Ingrown Hair Causing A Problem? Here's How To Get Rid Of Them

Ever noticed tiny bumps on your arms and legs? They aren't quite a rash and not really pimples either, so what really are these tiny, hard pustules? In all probability, they're ingrown hair. While hair strands usually grow outward from the follicle and skin tissue, ingrown hair curl and go back inside. This unusual pattern forms a tiny bump on the skin which can even lead to a skin infection.

So firstly, why does ingrown hair occur? Here are a few reasons -

1. When hair itself is particularly coarse or curly, it has a tendency to curl back and re-enter the skin, which, unfortunately, leads to ingrowth of hair.

2. When the body isn't exfoliated regularly, a layer of dead skin accumulates. When hair comes in contact with this surface, it turns and makes its way back into the skin.

3. When hair isn't removed thoroughly from the root or is done so in the wrong direction, it can change the direction of the strand from outward to in.

4. Wearing clothes that are too tight too often can cause the hair to grow inward too! While ingrown hair isn't dangerous by itself, a mass of dark bumps can be unattractive and can sometimes lead to skin infections in the future.

To treat ingrown hair, here's what you need to do -

1. Exfoliate daily to remove the buildup, grime and dirt from your skin which is unknowingly clogging your pores and trapping hair inside.

2. Use a good shaving gel that will soften the skin and strand when shaving so that it is removed thoroughly without breaking.

3. Apply moisturiser to your hands and legs daily so that your skin stays nourished and hair growth from within stays healthy.