Ingrown hair on the scalp, sometimes called razor bumps, is a common problem among men with curly hair who shave their head. With a little preparation and proper shaving technique, you can minimize the chances that you will develop ingrown hairs. Most ingrown hairs can be safely treated and removed at home.
Identification
The terms "ingrown hair" and "razor bump" are often used imprecisely. The medical term for razor bumps is pseudofolliculitis barbae. When a hair grows normally, it emerges from the hair follicle at scalp level and grows up and away from the scalp. In the case of an ingrown hair, the hair does not emerge cleanly from the hair follicle and grow up and away, but rather turns and begins to grow into the scalp. The hair may or may not be visible outside the hair follicle.
Hair Types
People who experience ingrown hairs most often have hair that is either curly, coarse or both. Men of African descent tend to experience ingrown hairs frequently. Anyone, however, can develop ingrown hair. Ingrown hair can develop anywhere on the body but is more common on areas that are shaved.
Prevention
To prevent ingrown hair on the scalp, exfoliate the head before shaving. Exfoliation speeds up the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells so that they cannot block pores and hair follicles. Use plenty of very warm water and shaving cream to ensure that your hair has softened before beginning to shave. Use a sharp razor with a single blade, and shave in the direction of hair growth. Do not stretch your skin out while shaving.
Treatment
Allowing your scalp to go without shaving for a few days may resolve an ingrown hair. If it does not, apply a warm compress to the affected area for at least ten minutes. Then use sterilized tweezers to carefully remove the hair. You may wish to apply an antibiotic cream to the site to prevent infection. If you repeatedly develop ingrown hairs despite careful shaving, or if you believe you have an infected follicle, talk to your doctor about treatment and the use of eflornithine hydrochloride, a prescription drug that may help prevent ingrown hair.
Considerations
If you frequently develop ingrown hairs on the scalp, avoid tight hats; there is some indication that having tight clothing over the skin may contribute to ingrown hairs. If frequent ingrown hairs are a problem, you might consider a close buzz cut rather than shaving, or using a depilatory rather than shaving. If you shave your head, be sure to use a moisturizer (noncomedogenic) and sunscreen.
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