Ingrown hairs can be very unpleasant. An old household remedy can prevent ingrown hairs and provide relief.

Witch hazel water was originally used by Native Americans to treat cuts, bites and muscle pain. Today, witch hazel water is mostly used as a facial tonic because of its antiseptic properties. Ingrown hairs are more common in people with curly hair than in people with straight hair, as the curled hair can grow back into the hair follicle due to the curvature. Witch hazel water cannot eliminate ingrown hairs, but it does provide relief and serves as a preventative measure.

Relief of ingrown hairs

Pour about 70ml of witch hazel water into a plastic bottle that can hold 250 to 300ml. Add 8 aspirin tablets (or acetylsalicylic acid tablets) to the bottle and shake thoroughly. Pour 150ml rubbing alcohol or rubbing alcohol into a second plastic bottle and add 18 aspirin tablets. Shake the bottle thoroughly as well. Leave both bottles to stand for a while, shaking occasionally, until most of the aspirin has dissolved. Now pour both liquids together.

Soak a cotton pad with the solution and dab the affected areas with it.

Prevention of ingrown hairs

Moisten a clean towel with hot water before shaving or epilating and press it onto the skin to be shaved until it warms up noticeably. This will soften the hair. Remove the hair with a sharp blade. Always shave in the direction in which the hair grows. After shaving or epilating, soak a cotton pad in witch hazel water and rub it onto the freshly shaved skin. 

Advice: Anyone who experiences skin irritation as a result of treatment with witch hazel water should discontinue the treatment.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should first consult your doctor before using witch hazel aspirin solution to relieve ingrown hairs.