Ingrown hairs may occur on the beard and neck after shaving, and are most common in African-American males between the age of 14 and 25, says MayoClinic.com in the article "Ingrown Hair." After shaving, hair may be cut at a sharp angle, which curls back into the skin and creates an irritated bump. Ingrown hairs may be painful and look unsightly, but a doctor's treatment is not always required. Changing your shaving habits may help to stop ingrown hairs from forming.
Step 1
Wet the hair with warm water before shaving, says MayoClinic.com. Wetting the hair, either with the hands or a warm washcloth, will help to soften the hair so it can be shaved evenly.
Step 2
Shave in the direction of the hair's growth, recommends Wendy S. Levinbook, M.D. in the "Merck Manuals Online Medical Library." Shaving with the grain instead of against it will prevent skin irritation that may cause ingrown hairs to form.
Step 3
Use a new, sharp single-blade razor every time you shave. Avoid razors that contain two or more blades, because they may cause skin irritation that creates ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Apply a corticosteriod cream to the skin immediately after shaving to reduce swelling and skin irritation. As the whiskers begin to grow back in, they are less likely to grow back underneath the skin if the skin is smooth and irritation-free. Corticosteriod medication is available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
Step 5
Get electrolysis if ingrown hairs are a persistent problem. If your ingrown hairs do not respond to at-home or prescription treatments, removing the hairs by electrolysis may eliminate the problem.
Tips and Warnings
- Remove already established ingrown hairs with a sterilized needle.
- Consult a doctor if an ingrown hair bump becomes infected.
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