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How to deal with and avoid getting ingrown hairs
We’ve all had them, and no one likes them. Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable—even downright painful—and make you want to cover up what you’d hoped would be a smooth, hair-free area. We got the lowdown on how to deal with and avoid getting those unsightly, bumpy nuisances on your skin.
Q
What is an ingrown hair?
Hair becomes ingrown when it fails to pass through the surface of the skin. It continues to grow beneath the skin and usually appears as a small bump surrounded by inflammation. Ingrown hairs form naturally, but there are several factors that can increase the chance of developing them. For example, curly, or even just frizzy hair will be more likely to curl inside the follicle. Or if your cell turnover is naturally slower or your skin is dehydrated, the buildup of dead cells can make it harder for the hairs to pass through the skin. Shaving also increases the likelihood of developing ingrowns because cutting off the tip of the hair makes it harder for it to come out through the opening in the follicle. In fact, ingrown hairs are often found in areas where shaving is common, such as the face, bikini area and legs. Waxing can cause a similar effect, but that’s because the procedure often removes a layer of skin, and while that layer rebuilds itself, the hair follicle is creating a new root, which then must pass through the new layers of skin.
Q
How do I treat it?
If you notice an ingrown hair, your best bet is to gently exfoliate the area and apply a non-irritating moisturizer to help it loosen. Ideally, wait until you see the tip of the hair on the outside of the skin before removing the hair with tweezers, even if it takes several days. If the hair doesn’t come through, it’s best not to try dislodging it manually, as infection can occur. Instead, continue to moisturize and soothe with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal to restore the skin’s hydration barrier and reduce inflammation around the hair.