Remove Ingrown Hair Safely: Expert Ingrown Hair Treatments & Tips

November 11, 2024

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

247

A women with smooth skin after removing her ingrown hair

Are you tired of dealing with painful, unsightly bumps after shaving or waxing? Ingrown hairs are a common issue that many people encounter, especially in areas where hair removal is frequent. These annoying, trapped hairs can cause redness and irritation. If not treated, they may also become infected and produce a pus-like discharge. It is essential to address ingrown hairs for both cosmetic and health reasons.

What is an ingrown hair?

Ingrown hair occurs when a hair follicle bends and grows back into the skin rather than growing out as it should. This typically happens after hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, and plucking that irritate the skin. It can result in inflammation, redness, and occasionally, infection. Common areas for ingrown hairs include the face, neck, armpits, legs, and bikini line. Although anyone can get ingrown hairs, some factors can increase the risks:

  • Hair type: Curly or coarse hair is more likely to become ingrown.
  • Skin type: Those with thick, oily skin are at a higher risk.
  • Shaving or waxing: Improper techniques can lead to ingrown hairs.
  • Friction and irritation: Tight clothing or excessive rubbing can exacerbate ingrown hair.

Ingrown hairs symptoms

How can you say that you have ingrown hair? Identifying the ingrowth of hair can prevent further complications. The symptoms are often quite noticeable:

  • A small raised red or pink bump on the skin with visible hair trapped inside.
  • Pain and tenderness around the bump.
  • In severe cases, an infection may develop, leading to a pus-filled bump.
  • Darkened skin in the affected area.

If you are unsure that a bump is due to ingrown hair or something else, consulting with a dermatologist is recommended to prevent further complications.

Why do ingrown hairs occur?

Ingrown hairs can develop due to several factors, including:

  1. Improper Hair Removal Techniques: Shaving too closely, waxing, or plucking can lead to hair breakage unevenly, increasing the likelihood of it curling back into the skin.
  2. Dead Skin Cells: A buildup of dead skin can clog hair follicles, causing hair to grow sideways beneath the skin.
  3. Curly or Coarse Hair: Naturally curly hair is more susceptible to ingrown hairs because it often bends back into the skin rather than growing straight out.
  4. Tight Clothing: Wearing tight clothing, particularly around the bikini line or thighs, can create friction, which may trap hairs beneath the skin.

Where do ingrown hairs commonly occur?

Ingrown hairs can occur anywhere on the body, but they tend to be more common in areas where hair removal happens often or where the hair is coarse and curly. The most common spots for ingrown hairs include:

  • Pubic region and genital area
  • Face, particularly the chin, cheeks, and neck
  • Arms, legs, and underarm
  • Thighs, buttocks, and groin area

These areas are particularly vulnerable due to frequent shaving, waxing, or wearing tight clothing, all of which can lead to the formation of ingrown hairs.

How to safely remove ingrown hair? – Safe ingrown hair removal

If you’re dealing with the ingrowth of hair, it’s essential to know how to remove it safely to avoid infection or scarring. Here are some dermatologist-approved methods for safe ingrown hair removal:

Best ingrown hair treatment to get rid of ingrown hair

There are many advanced treatments to get rid of ingrown hair permanently, but it is crucial to consult with an expert dermatologist for safe removal. Avoid trying home remedies or other removal treatments, as they worsen the condition and even lead to infection and scarring. At Evenly Clinic, we offer the following treatments:

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ingrown hairs treatments for preventing ingrown hairs. This advanced technique not only removes ingrown hairs but also makes the hair follicle inactive, significantly reducing the likelihood of future ingrown hairs.

The process works on the principle of selective photothermolysis (SPTL), utilising a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration. The light energy penetrates deep into the skin, targeting the hair stem cells and resulting in permanent hair reduction by effectively destroying the hair follicle. By addressing the root cause of ingrown hairs, laser hair removal not only treats existing ingrown hairs but also stops their growth eventually.

Additionally, when compared to traditional hair removal methods that require monthly or weekly sessions, laser hair removal can be a more cost-effective long-term solution. At Evenly, we use FDA-approved advanced Alma’s Soprano ICE Platinum technology to treat ingrown hairs. As it comes with a cooling mechanism, it provides a painless experience. This treatment is particularly useful for people with coarse or curly hair prone to ingrowth.

Chemical Peels

A mild chemical peel made of glycolic acid and salicylic acid is particularly useful for treating ingrown hairs by unclogging the pores and eliminating dead skin cells. These treatments are based on plant extracts and are performed under the supervision of experienced dermatologists.

Prescription Medications

For severe or infected ingrown hairs, our dermatologists may prescribe stronger topical treatments like retinoids, antibiotics, or steroids. These can reduce inflammation and redness, treat infection, and promote healthy skin renewal.

How to prevent ingrown hairs?

  • Allow hair to grow naturally: Avoid traditional hair removal methods like shaving, tweezing, waxing, or plucking, as they can increase the chances of ingrown hairs.
  • Consider full-body laser hair removal (LHR): This treatment not only offers long-term hair reduction but also significantly minimizes the occurrence of ingrown hairs by targeting the root of the problem.
  • Avoid shaving too closely: Shaving too close to the skin can cause bacteria to enter the tiny openings, increasing the risk of ingrown hairs. Always use shaving gel and warm water to soften the hair and skin.
  • Wax in the correct direction: Ensure you wax against the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and prevent hair from curling back into the skin.
  • Use a sharp, single-bladed razor. A high-quality razor reduces skin irritation and prevents hair from being cut too short, lowering the risk of ingrown hairs.
  • Exfoliate regularly: Using a gentle exfoliant can slough away dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging hair follicles and causing ingrown hairs.
  • Keep your skin moisturised and clean: Hydrating your skin with a good moisturizer and deep cleansing regularly will prevent dryness and flakiness, conditions that can trigger ingrown hair growth.
  • Wear loose clothing: Friction from tight clothing can worsen ingrown hairs, especially in sensitive areas like bikini lines.

When to See a Dermatologist

Chronic ingrown hairs can lead to complications such as cysts, scarring, or hyperpigmentation. You should see a dermatologist if:

  • You experience frequent ingrown hairs.
  • If ingrown hairs cause severe pain and discomfort.
  • You want smooth and hair-free skin.
  • There are signs of infection, such as pus or redness.

Ingrown hairs can be frustrating and painful to deal with, but with the right ingrown hair removal treatment, you can achieve smooth, bump-free skin. If you are looking for a permanent solution for unwanted hair, laser hair removal is the ultimate.

Are you ready to get rid of ingrown hairs and prevent them from coming back? In addition to consulting a dermatologist, maintain a proper skincare routine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ingrown hairs are most commonly found in areas where hair removal occurs, such as the face, neck, armpits, pubic region, legs, and thighs.

Yes, ingrown hairs can become infected if they are irritated or picked at, often resulting in a painful pustule.

Yes, regular exfoliation can help prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells that may block hair follicles, thus lowering the chances of ingrown hairs developing.

Yes, improperly treating or picking at ingrown hairs can lead to scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

It’s best to avoid shaving over an ingrown hair, as this can further irritate the skin and worsen the issue.

Razor bumps are small, irritated bumps that result from shaving, while ingrown hairs occur when hairs grow back into the skin, causing inflammation.

Men can indeed experience ingrown hairs from shaving their beards, especially on the face and neck, due to frequent shaving and the coarseness of their facial hair.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

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