An ingrown hair is a skin condition caused when recently removed hair grows back into the hair follicle instead of growing outward. It causes skin irritation, swelling and redness. You are more likely to develop an ingrown hair if you have curly hair. If the site of the ingrown hair starts to form pus or you feel a lot of pain, you may have developed an infection. To prevent an infection, clean the area daily with a topical antiseptic. Toget rid of an ingrown hair, you have several options.
Step 1
Allow the hair to grow out naturally. Avoid shaving or tweezing an ingrown hair. After a few weeks, it will naturally come out of the hair follicle.
Step 2
Lance the ingrown hair with the approval of your doctor. To do this, use a sterilized needle and insert it into the hair follicle. Position the needle under the hair loop and lift it out of the skin. Clean the skin with a topical antiseptic before and after lancing the ingrown hair.
Step 3
Change the way that you shave. To stop ingrown hairs, moisten the skin and open the pores by shaving during a warm shower. Use a shaving solution that does not contain alcohol and contains a soothing ingredient like aloe. Shave only in the direction of the natural hair growth and move the razor once over the area. Apply a moisturizing lotion when you have finished shaving.
Step 4
Consider alternate hair removal methods. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, prevent future occurrences by using a hair removal method that does not put you at risk for this condition. Laser hair removal and electrolysis patients do not have a tendency to develop ingrown hairs.
Tips and Warnings
- An electric shaver does not provide as close as a shave and can prevent ingrown hairs.
Things You'll Need
- Sterile needle
- Aloe shaving solution
- Razor
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