That small, painful, red bump that appears after shaving or waxing can be incredibly frustrating. You’re dealing with an ingrown hair, a common skin condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. While they can be tempting to pick at, there are much safer and more effective ways to handle them.
What Exactly is an Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair occurs when a strand of hair doesn’t successfully grow out of the follicle and instead turns back into the surrounding skin. This triggers inflammation, leading to a raised, often painful bump that can look like a pimple. They are most common in areas where hair is frequently removed, such as the face, legs, armpits, and bikini line.
Safe Steps to Remove an Ingrown Hair at Home
If the bump isn’t severely inflamed or infected, you can often treat it yourself with care. First, apply a warm compress to the area for a few minutes. This helps to soften the skin and bring the hair closer to the surface. Gently exfoliate the area with a soft washcloth or a mild scrub to help free the trapped hair. Never use sharp tools like tweezers or needles to dig for a deep ingrown hair, as this can lead to scarring or infection. If the hair loop is visible at the surface, you can use sterilized tweezers to gently pull it free.
How to Prevent Future Ingrown Hairs
Prevention is always the best medicine. The key is to adopt hair removal habits that encourage hair to grow out straight. Always exfoliate your skin gently before shaving to remove dead skin cells. When you shave, use a sharp, single-blade razor and a generous amount of shaving cream or gel. Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. For longer-lasting results, consider other hair removal methods like depilatory creams or laser hair removal, which can reduce the chance of hairs becoming trapped.
When to See a Dermatologist
While most ingrown hairs are a minor nuisance, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. If the bump becomes extremely painful, fills with a lot of pus, or the surrounding skin appears red and warm, you may have an infection. A dermatologist can safely extract the hair and, if necessary, prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic to clear up the infection.
Dealing with ingrown hairs is a common part of hair removal for many people. By treating existing ones gently and adjusting your grooming routine, you can keep your skin smooth, comfortable, and bump-free.