That small, tender, red bump that appears where you’ve recently shaved or waxed is a familiar nuisance for many. Often, it’s an ingrown hair—a strand that has curled back and re-entered the skin instead of growing outwards. The immediate urge is often to pop it, just like a pimple, but this approach requires a great deal of care to avoid making the situation worse.
While it’s always best to let your skin heal on its own, sometimes a persistent ingrown hair needs a little assistance. The key is to proceed gently and with the right technique to prevent infection and scarring.
When It’s Safe to Proceed
Not every bump is ready for intervention. Only consider gently removing an ingrown hair if the bump has a visible head and the hair is clearly trapped just beneath the surface of the skin. If the area is deeply inflamed, painful, filled with pus, or feels hard, leave it alone. These are signs of a more serious infection that requires a doctor’s attention.
Preparing Your Skin and Tools
Cleanliness is your number one priority. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, gently cleanse the affected area with a mild soap. Take a clean washcloth and soak it in warm water, then apply it to the ingrown hair for several minutes. This warmth helps to soften the skin and open the pores, making the hair easier to release.
A Gentle Technique for Removal
Never use your fingernails to dig at the hair. Instead, take a sterile cotton swab and apply gentle, firm pressure around the bump. Often, the built-up fluid and the hair will come to the surface with this pressure alone. If you can see the hair looped under the skin, you may use sterilized tweezers—rubbed with alcohol—to gently lift the tip of the hair out. Avoid plucking the hair out completely, as this can irritate the follicle further.
Caring for Your Skin Afterwards
Once the hair is free, clean the area again with a little alcohol or an antiseptic wash. Applying a small amount of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce redness and swelling. To prevent future ingrown hairs, consider using a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid or glycolic acid a few times a week to keep dead skin cells from clogging the hair follicles.
Remember, your skin is sensitive. If an ingrown hair doesn’t resolve easily or becomes more irritated, it’s a sign to stop and let a dermatologist take a look. A little patience and a gentle touch go a long way in keeping your skin clear and healthy.