How to avoid ingrown hairs

Although an ingrown hair is primarily caused by improper or aggressive hair removal, it sometimes occurs naturally as too much deceased skin debris blocks the hair follicle opening, causing the hair to grow sideways.

Patience is a virtue when it comes to ingrown hair removal; your best chance is to simply do a few things that will help the hair come out on its own faster. Start by applying a warm compress to the area, since the heat will soften the skin, says Dr. Solomon. Then, very gently, exfoliate the skin trapping the hair.

Ingrown hairs can be more common in people with coarse or curly hair. They may also be likelier to occur when the hairs are very short, such as after waxing, shaving, or tweezing. Ingrown hairs occur more frequently in areas that experience a lot of friction.

Never pop an ingrown hair cyst, as this can increase your risk for infection and scarring. You also shouldn’t try to lift the hair out with tweezers like you might with a normal ingrown hair. At this point, the hair is embedded far too deep underneath the bump or cyst for you to pull it out.

Ingrown hairs are not usually dangerous, but they can be intensely painful. If an infection is left untreated, it may worsen or travel to the blood.

Although ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable at times, they’re best left alone. Many cases clear up on their own without any interference. Mild cases of infection may clear up on their own after a few days, but severe cases can take a couple of weeks.

This can cause a painful pink or red bump to appear. The bump may be hard or soft and pus-filled. It can also become itchy, inflamed, or infected. Although some ingrown hairs can cause discomfort, they are usually harmless.

Infected ingrown hair treatment

applying tea tree oil to alleviate the infection and prevent it from getting worse. using oatmeal-based lotions to soothe irritated skin. using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.

Epsom salt bath is beneficial for those who have ingrown hair on legs or bikini area. The tiny granules of salt help slough off the deceased cells which may be causing clogged pores and draw the ingrown hair out by exfoliating the skin and cleansing.

Best After-Shave: Mario Badescu Protein After Shave Lotion

Made with soothing oatmeal and moisturizing allantoin, this weightless cream glides over the skin and penetrates to help minimize razor bumps and ingrown hairs. And you only need a small amount—start with a dime-sized portion and apply over just-shaved areas.

Burdock Naturals Shaving Soap is an all-natural shaving soap that is perfect for treating razor burns, ingrown hairs, and other irritable skin conditions. The secret to the soap’s success lies in the restorative power of the burdock root ingredient.