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If you notice redness or itching on your skin post-shaving, you might be dealing with an ingrown hair. These occur when hair grows back or sideways into the skin. Deep ingrown hairs can linger for weeks or months, causing discomfort. Learn how to treat them at home or when to seek professional help.
Steps to Follow
Home Remedies
Cleanse the area with a washcloth: To tackle the ingrown hair, use a damp washcloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently cleanse the area with soap and water. Take your time and massage in a circular motion to release the hair and loosen the skin. Avoid excessive exfoliation as it may worsen irritation.
- Repeat this process for a few minutes to gently release the ingrown hair and facilitate its removal.
Use a sterilized needle to gently coax the hair out of the skin: Sterilize a small needle by dipping it in rubbing alcohol and allowing it to air dry. If you can spot the hair loop peeking out of your skin, delicately use the needle to lift it upwards. Take your time and employ a warm washcloth to keep your pores open.
- The aim is to release the hair from the skin so it can grow freely. If you manage to extract the hair from beneath the skin's surface, that's fantastic! Your ingrown hair problem is solved, and no further action is needed.
- If you can't see the hair loop, it's best to leave the ingrown hair undisturbed. Eventually, the hair may emerge, allowing you to attempt extraction with a needle.
Avoid shaving, tweezing, or waxing the affected area: Continued hair removal methods can exacerbate ingrown hairs. If you opt to let the ingrown hair resolve naturally, refrain from touching the area. In some instances, even deep ingrown hairs will resolve themselves within 1 to 6 months.
- Upon first noticing an ingrown hair, consider leaving it untouched for some time to see if it resolves on its own. After several weeks or months, you may attempt home removal.
Refrain from picking or scratching the ingrown hair: Although tempting, popping or scratching the ingrown hair can worsen the situation. Furthermore, breaking the skin in this manner increases susceptibility to bacteria, potentially leading to infection. When uncertain, it's best to leave the ingrown hair alone.
Professional Assistance
Consult a healthcare professional for recurring or infected ingrown hairs: Generally, ingrown hairs aren't cause for alarm. However, if you experience frequent ingrown hairs or suspect infection, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Signs of infection include pain, swelling, warmth, and fever.
Consult your doctor for a prescribed retinoid. Retinoid creams aid in eliminating dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and releasing ingrown hairs. If persistent irritation occurs, seek medical advice regarding retinoid cream such as tretinoin. Your doctor will advise on application frequency and quantity.
- Retinoid creams require a prescription from your doctor.
Apply a steroid cream to alleviate inflammation. Ingrown hairs can cause discomfort and swelling. Consult your doctor for a steroid cream to soothe red or inflamed skin. Typically, use once daily to alleviate swelling and inflammation.
- This is an effective option for relieving ingrown hair discomfort.
Utilize antibiotic cream to prevent or treat infections. Prolonged presence of deep ingrown hairs may result in infection. Your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic cream to minimize infection risk, particularly if the skin is compromised. In cases of existing infection, oral antibiotics may be necessary.
- Signs of infection include swelling, itching, redness, irritation, and warmth. If infection is suspected, promptly consult your doctor.
Preventive Measures
Prioritize skin exfoliation before shaving. Dead skin cells can obstruct razors, leading to irritation and ingrown hairs. Before shaving, exfoliate the area with chemical or physical exfoliants. Use a washcloth and warm water to gently scrub in circular motions, reducing the risk of irritation.
- Chemical exfoliants are suitable for sensitive areas like the face or bikini line, while physical exfoliants are preferable for tougher skin like legs or arms.
Opt for a fresh razor blade. Blunt razors can cause ingrown hairs by pulling or tugging on the skin. Prior to shaving, equip your razor with a new blade or thoroughly clean the existing one if it's not disposable. For electric razors, attach a #1 shave guard to prevent shaving too closely.
- For disposable razors, aim to replace the blade every 5 to 7 shaves, or more frequently if prone to ingrown hairs.
- For electric razors, clean the blade every 3 to 4 shaves.
Nina and Randa Nelson, Celebrity Twin Dermatologists
Proper shaving technique is key to preventing ingrown hairs. Prioritize skin preparation with a warm water rinse or by applying a hot, damp towel over the area for a few minutes. Utilize a sharp, single-blade razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse the blade after each stroke, avoiding excessive pressure or repeated strokes in the same area. After shaving, rinse thoroughly and apply an alcohol-free toner with anti-inflammatory properties.
Soothe your skin with warm water before shaving. Warm water opens pores and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. Prior to shaving, take a warm shower or apply a warm, damp washcloth to the skin for several minutes.
Follow the direction of hair growth when shaving. Shaving against the grain can lead to ingrown hairs. Instead, shave in the direction of hair growth using gentle strokes throughout. While this method may not provide an ultra-close shave, it significantly reduces the likelihood of razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
- Although it may not offer the closest shave, it minimizes the risk of razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Explore laser treatment as a final option. If prone to ingrown hairs, traditional hair removal methods like shaving or waxing may not be ideal. Laser hair removal offers a long-term solution by inhibiting hair regrowth through laser penetration into the hair follicle. While effective, note that laser hair removal is typically not covered by insurance due to its cosmetic nature.
- Laser hair removal can cause blisters or skin darkening depending on the treated area.
- Costs range from $350 to $400 per session, with multiple sessions often required for optimal results.
- Laser hair removal targets dark hair; electrolysis is preferable for lighter hair.
Helpful Tips
Important Warnings
- If the area surrounding your ingrown hair becomes extremely painful, hot, or swollen, or if you experience symptoms such as fever or chills, seek immediate medical attention as it may indicate an infection.
