How to Remove Ingrown Hairs From the Legs

Ingrown hairs occur when hair grows into the skin rather than out through it. Ingrown hairs are more common with curly hair. As the hair curls, it pierces back into the skin. Ingrown hairs may happen anywhere on the body that has hair, however, they are quite common on the legs. If you have ingrown hairs on your legs, there are several methods you can employ to remove them. Do not go digging for ingrown hairs as this can permanently damage your skin and lead to scarring.

Things You'll Need

• Loofah
• Body scrub
• Washcloth
• Water
• Cotton balls
• Alcohol toner
• Tweezers
• Cotton pants

Instructions

1. Exfoliate. Dead skin cells trap ingrown hairs underneath the skin's surface. When you remove dead surface cells via exfoliation, you can release the ingrown hairs. Use a loofah and body scrub to exfoliate your legs at least twice weekly.

2. Dip a cotton ball in an alcohol-based toner and apply it to the ingrown hairs. The alcohol will kill bacteria which contributes to ingrown hairs. While any alcohol-based toner will due, there are also toners that are designed to specifically treat ingrown hairs. You can find these products in most cosmetic and drug stores.

3. Apply a hot compress to the ingrown hairs. The heat will reduce inflammation. As a result, you may be better able to see the actual hair. Keep the compress on the area for two to three minutes.

4. Squeeze the ingrown hair gently. Apply even pressure to both sides of the bump in an attempt to extract the hair. Pus will likely seep out of the bump. If the hair does not come out with light pressure, reapply the hot compress. You should never push so hard as to break the skin's surface. If blood appears, you have applied too much pressure.

5. Pluck the ingrown hair with a pair of tweezers. Only do this if a portion of the hair is outside the skin. If the entire hair is still under the skin, leave it alone. Continue to exfoliate the area until the ingrown hair has worked itself out of the skin.

6. Wear loose cotton pants. Tight clothing exacerbates ingrown hairs, making them less likely to go away. Synthetic fibers don't allow your legs to breathe properly. Instead, they trap bacteria and sweat on the surface of your skin, thereby worsening and encouraging ingrown hairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleanse your legs with an anti-bacterial cleanser. This will help to prevent new ingrown hairs from forming.

• Do not pick at your ingrown hairs. This can lead to permanent scarring.