While ingrown hairs are commonly a result of shaving, it's also possible to develop these red, raised bumps from waxing. Some of the hairs can break off below the surface of the skin instead of removing the root. When these hairs grow, they may curl back and extend into the skin rather than out of the opening surrounding the follicle. Often considered a form of folliculitis, ingrown hairs that result from waxing can be treated with relatively simple methods.
Step 1
Heat the skin with a warm, wet washcloth. This can help to drain any fluids or pus accumulating within the skin surrounding the ingrown hair, says the National Institutes of Health. Once the fluid is withdrawn, you may see an improvement in the bumps and encourage healing.
Step 2
Apply a medicated lotion or cream. The Mayo Clinic suggests topical corticosteroids, antibiotics or retinoids, such as tretinoin or retinol, to treat ingrown hairs. When used each day, these medications not only help to heal the papules or pustules from waxing, but they also remove dead skin that may clog the pores and kill bacteria that may lead to infections.
Step 3
Loosen the lodged tip of the ingrown hair. If you're able to see the actual hair growing into the skin, the Mayo Clinic suggests manually loosening the lodged tip of the ingrown hair with a tweezers or needle. Gently hook the curve of the hair and pull the tip from the skin. This should cause the inflammation to subside.
Step 4
Rub the area with a soft-bristled brush. You may also be able to loosen the tip from the skin by gently running a soft-bristled brush over the ingrown hair, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. If you're able to free the ingrown hair, you should see an improvement in the appearance of your skin.
Step 5
Let the hair grow out on its own. Given time, the hair growing in the skin will eventually free itself as it increases in length. No other treatment is necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- If ingrown hairs have become a recurring problem, opt for a different form of hair removal to prevent the bumps. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are permanent forms of hair removal that prevent ingrown hairs. You may also see a reduction in ingrown hairs by using a depilatory, which chemically disintegrates the hairs.
- Depilatories may cause an adverse reaction on sensitive skin, including redness, irritation and burning. These products should be used on areas of the skin currently suffering from ingrown hairs.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Topical medication
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Brush
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