Ingrown hairs are hairs that curl under just before they break out through the skin. These marks are unattractive and make you want to cover up the legs you just got hair-free. Ingrown hairs can develop after any type of hair removal, but they are more common after waxing and shaving. Preventing ingrown hairs is your best option. If they occur, there are some things that work for the removal of ingrown hairs on the legs.
Topical Ointments
Ingrown hairs form bumps on the legs that can become red, tender and infected if left to attract germs and not treated. Before attempting to remove the ingrown hairs, see if you can get it to heal. Topical antibiotics like Bacitracin and Neomycin, or antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, might be helpful because they kill germs that may be lingering beneath the skin.
Acne Lotions
Ingrown hairs can look like pimples. They can be treated in similar fashion by lessening their appearance and helping them go away with acne lotions. Benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both found over-the-counter in acne preparations, can help remove ingrown hairs from your legs by drying out the bump. You can also apply hydrocortisone to bring down the swelling of the ingrown hairs.
Tweezer Removal
If you are anxious to remove an ingrown hair from your legs, you can pull it out with tweezers. This must be done carefully so you don't end up with scarring or an infection. Clean the leg with soap and water. Wipe the ingrown hair with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. Sterilize the tweezers in the alcohol and then use them to pull out the hair gently. Apply an antibiotic or antiseptic to the area.
Waxing
Even though waxing may have been the cause of the ingrown hair on legs, it may also be a way to get rid of it. After you have washed and dried the leg, use a pre-waxed strip (if you prefer, you may use melted wax and muslin cloth) and apply to the leg at the location of the ingrown hair. Press down on the wax and then pull it away in the opposite direction as the hair growth. Apply antiseptic to the skin.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention is your best bet so you don't have to deal with removing ingrown hairs, which can become infected and require oral antibiotics. If you do continue to shave, do so in the same direction of the hair growth and use a moisturizer. Before waxing or shaving, let the hair grow a bit longer and don't go back and forth over the same area. Consider a more permanent method like laser hair removal or electrolysis.
Member Comments