An ingrown hair is a hair curling back and growing into the skin. Also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps, this inflammatory condition is typically a result of hair removal, such as shaving, tweezing or waxing. It most common in people with curly hair, but anyone can develop the papules or pustules associated with this condition. Help for ingrown hairs on the face often involves self-care methods to dislodge the embedded portion of the hair from the skin.
Step 1
Stop shaving, tweezing or waxing the hair from your face. Both the Mayo Clinic and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology state that you can remedy ingrown hairs by avoiding hair removal. As soon as the hair grows a certain length, the ingrown portion of the hair should free itself. It can take anywhere from three to four weeks to see an improvement in your condition.
Step 2
Withdraw the tip of the hair with tweezers or a needle. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests this method of treating ingrown hairs you can visibly see with your eye. Simply grasp or hook the curved shaft of the hair and withdraw the ingrown portion from the skin.
Step 3
Ease out the tip of the hair with a toothbrush. Brushing an ingrown hair with a toothbrush can also free the embedded tip from the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. This works best on papules or pustules without a visible curved shaft of hair.
Step 4
Ask your doctor for a prescription cream. While the Mayo Clinic only lists corticosteroids, retinoids and antibiotics as topical medications to treat ingrown hairs, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology also includes glycolic acid to help improve razor bumps. These medications work on a number of different levels, including a reduction in inflammation, removal of dead skin and elimination of bacteria. All factors can improve pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Step 5
Take note of your method of hair removal. Certain ways in which you shave can promote ingrown hair growth. Shaving against the grain of your beard increases the chances of ingrown hairs. Repeatedly running a razor over each section of the skin can also bring on this condition, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Even shaving without moistening the face and applying a pre-shave gel to the beard can trigger razor bumps.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider using a depilatory formulated for the face. This means of hair removal dissolves hair from the skin without promoting ingrown hair growth. However, it shouldn't be used on any area of the skin currently affected by ingrown hairs. The American Academy of Dermatology and American Osteopathic College of Dermatology advise switching to an electric razor. Electric razors typically don't provide as close of a shave as razor blades, which can help you avoid ingrown hair growth.
- Depilatories may cause some skin irritation or mild burning on sensitive skin. Test on a small area of the skin before applying to the face.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Toothbrush
- Prescription cream
- Pre-shave gel
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