Buzz
Ingrown hair occurs when a hair curls back and grows into the skin, or when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells, forcing the hair to grow sideways. Ingrown hairs often cause itching and mild pain, appearing as small red bumps on the skin that resemble pimples and can sometimes become infected. Typically, ingrown hairs resolve on their own, but if a stubborn one persists, try loosening it by exfoliating the skin and applying a warm compress, followed by using disinfected tweezers to pull it out.
Steps
Allow the Ingrown Hair to Heal on Its Own
Wait for about a week for the ingrown hair to return to normal. In most cases, ingrown hairs will disappear without any intervention. Usually, the hair will find its way through the skin barrier on its own. During this time, avoid picking or scratching the affected area.
- During this period, refrain from shaving over the bump. If the skin is accidentally cut, you risk infection or worsening the ingrown hair condition.
Apply acne medication to the ingrown hair area. Ingrown hairs resemble pimples, especially when accompanied by pus. You can apply benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid several times a day for a few days. Combined with regular exfoliation, this method is often sufficient to treat the ingrown hair, as it helps reduce swelling, providing more space for the hair to break through the skin rather than growing back into it.
- Acne treatments are available at pharmacies.
Apply steroid cream to infected ingrown hairs. If the ingrown hair site starts to produce white or yellow pus, it means an infection has occurred. In this case, you must treat the infection before addressing the hair itself. Apply a small amount of steroid cream to the infected area. The steroid cream will help reduce swelling and treat the infection.
- Some steroid creams like cortisone are available over-the-counter. For stronger steroid concentrations, consult a doctor for a prescription.
Pull the ingrown hair out of the skin's surface
Exfoliate to remove the skin layer covering the ingrown hair. Use an over-the-counter exfoliating cream or exfoliating gloves to gently scrub the ingrown hair area twice daily. This step will remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil that may be trapped beneath the ingrown hair, and it can help push the hair's tip through the skin. Try to approach the hair from various angles to loosen the surrounding skin as much as possible.
- Exfoliating creams or loofah gloves can be found in supermarkets or pharmacies.
Do not damage the surrounding skin when exfoliating. You need to exfoliate enough to remove the skin over the ingrown hair, but avoid scrubbing too hard, as this could damage the skin. If you notice the surrounding skin becoming sore, red, or starting to bleed, stop immediately.
- If uncertain, try exfoliating more gently but for a longer period, such as 10 minutes.
Apply a warm, damp cloth to the area with the ingrown hair for several minutes. Soak a cloth in hot water, wring it out, and press it onto the site of the ingrown hair for about 3-4 minutes. Re-soak the cloth in hot water as it cools. This step will soften the skin and help push the hair toward the surface, making it easier to pull out.
- If you can see the hair under the skin, this method can soften the hair and bring it closer to the surface. If the hair is still hidden, keep applying the warm cloth until it becomes visible.
Use a sterile needle and tweezers to lift the ingrown hair from the skin's surface. It may take a little time to extract the hair, so be patient and avoid tearing the skin. Once you use the needle to expose the hair tip, you can use the pointed tweezers to pull it out. Ideally, avoid pulling the hair completely; just ensure that the hair's tip is raised above the skin's surface.
- Sometimes, you may notice the hair forming a 'hook' shape: instead of piercing through the skin, it curves down or grows sideways. In this case, try threading the needle through the hook and gently pulling. Usually, the hair tip will break free.
- If you don't see the hook after exfoliating and applying a warm compress, don't pierce the skin to search for the hair. You could damage the skin or cause bleeding.
- You can sterilize the tools by boiling them, wiping with alcohol, or heating them over a flame until red-hot. If using heat, make sure to let the tools cool before use.
- Wash your hands before handling the ingrown hair and consider wearing nitrile gloves to prevent bacterial contamination.
Preventing Ingrown Hairs
Cleanse the areas you frequently shave with warm water and moisturizing soap. Areas you shave regularly are more prone to ingrown hairs. Therefore, make sure to keep these areas clean by washing them regularly. If you often experience ingrown hairs, consider applying an antiseptic solution for extra infection protection.
- You may also use a daily cream to help prevent ingrown hairs.
Rinse the skin you plan to shave with warm water. Shaving dry skin significantly increases the risk of ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Rinse your skin with warm water for 2-3 minutes before shaving. You may also use a gentle facial cleanser. When applying shaving cream, allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin before starting to shave.
- Apply a warm compress to the ingrown hair area or take a warm bath to help stimulate blood circulation in that area.
- Before shaving, you can massage the skin with soap or facial cleanser in circular motions. This helps push the hair out of the follicle and reduces the risk of it curling back into the skin as an ingrown hair.
Shave in the direction of hair growth. Although shaving against the grain may give a closer shave, shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Avoid shaving too closely, as hair that is shaved too short can grow back underneath the skin and become ingrown.
- The longer and straighter the hair, the less likely it is to curl and pierce the skin. Consider using a single-blade razor or an electric razor rather than a double-blade razor. Also, make sure to use a sharp and new razor blade. Dull and overused blades can spread bacteria and leave jagged edges on the hair, which can increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Try applying a cold compress to the skin after shaving to constrict blood vessels and soothe the skin.
Tips
- Sometimes, ingrown hairs that have deeply embedded into the skin may not retreat. If the methods above do not work, consult a general practitioner or dermatologist for a prescription treatment.
- Although ingrown hairs are more common in people with curly hair, most people will experience them at some point in their lives.
- Always make sure your razor is clean before using it. You should also invest in a high-quality shaving cream, as some varieties are formulated to help prevent ingrown hairs.
- Apply non-comedogenic moisturizing cream to areas prone to ingrown hairs. These products won't clog pores.
Warnings
- If inflammation spreads beyond the area of the ingrown hair follicle or persists for several days after the hair has been treated, seek advice from a dermatologist or a general practitioner.
- Do not attempt to squeeze or pop the ingrown hair like you would a pimple. This can cause skin damage, tears, and lead to folliculitis infection.
Essential Items
- Clean towel and warm water
- Sterile pointed tweezers
- Small needle
- Moisturizing cream or lotion
- Exfoliating scrub
- Exfoliating loofah gloves
- Topical antiseptic
- Rubbing alcohol
