How to Treat and Prevent an Ingrown Hair

Creator: Medica Health team
Published: 2026-10-14
Keywords: ingrown hair, laser and electrolysis hair removal

medica-seed-editor · October 9, 2026, 3:48am

An ingrown hair occurs when the tip of a hair curves and grows beneath the skin’s surface instead of emerging from it, which can cause painful bumps.

What is an Ingrown Hair and Its Symptoms?

This condition often arises after hair removal processes such as plucking, shaving, or waxing, where the hair follicle bends and pushes the hair to grow inside the skin. Symptoms typically appear as:

Small swollen bumps or pimple-like protrusions, which may contain pus.
Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) in the affected area.
A sensation of itching, stinging, or burning.
Hair appearing in a loop due to the curved tip.

Causes and Risk Factors for an Ingrown Hair

The likelihood of occurrence increases for people with curly and thick hair, especially in the beard or pubic areas. The following factors contribute to the problem:

Shaving too close to the skin or stretching the skin during shaving.
Using tweezers to pluck hair.
The nature of coiled hair, which makes the tips sharp and prone to penetrating the skin.

Treatment Methods for Ingrown Hairs

In many cases, the problem disappears on its own, but the following procedures can be followed to manage it:

Home Care and Daily Routine

Temporary Pause: Refrain from shaving, waxing, or plucking for a period ranging from one month to six months until the skin heals.
Warm Compresses: Apply a cloth dampened with warm water to reduce itching and pain.
Exfoliation: Wash the area thoroughly and remove dead skin cells to help the hair emerge.
Cautious Intervention: A sterile needle can be used to gently lift the tip of the coiled hair from beneath the skin.

Medical Interventions and Medications

If self-care does not work, a doctor may prescribe:

Retinoid Creams: Such as tretinoin to help exfoliate dead skin and treat pigmentation; results appear within two months.
Glycolic Acid: To reduce the curling of the hair.
Steroids and Antibiotics: To reduce inflammation and treat bacterial infections resulting from scratches.
Eflornithine Cream: To slow down the rate of hair growth.

Laser and Electrolysis Hair Removal

Choosing laser and electrolysis hair removal is a long-term solution because it targets deeper levels of the skin and slows hair growth. However, these methods may cause side effects such as scarring, skin discoloration, or ulcerations.

How to Avoid Ingrown Hairs?

To prevent this problem from recurring, it is recommended to follow these tips:

Use electric trimmers instead of shaving close to the skin.
Use sharp, single-blade razors.
Always shave in the direction of hair growth and do not stretch the skin.
Moisturize the skin with soap and shaving gel before starting, and rinse the blade after every stroke.
Test chemical hair removers on a small area first to ensure the skin is not irritated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes an ingrown hair?

The cause is usually the hair growing in the opposite direction (inward) instead of toward the surface, especially after shaving or plucking, or due to the nature of curly hair.

How do I treat an ingrown hair at home?

You can stop removing hair for a while, use warm compresses, and perform gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin, while avoiding popping bumps or digging into the skin.

How do I prevent ingrown hairs when shaving?

By shaving in the direction of hair growth, using a single sharp blade, avoiding shaving too close to the skin, and moisturizing the area well before and after the process.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

Medical care should be sought in the following cases:

The condition does not improve despite following home care methods.
Signs of severe bacterial infection appear.
Prominent scars (keloids) or deep pits form in the skin.
The problem becomes chronic and bothersome.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.