ingrown hairs. Leave it for about 30 minutes until dry and then rinse off the dried gel with lukewarm water. Do this herbal remedy 2 – 3 times per day for about 1 week until you get an encouraging result.
6. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help deal with the problem of ingrown hair[5]. It is also a natural astringent, so it helps treat dermatological infections and skin inflammation. Use a clean cotton ball to apply some witch hazel extract to the ingrown hair area. Follow this remedy regularly to get the greatest benefit.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a multifunctional household ingredient that works as a powerful home remedy for many beauty and health problems, including ingrown hair. This natural exfoliator has anti-inflammatory properties and a soothing effect, which help reduce redness and relieve itching[6]. Therefore, baking soda is an ideal option to treat ingrown hair condition.
Method 1:
You can mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda powder with 1 cup of water to make a pasty mixture. Apply this paste to the affected area like armpit or buttocks in a circular motion with a clean cotton ball. Leave the solution for 5 – 10 minutes before rinsing off the residue with water. Do it 2 – 3 times every day for at least 1 week for the best result.
Method 2:
Mix 1 tablespoon of each baking soda powder, ground oatmeal, and water to make a pasty homemade scrub. Gently apply this paste to the affected area. Leave it for over 5 minutes, then wash it off with water and pat your skin gently. Repeat the solution twice per day.
8. Cucumber
Cucumber has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties[7]. It helps treat irritation, inflammation, swelling, redness, and ingrown hair problem. Moreover, cucumbers have a lot of vitamin C in its components, which helps relieve itchiness and pain.
Method 1:
Keep a cucumber in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then, take it out and cut the chilled cucumber into slices. Apply these cucumber slices onto the affected skin. Keep doing this remedy several times every day until all the symptoms of this problem are removed.
Method 2:
You can mix 1/3 cup of milk with the puree from ½ a cucumber to make the remedy and keep it in the fridge for several minutes to let it cold. Apply this cold mixture to the irritated skin with a clean cloth. Leave it for 15 minutes and then use lukewarm water to wash it off. Repeat the solution twice a day for a couple of days until the condition gets better.
9. Honey
Honey is a natural skin moisturizer. Also, it is rich in antiseptic and antibacterial properties[8]. Therefore, it helps reduce inflammation and swelling and prevent further infection in the affected area. Remember that using raw unprocessed honey gives you better effect and greater benefit than using the processed one. You apply a layer of this ingredient directly to the area of ingrown hairs. Leave the solution on for 10 minutes and let it dry naturally. Then, you use cold water to wash it off. Do it 2 – 3 times daily until all the symptoms are removed.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the most powerful remedy to fight bacteria. It is also packed with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help kill off harmful bacteria and yeast in your skin, keep the skin away from infection and inflammation. It further helps eliminate dead skin cells thanks to its antibacterial agents[9]. Plus, this solution treats ingrown hair bumps and irritations on your scalp and armpit effectively. Moreover, it helps soothe the itchy and irritated skin and boost the healing process of the skin. Also, you can use this remedy to rinse your hair as a natural hair-care product.
Method 1:
Use some apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the ingrown hair area on your scalp and armpits. Leave the vinegar overnight and use warm water to rinse it in the next morning.
Method 2:
Mix raw apple cider vinegar and witch hazel in equal amounts. Apply the remedy to the ingrown hair area with a cotton ball. Keep the cotton ball on the bump for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Repeat this remedy 2 – 3 times every day to relieve the symptoms. Do a test patch before applying all the remedy to your scalp. If it’s too stinging, add more water to dilute.
11. Aspirin
Aspirin is a very important remedy to deal with redness and inflammation caused by ingrown hair. Its anti-inflammatory feature helps reduce swelling, combat inflammation, and treat a mild infection[10]. Moreover, salicylic acid in this home remedy loosens the ingrown hair by removing dead skin.
To make the solution, dissolve 2 tablets of aspirin in 1 teaspoon of lukewarm water to make a paste-like remedy. Add one teaspoon of honey to it and mix well. Apply the mixture to the ingrown hair and leave the paste for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, use warm water to wash off the residue. Repeat this remedy 1 – 2 times per week until all the symptoms are removed. Remember to test this remedy carefully before applying it to your skin as it may cause reactions in people with sensitive skin.
12. Black Tea Bag
The black tea bag has tannic acid that contains a soothing effect that helps relieve inflamed skin caused by ingrown hairs. It also reduces the risk of itching, redness, and inflammation.
Method 1:
Moisten the tea bag in warm water and rub or keep it over the area with ingrown hairs for 3 to 5 minutes. Do it 1 – 2 times a day.
Method 2:
Alternatively, you can combine this remedy with coconut water. Steep a black tea bag in a cup of water in 5 minutes. Squeeze out the tea into a clean bowl, add 1 teaspoon of coconut water and mix well. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the affected skin. Repeat it twice a day for over a week until all the symptoms are removed.
13. Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal is an excellent soothing ingredient for ingrown hair area thanks to its anti-inflammatory feature. To make this homemade scrub, you need to prepare equal amounts of oatmeal, honey, and yogurt. Mix these ingredients well to make the solution. Apply the mixture onto the affected skin and leave it for 30 minutes so that this scrub will exfoliate your skin thoroughly. Then, rinse the scrub off with water. Repeat this method every day for a week for best effects.
14. Warm Compress
Warm compressing is one of the most popular and simple home remedies for ingrown hair and related symptoms like swelling, pain, and infection. The moisture and heat from the compress can help to moisture the scalp and enhance the blood circulation through the affected area. It is a natural and effective way to remove ingrown hair on your scalp.
You dip a cloth in warm water, squeeze it, and press it into the area of ingrown hair. Hold the compress on for 10 minutes. Remain the heat by dipping the compress into warm water constantly. Do this remedy several times every day for the best result.
IV. Do’s & Don’ts
1. Do’s
- Use skin moisturizer before doing any home remedies for ingrown hair treatment.
- Use a sterilized straight pin or a pair of tweezers to lift out the ingrown hair.
- Only shave your hair after exfoliating the skin.
- Only remove the ingrown hair after you see the hair tip growing above the skin.
- Apply a few antiseptic ointment or cream to your skin after ingrown hair removal.
- Use the skin cleanser like exfoliators and scrubs regularly to prevent dirt particles from accumulating.
- Use lukewarm water and gentle soap to wash the surrounding area of ingrown hair frequently.
- Always use the sharp single-bladed razor when shaving your hair.
- Women should wax the hair instead of shaving.
2. Don’ts
- Don’t put too much pressure when you shave the hairs and don’t let your skin stretch too much.
- Don’t shave the skin within 4 weeks after removing ingrown hair.
- Women should not use hair removing creams for 2 weeks to avoid skin irritation.
- Don’t wear too tight, especially on the ingrown hair area.
- Don’t use old shaving tools like razors and blades to shave your hair.
The article has given you the most effective home remedies for ingrown hair on the scalp, buttock, and armpit. If these ways do not give you the desired result, consult your doctor’s advice for proper treatment. If you have any unexpected effects and reactions, you need to visit your doctor immediately to prevent the condition from developing worse.
The content available on this post is provided for educational and informational purposes. Therefore, you are advised to consult your doctor before following any method.
