The unsightly intruder lurking under the surface of your skin - ‘ingrown hairs’, are the culprit behind that irritation and pain. They appear when hairs removed by shaving begin to grow again, but in a direction that curls into the skin.

It appears as an elevated bulge on the skin and may start to resemble a pimple. The lump frequently becomes itchy, sensitive, and crimson; it may also swell with pus.

Is it possible to get rid of them? Sure, read on as we discuss dermatologist tested tips to deal with ingrown hairs.

1. Maintain Unidirection While Shaving

Hair is cut at an acute angle when using a razor, increasing the likelihood that the regrown hair may get ingrown. In order to get the best results when shaving, you should go against the grain. Potentially, it would lessen the likelihood of future ingrown hairs. Here’s how you should do it, according to experts:

• Wet your skin and hair thoroughly with warm water.
• Soak the skin with some shaving cream or gel.
• Use a razor with one blade only.
• Only shave in the direction that your hair grows.

There are, however, better hair removal creams available. They can help avoid ingrown hair thanks to their method of dissolving the hair shaft. They are gentle on your skin.

Nonetheless, laser hair removal therapy is another excellent alternative for those who want to permanently get rid of hair. The treatment is safe, value for money, and saves you from the trouble of having to manually remove your hair over and over again. 

2. Scrub Them Out

One of the most effective methods of warding off those annoying little irritants is regular exfoliation. Not with loofah or walnut scrubs but with the use of acids like glycolic acid. Due to the skin-cell-loosening properties of these acids, ingrown hairs can easily be prevented. 

? Did You Know?
The combination of sebum and dead skin cells that obstruct hair growth is dissolved by glycolic acid, making it much easier for hairs to grow to the surface and preventing any inflammation from forming around the hair follicles.

3. Try Dry Brushing

The technique of "dry brushing," in which the entire body is brushed with a skin brush containing no water, is widespread in many Asian countries. What happens here? It removes hair out of the way and releases tucked-under ingrown hairs. It also prevents new ingrown hairs from developing. Keep in mind that dry brushing is a more intensive method of exfoliation; use it at most once per week.

? Did You Know?
The ancient Egyptians created some of the first elaborate beautification routines like dry body brushing! 

4. Moisturise. Moisturise. Moisturise

If you don't follow up your exfoliation with a layer of a light, airy moisturiser, all your hard work goes in vain. However, the use of heavy creams is to be avoided as they might block your pores altogether.

5. Restricted Use of Tweezers

A sterile needle or tweezer is generally used to tug the hair straight once any portion of it rises above the skin's surface. One should ensure to do this only when the hair is above the skin. An infection may result from removing hair by squeezing the skin, allowing bacteria to penetrate the skin, leading to scars! Additionally, it's crucial to avoid pulling the hair out because doing so increases the likelihood that the hair will regrow giving rise to more ingrown hair.

? Did You Know?
If you pick at the ingrown hair, you risk infecting the follicle even more.

Final Note

Ingrown hairs are usually managed at home unless the pimples enlarge and swell with pus. They might be worse than ever in terms of discomfort, redness, and irritability. Also, people who have ingrown hair in significant regions will require medical attention.  Consult a skin specialist in such circumstances without any further delay.

Consult a Dermatologist Now

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dhanunjay Reddy B