Deep ingrown hair is a common concern that occurs when hairs grow back into the skin instead of rising above it, often causing irritation, redness, and bumps. This issue can affect anyone, especially in areas frequently shaved, waxed, or tightly covered, such as the legs, face, and pubic region.
Ingrown pubic hair and ingrown hair on legs can be painful and potentially cause permanent scarring or infection if not treated appropriately.
Today, we will explain what causes ingrown hair, removal methods (how to remove ingrown hair), and how to prevent them to keep your skin smooth and healthy. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair is a strand that tends to curve back into your skin after shaving, tweezing, or waxing. This often happens when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin. Sometimes, ingrown hair can result from shaving, tweezing, or waxing, especially in areas with coarse or curly hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or thick, coarse, or curly hair are more prone to ingrown hairs.
Common symptoms of ingrown hair are:
-
Red bumps on the skin
-
Irritation and redness
-
Swelling
-
Pain or itching (occasional)
If you leave ingrown hair, also known as razor bumps or barber bumps, untreated, it may lead to more severe complications like infection or scarring.
What Causes Ingrown Hair?
If you shave, tweeze, or wax your hair too often, you are likely to develop ingrown hair. Other factors that can cause ingrown hair include:
-
Curly, coarse or thick hair type increases the likelihood of ingrown hair
-
Improper hair removal techniques such as shaving too closely, pulling the skin taut while shaving, using a dull razor
-
The build-up of dead skin cells in the hair follicles
-
Tight clothing or excessive sweating
-
Hormonal changes and certain medications
Tip: Using a single-blade razor and good shaving cream can help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
How to Identify Ingrown Hair?
If you are wondering how to tell if you have ingrown hair or other skin issues, here is what to look for:
-
Trapped hair: Ingrown hairs usually have visible hair growing and curving back into the skin.
-
Location: Face, neck, underarms, and bikini lines are common areas prone to ingrown hair.
-
A small bump: Watch out for a red and inflated bump with visible hair trapped underneath the skin.
-
Tenderness: The area might be tender to the touch.
-
Pus-filled lesions: Occasionally, infected ingrown hair may lead to pus-filled pustules that can be painful and require medical attention.
-
Redness: The skin surrounding the ingrown hair may become red and inflamed, especially when there's an infection.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and learn about how to treat ingrown hairs properly.
How to Remove an Ingrown Hair Safely
You can remove ingrown hairs safely at home using gentle methods. Here's an ingrown hair removal guide to minimize irritation and prevent infection:
At-Home Removal Methods
Use a Warm Washcloth or Soft Toothbrush
-
Soak a washcloth in warm water and press it on the treatment area for a few minutes to relax the pores and follicles.
-
A gentle rub works wonders. Make sure to do it in circular motions to coax the hair out.
-
Take a soft toothbrush to unclog the follicle and release the hair. Be gentle and careful.
Avoid Irritation
-
Stop shaving, waxing, or plucking the affected area to allow the hair to grow naturally.
-
Avoid scratching or picking at the ingrown hair, which could worsen inflammation.
-
Loose clothing reduces friction against the affected area.
Gently Pulling Hair with Tweezers
-
When the hair becomes visible above the skin, use sterilized tweezers or a needle to pull it out gently.
-
Do not dig into the skin to extract the hair, which can cause infection.
-
Don't pluck the hair entirely. This increases the chance of it becoming ingrown again as it regrows.
Professional Ingrown Hair Treatments
Not all ingrown hairs are the same. For stubborn or recurring ingrown armpit hair or deep ingrown hair, consider removing ingrown hair with professional treatments, including:
-
Laser Hair Removal
If you have ingrown hair due to coarse or curly hair, your healthcare provider may recommend laser hair removal. Lasers can slow down hair growth by selectively targeting hair follicles. Here are Mychway’s beginner-friendly IPL laser hair removal machines you can try at home.
-
Electrolysis:
This method effectively destroys the roots one by one, especially beneficial in a smaller region. What makes it stand out is that it removes hair at a deeper level than traditional hair removal methods, preventing ingrown hairs. The only drawback is that users have claimed to feel low to moderate level pain during Electrolysis.
-
Medications:
Your dermatologist may prescribe topical retinoids, antibiotics, steroid pills, or creams to help reduce inflammation.
Consult a dermatologist to learn which option is best for you. The right treatment depends on your skin type and the condition's severity. Discussing your options with a professional is the best way to deal with it.
Why Should You Remove Ingrown Hair?
You must remove ingrown hairs to prevent potential complications that can arise if they are left untreated. Here is why you should consider eliminating ingrown hairs:
-
Infection: If left untreated, ingrown hair can lead to infections. As bacteria enter the irritated hair follicle, they cause redness, pus, swelling, and even staph infections in rare cases.
-
Hyperpigmentation: Irritation from ingrown hairs can cause dark spots to develop. This is especially true for those with darker skin tones. It can take over a week to a month to fade, impacting skin appearance.
-
Scarring: If you constantly pick or irritate ingrown hairs, you put yourself at risk by inviting severe consequences, like scarring. If left untreated, these persistent skin issues can lead to painful, pus-filled cysts, especially around the tailbone. In severe cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary.
To avoid such complications, it's in your best interest to remove ingrown hair, either at home or with the help of a professional.
How to Prevent Ingrown Hair?
Proper hair removal techniques can help prevent ingrown hair on legs, face, or pubic areas. Here is what you should know about ingrown hair prevention:
-
Before shaving, make sure your skin and hair are wet. Use warm water for it.
-
Apply a moisturizing gel or cream before shaving an area of your body.
-
Shave with a sharp, single blade razor or an electric razor. Make sure you place it slightly above the skin to reduce the chances of cutting into the skin.
-
Shave in the direction of hair growth with minimal strokes.
-
Consider gentle exfoliation with a scrub, washcloth, or exfoliating acids to remove dead skin cells.
-
Wear loose clothing and avoid strong antiperspirants after hair removal.
-
Apply a soothing moisturizer after shaving or waxing to keep the skin soft.
-
Explore laser hair removal or hair-dissolving creams for long-term prevention.
Preventing ingrown hair is easy if you follow the steps mentioned above. See your dermatologist if you have any questions regarding the prevention or treatment.
FAQs on Ingrown Hair
Can You Remove Ingrown Hair at Home?
Yes, you can gently remove ingrown hairs at home using a sterile needle or tweezers. Afterwards, apply a mild antiseptic to prevent infection and soothe the skin.
How Do You Treat Ingrown Hair Cysts?
Ingrown hair cysts are often the result of squeezing or picking. If you have an ingrown hair cyst, apply warm compresses to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antiseptic can also help soothe irritation.
What is the Best Way to Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
Prevent ingrown hairs by shaving in the direction of hair growth, exfoliating regularly, and avoiding shaving too close. You may consider using a laser hair removal device if the problem persists.
Are There Specific Products for Ingrown Hairs?
Yes, there are specific products designed to treat and prevent ingrown hairs. Consider exfoliating scrubs, ingrown hair removers, serums containing glycolic or salicylic acid, soothing creams, and ingrown hair-specific treatments. These can help reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence. Use an at-home IPL hair removal machine instead of shaving or waxing.
What Happens if You Don't Treat Ingrown Hair?
Ignoring ingrown hairs may worsen symptoms, leading to ingrown hairs being infected, discomfort, or long-term skin damage. If a deep ingrown hair or cyst doesn't improve, seek professional help.
Conclusion
Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and unsightly; if left untreated, they can even lead to severe complications. Following proper ingrown hair removal at home and maintaining a regular skincare routine help keep your skin smooth and irritation-free.
Whether it's preventing ingrown hairs, treating an ingrown hair on face and neck, learning how to remove undergrowth hair safely, or using long-term solutions like laser hair removal, understanding and addressing the issue is key. Start implementing these tips today to enjoy smoother skin!
