Key Points
- The article provides guidance on managing and preventing ingrown hairs, a common issue in areas prone to shaving or clothing friction like the pubic area, underarms, and face.
- Several home remedies are suggested including warm compresses, gentle tweezing, skin exfoliation, and the use of retinoids, acne treatments, tea tree oil, sugar scrubs, and baking soda.
- The article advises seeking medical attention if ingrown hairs persist or show signs of infection.
- An effective method to remove an ingrown hair is provided.
- Regular skin care routines, including exfoliation, cleaning, moisturizing, and frequent razor replacement, are recommended to prevent further ingrown hairs.
Contents
- What to Do for an Ingrown Hair
- When to See a Doctor for Ingrown Hair
- Steps to Remove Ingrown Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve all had ingrown hair at some point in our lives. Usually, they pop up in areas where you shave or where your clothes rub, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They can be quite common in the pubic area, underarms, and the face (for men). The Cleveland Clinic explains that ingrown hair occurs when hair curls and grows back into the skin instead of growing out of it.
Ingrown hairs can cause discomfort, irritation, and even infection if left untreated—so here’s what to do if you have one:
What to Do for an Ingrown Hair
1. Apply a Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to your ingrown hair can help to reduce inflammation and soften the skin, which may make it easier to remove, according to Healthline. To make a warm compress, you can soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
2. Gently Pull on the Hair
If you can see the ingrown hair, you may be able to gently pull it out with a pair of clean tweezers, according to Healthline. Before doing this, Healthline recommends that you clean the area with rubbing alcohol to help prevent infection. If the hair is deep under the skin, they note that you should not force it out as it can cause further damage.
3. Exfoliate but Avoid Shaving or Waxing Until it Heals
Exfoliating the skin can help to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs from forming, according to Healthline. They recommend that you use a gentle exfoliating scrub or brush to massage the affected area in a circular motion. You can also use products like salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
4. Give Retinoids a Try
Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can help to exfoliate the skin and prevent ingrown hairs, according to Healthline. They recommend that you apply a retinoid cream or lotion according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Over-The-Counter Acne Treatment
Over-the-counter acne treatments, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, may help to treat and prevent ingrown hairs, according to Healthline. They note that you should always follow the product instructions.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is believed to be a natural antiseptic that can help to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, according to Healthline. They suggest that you apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area once a day.
7. Sugar Scrub
A sugar scrub can help to exfoliate the skin and prevent ingrown hairs, according to Healthline. They note that you can mix equal amounts of sugar and oil (such as olive or coconut oil) and massage the mixture into the affected area in a circular motion, then rinse off with warm water. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil if you want.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, according to Healthline. Try mixing a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to the affected area, then rinse off with warm water after 10-15 minutes.
When to See a Doctor for Ingrown Hair
An occasional ingrown hair is normal and can usually be treated at home, according to Healthline. When you should consider seeing a doctor about it is if:
- You often get ingrown hairs
- You have an ingrown hair that is showing signs of infection (such as spreading redness, increased pain, or oozing pus)
Steps to Remove Ingrown Hair
- Gently exfoliate but avoid shaving and waxing until your ingrown hair has healed
- Apply a warm compress to encourage the hair to grow toward the surface
- Gently pull on the hair if you can see a part of it (be sure to use clean tweezers)
- Try a sugar scrub, baking soda paste, or tea tree oil if you cannot see a hair to grab
You can prevent more ingrown hairs by taking good care of your skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This includes regular exfoliation, cleaning, and moisturizing daily. They also note that you should replace your razors regularly and look for alternative hair removal options if you frequently get ingrown hairs in an area where you shave.
Frequently asked questions
What are some home remedies for treating ingrown hairs?
Home remedies include applying a warm compress, gently tweezing the hair, exfoliating the skin, and using products like retinoids, acne treatments, tea tree oil, sugar scrubs, and baking soda.
When should I see a doctor for ingrown hairs?
You should see a doctor if your ingrown hairs frequently occur or if there are signs of infection.
What is a good routine to prevent ingrown hairs?
Regular skin care, including exfoliation, cleaning, moisturizing, and replacing your razor regularly, can help prevent ingrown hairs.
How can I safely remove an ingrown hair at home?
The article suggests gently pulling on the hair with clean tweezers, but it's important to be careful to avoid causing further irritation or infection.
Are there any products that can help with ingrown hairs?
Yes, products like retinoids, over-the-counter acne treatments, tea tree oil, sugar scrubs, and baking soda can help manage ingrown hairs.
What causes ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs are common in areas where shaving or clothing rubbing occurs, such as the pubic area, underarms, and face.
Can ingrown hairs lead to infection?
Yes, if left untreated, ingrown hairs can cause discomfort, irritation, and even infection.
What are the signs of an infected ingrown hair?
The article doesn't specify, but signs of infection generally include redness, swelling, pain, and pus.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD|Updated on Apr 08, 2024
Dr. Rob Rohatsch currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Solv Health. Dr. Rohatsch brings his extensive background in multi-site ambulatory medicine operations, on-demand healthcare, and consumerism to Solv, where he helps drive strategic initiatives in a cross functional executive role. He brings comprehensive healthcare expertise ranging from medical group operations to revenue cycle management and clinical expertise.
Dr. Rohatsch completed his military service in the US Air Force and earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Rohatsch served on the Yale School of Medicine faculty teaching at the medical school and is currently on faculty at the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee teaching in the Executive MBA Program. He also serves on several boards and chairs The TJ Lobraico Foundation.
LinkedInSources
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
- Ingrown Hair. (November 28, 2023) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17722-ingrown-hair
- Treating and Preventing Ingrown Hair. (November 28, 2023) https://www.healthline.com/health/treating-preventing-ingrown-vagin*l-hair#prevention
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