Ingrown facial hair can be particularly persistent and problematic for men, many of whom must shave regularly for professional reasons. The annoyance is one form of the broad inflammatory skin condition called folliculitis, in addition to barber's itch, pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps and tinea barbae. African-American men are especially susceptible to ingrown facial hair, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the MayoClinic.com because of the tightly curled structure of their hair. Regardless of hair type, all men can avoid unsightly and possibly painful ingrown facial hair by shaving properly and taking care of their skin.
Step 1
Wash the area of your face that has ingrown hair before each shave and every night before you go to bed. Use either a toothbrush with soft bristles or a washcloth. Rub the area with ingrown hair gently in a circular direction for about three minutes.
Step 2
Insert a sterile needle into each looped ingrown facial hair after you finish washing the affected area. Lift the embedded tip of the hair out of your skin carefully.
Step 3
Shave every two days instead of everyday to give the skin on your face a break and help reduce irritation, especially if you have developed lesions on your skin due to ingrown hairs. Use single-blade razors and keep them sharp. Rinse the razor's blade after every stroke while shaving.
Step 4
Soften your beard and/or facial hair with hot water before each shave, even if no ingrown hairs are currently present. Use a wet washcloth soaked in hot water for about five minutes to help increase the softness of your beard. Apply a softening or lubricating agent as well if you have one available, such as a shaving gel, foam or oil.
Step 5
Move the razor across your face in the direction that your hair grows in to decrease the risk of developing ingrown hairs in the future. Avoid pulling the skin on your face taut as you shave.
Step 6
Apply a cool washcloth to your face for several moments after you finish shaving.
Tips and Warnings
- If treatment and preventative measures fail to decrease occurrences of ingrown facial hair, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology suggests simply allowing your beard and facial hair to grow. That approach is completely effective against ingrown hair and related inflammation after hair grows back for approximately a month, states the organization. Men who still must shave despite continuing problems with ingrown hairs should consider using an electric razor set on high, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Such razors may help because they do not provide as close a shave as manual razors. Ingrown hairs that resist self-treatment may require treatment from a doctor or qualified health practitioner. Consult a medical professional, who may prescribe a medication to improve the condition and decrease inflammation, such as an antibiotic, corticosteroid or retinoid.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush
- Sterile needle
- Single-blade razors
- Lubricant
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