If you shave your head, chances are you may experience ingrown hairs from time to time. This is especially true if your hair is course or curly. According to Mayo Clinic, ingrown hairs are simply shaved hairs that penetrate the skin once they begin to grow back. The result is usually redness, bumps and pain in the affected area. Ingrown hairs on your bald head require immediate care to prevent infection, discoloration and permanent scarring.
Step 1
Refrain from shaving the affected area of your head until the condition resolves, according to Penn State. This will give the ingrown hairs time to heal without further irritation.
Step 2
Wash your head with a gentle moisturizing soap when your shower. Pat your head dry afterward with a clean, absorbent towel. Do not rub. Apply a moisturizer to your scalp that contains aloe vera, which will soothe as it softens your skin.
Step 3
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of hydrocortisone cream onto your clean fingertips. Massage the hydrocortisone cream into the area of your head that contains the ingrown hairs. Repeat twice daily, until redness and pain resolves.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent ingrown hairs from developing the next time you shave by softening the skin on your scalp with a warm washcloth. Run the washcloth under warm water, wring it out and apply it to your head for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply a shaving lotion to your head prior to shaving. Use a sharp blade, shaving in the direction that your hair grows.
- Do not apply products that contain alcohol to the ingrown hairs. Not only will the alcohol produce painful burning, it will also dry out your scalp. If your ingrown hair condition does not clear-up within a week, see your doctor. You may need to apply a prescription topical antibiotic or retinoid to the affected area in order to help it heal.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing soap
- Absorbent Towel
- Moisturizer
- Hydrocortisone cream
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