Ingrown hairs are a painful condition that can be both prevented and eliminated. An ingrown hair results when a removed hair grows back into the skin, leading to inflammation and irritation. You may feel an itch or tenderness and notice a red bump in the affected area. They tend to be more common in areas with coarse hair, such as the beard and neck in men. Black males ages 14 to 25 tend to have more problems with ingrown hairs, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 1
Release ingrown hairs by washing your face with a washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush, using a circular motion, for several minutes before shaving and at bedtime.
Step 2
Sterilize a needle by soaking in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for 20 seconds.
Step 3
Insert the clean needle under hair loops to gently lift hair tips that are embedded in your skin.
Step 4
Moisturize with a non-comedogenic lotion, recommends Columbia University Health Services. Use over-the-counter skin treatments that contain salicylic acid, which helps remove dead skin. Shave your face with a single blade razor and shaving gel. Moisturize after shaving.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about medications to help manage your condition. Retinoids can help exfoliate your skin. Topical tretinoin cream may decrease hair embedding into the follicles. Corticosteroids can help control inflammation. Antibiotics can prevent infection caused by scratching the affected area.
Step 6
Practice proper skin hygiene to prevent ingrown hairs. Hydrate and soften the skin before shaving. Do not shave against the direction or grain of the hair growth. Avoid shaving too closely to the skin.
Step 7
Prevent ingrown hairs by no longer shaving. If you want to remove facial hair, consider laser hair removal.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush
- Needle
- Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Non-comedogenic lotion
- Over-the-counter skin treatment that contains salicylic acid
- Single blade razor
- Shaving gel
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