Ingrown Hair: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Ingrown hair is a skin condition characterized by the hair follicle becoming clogged with dead skin cells, causing the hair to grow back into the skin, leading to inflammation and infection.

This painful condition can be caused by factors such as shaving, tight clothing, and excessive sweating. If left untreated, ingrown hair can lead to serious health issues such as folliculitis, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. To alleviate ingrown hair, herbal remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile can be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

However, it's essential to take precautions when using medicinal herbs, such as conducting a patch test and consulting a healthcare professional before use.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of ingrown hair, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of ingrown hair?

The main causes of ingrown hair are a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, razor burn from shaving or waxing, and the natural curvature of hair follicles.

Research has shown that curly or coarse hair is more prone to ingrown hairs due to its shape and texture. Inflammation and irritation caused by shaving, tweezing, or depilatory creams can also contribute to ingrown hairs. Additionally, tight clothing or friction from athletic activities can cause hair to become trapped and grow back into the skin.

Hormonal imbalances, particularly androgens, can also increase the risk of ingrown hairs by stimulating hair growth and causing inflammation.

• Shaving: Shaving causes hair to be cut at an angle, leading to the hair growing back into the skin, causing inflammation and ingrown hairs.
• Waxing: Waxing removes hair from the root, leading to the hair growing back thicker and coarser, increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
• Tight Clothing: Tight clothing can cause friction, leading to hair becoming trapped and growing back into the skin, causing ingrown hairs.
• Genetics: Genetics play a role in the likelihood of developing ingrown hairs, with some people being more prone to ingrown hairs due to the shape and coarseness of their hair and the structure of their skin.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to changes in hair growth and skin sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
• Skin Conditions: Skin conditions, such as keratosis pilaris and eczema, can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to ingrown hairs and other skin problems.
• Hair Texture: Hair texture, particularly curly or coarse hair, can increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs due to the hair growing back into the skin at an angle.
• Sweat Trapping: Sweat trapping in the hair follicle can cause the hair to become trapped and grow back into the skin, leading to ingrown hairs.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor hygiene, particularly not removing dead skin cells and other debris from the skin, can lead to ingrown hairs and other skin problems.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for ingrown hair?

The main medicinal herbs used for ingrown hair are Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Lavandula angustifolia, Saponaria officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Silybum marianum, Echinacea purpurea, and Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce redness and prevent infection. Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis possess soothing and moisturizing properties, calming irritated skin and promoting healing. Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, has antimicrobial properties that help to combat bacterial and fungal infections.

Lavandula angustifolia, Saponaria officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Silybum marianum, Echinacea purpurea, and Hibiscus sabdariffa have various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in reducing inflammation, preventing scarring, and promoting overall skin health.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with ingrown hair because its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties reduce redness and prevent infection, promoting a healthy environment for the skin to heal and the ingrown hair to resolve.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with ingrown hair because its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties calm the skin, reducing irritation and swelling associated with ingrown hairs, while its emollient properties moisturize and protect the skin.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with ingrown hair because its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties calm the skin, reducing irritation and swelling associated with ingrown hairs, while its emollient properties moisturize and protect the skin.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with ingrown hair because its antimicrobial properties prevent infection and promote a healthy environment for the skin to heal and the ingrown hair to resolve, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with ingrown hair because its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties calm the skin, reducing irritation and swelling associated with ingrown hairs, while its antiseptic properties prevent infection and promote healing.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis helps with ingrown hair because its antiseptic properties prevent infection and promote healing, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling associated with ingrown hairs.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with ingrown hair because its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties reduce redness and prevent infection, promoting a healthy environment for the skin to heal and the ingrown hair to resolve.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum helps with ingrown hair because its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties reduce redness and swelling associated with ingrown hairs, while its immune-boosting properties promote overall skin health.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with ingrown hair because its immune-boosting properties promote overall skin health, reducing inflammation and fighting off infections associated with ingrown hairs.
• Hibiscus sabdariffa: Hibiscus sabdariffa helps with ingrown hair because its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties reduce redness and swelling associated with ingrown hairs, while its diuretic properties help to reduce fluid retention and promote healing.

What are the main herbal preparations used for ingrown hair?

The main herbal preparations used for ingrown hair are Decoction, Cream, Salve, Tincture, Ointure, Gel, Poultice, Capsule, Tea, Suppository.

Decoction of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and calendula (Calendula officinalis) helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing of ingrown hair. Topical applications such as Cream, Salve, and Ointment made from aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and pain. Tinctures and Capsules containing herbal extracts like saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) are taken orally to reduce hormonal imbalances that may contribute to ingrown hair.

Additionally, Tea and Poultice made from herbal compresses such as chamomile and calendula are applied topically to draw out pus and reduce swelling associated with ingrown hair, while Suppositories made from herbal extracts like tea tree oil are inserted to relieve pain and promote healing in the affected area.

• Decoction: A decoction of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, while a decoction of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) helps to soften and remove dead skin cells, reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
• Cream: A cream containing the active ingredient salicylic acid, derived from the plant Willow bark (Salix alba), helps to break down blackheads and prevent ingrown hairs by exfoliating the skin and preventing clogged pores.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Calendula (Calendula officinalis) helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, while also soothing and calming the skin.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and preventing infection, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the active ingredient urea, derived from the plant Urea (Urea), helps to soften and remove dead skin cells, reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and preventing infection, due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, while also soothing and calming the skin.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the active ingredient Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and preventing infection, due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Tea: A tea made from the plant Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, while also soothing and calming the skin.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant Vitamin E (Tocopherol), helps with ingrown hair by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, while also soothing and calming the skin.