Herbs for Ridding Yourself of Ingrown Hair

Pesky ingrown hairs can be painful and unsightly. These tiny hairs curl back on themselves and grow into the hair follicle, creating an irritated sensation on the surface skin. Usually just minor irritations, when left untreated, they have the possibility to become infected. It is important to treat ingrown hairs at the first sign of irritation. Herbal remedies are natural, chemical free ways to keep your skin healthy in the face of ingrown hairs.

Aloe Vera

• Aloe vera is a wonderful natural remedy for a number of skin ailments including ingrown hairs. Easily found in any drug store, aloe vera is the main component of a number of lotions, facial washes and other skin care products. Choose an aloe vera product that is 99% pure for the purposes of treating an ingrown hair. Clean the affected area and apply aloe vera twice daily for three days. After three days, most inflammation surrounding the ingrown hair should be gone. If this fails to work for you, consider seeking professional medical advice, as the ingrown hair may be infected and require antibiotics.

Honey/ Sugar Mask

• Not just a sweet treat, honey has been used as a natural remedy by doctors for years. When combined with other ingredients, it can be used to fight the discomfort of ingrown hairs as well. Combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 medium lemon, 1 and a 1/2 tsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup honey. Heat for a couple of minutes and stir until thoroughly mixed. Let cool. (Note: You can substitute 2 tsp apple cider vinegar for lemon and add after mixture has cooled.)

  Dust the infected area with cornstarch to clean the skin of surface oils, and spread the mixture onto skin using a popsicle stick. Let sit for 20 minutes, then wash with warm water.

  If a second application is required wait three days.

Peppermint and Dead Sea Salt Scrub

• Peppermint oil is another great treat for skin and is incredibly useful for treating ingrown hairs. Mix 2 tablespoons of Dead Sea Salt (or coarse, regular salt) with enough peppermint oil to make a damp mixture. Gently scrub skin with mixture to remove dead skin cells. Repeat daily as needed.