Ingrown hairs are a common skin condition that occurs when curly hairs that have been shaved or plucked grow back incorrectly, causing them to grow back into the hair follicle. When this occurs, inflammation and infection can develop, resulting in red bumps that can be painful and itchy. Although ingrown hairs can be treated medically through corticosteroids or antibiotics, according to the Mayo Clinic, there are several alternative treatments that do not require medications.
Washcloth
A washcloth can help release ingrown hairs from the follicles of the skin. Use the rough surface of the washcloth to gently rub the skin in circles, which can grab the hairs and pull them free from the follicle, the Mayo Clinic says.
Toothbrush
The rough surface of a toothbrush may also help loosen ingrown hairs from your follicles. Take the dry toothbrush and rub it in circles on the affected area to loosen the hairs. A hot towel can be applied before both the toothbrush and washcloth methods to dilate the pores, making it easier for the hair to come out.
Needle
A sterile needle can remove ingrown hairs from your skin. When hair in-grows, it leaves a loop from where the hair first leaves the follicle to where it re-enters. By placing the needle in the center of this loop and then pulling the needle away from the skin, you can pull the ingrown hair out of the follicle. Have plenty of light when attempting this technique to ensure that you don't poke yourself with the needle.
Electric Razor
Ingrown hairs are most common on areas that have been plucked or shaved with a razor close to the skin, states the American Academy of Dermatology. Switching to an electric razor leaves the hair a little longer, treating the ingrown hairs by reducing the chance that they will continue to in-grow. If you still want the close look of a manual razor, take steps to prevent ingrown hairs, such as taking a shower before shaving, always using a shaving lubricant and shaving with the grain of the hair instead of against it.
Permanent Hair Removal
To permanently treat ingrown hairs, you may want to consider laser hair removal. Laser hair removal uses specially calibrated laser wavelengths that target the melanin in your hair. Melanin is the substance that gives your hair its color. The laser uses the melanin to target the hair follicle, using the laser heat to damage the hair root's abilities to grow new hair strands. Several treatments will most likely be needed before full results are seen.
Member Comments