That small, tender, red bump you notice after shaving or waxing isn’t always a simple pimple. Often, it’s an ingrown hair—a strand that has curled back and grown into your skin instead of rising up from it. While they can be frustrating and sometimes painful, the good news is that they are very common and usually simple to manage from the comfort of your home.
Ingrown hairs most frequently appear in areas where you regularly remove hair, like the face, legs, armpits, and bikini line. They occur when dead skin cells clog a hair follicle, forcing the hair to grow sideways under the skin, or when a sharp, freshly shaved hair curls back and pierces the skin.
Soothing an Existing Ingrown Hair
If you already have an ingrown hair, the most important rule is to avoid picking or squeezing it. This can push the hair deeper, introduce bacteria, and lead to infection or scarring. Instead, apply a warm, damp cloth to the area for a few minutes several times a day. This helps to soften the skin and can encourage the hair to come to the surface naturally.
Gentle Exfoliation is Your Best Friend
Regular, gentle exfoliation is the key to both treating and preventing future ingrown hairs. Using a soft-bristled brush, loofah, or a mild scrub a few times a week helps to remove the layer of dead skin cells that trap hairs. This clears the way for hairs to grow out freely. Be sure not to scrub too harshly, as this can irritate your skin further.
Smart Hair Removal Habits
Adjusting how you remove hair can make a world of difference. Always shave in the direction of hair growth, using a sharp, single-blade razor. Dull or multi-blade razors can cut hairs too short, making it easier for them to curl back into the skin. Using a generous amount of shaving gel or cream provides a protective barrier. For a longer-term solution, you might consider hair removal methods like laser or electrolysis, which can reduce the number of hairs over time.
When to Consider Seeing a Doctor
Most ingrown hairs will resolve on their own with a little care. However, if the area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, fills with a lot of pus, or you see multiple hairs growing from one bump, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can safely free the trapped hair and, if necessary, prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic to treat an infection.
Dealing with ingrown hairs is often about patience and a consistent, gentle skincare routine. By exfoliating regularly and tweaking your hair removal technique, you can help your skin stay smooth, clear, and comfortable.