Ingrown hairs can appear as loops of hair or swollen, red bumps on the skin's surface. Ingrown hairs occur as a result of shaving and are most common on the face or bikini line. Hairs that are particularly coarse or curly are the most likely to become ingrown, because the hair can twist or curl underneath the skin as it grows.
Washcloth
To treat ingrown hairs use a clean, wet washcloth to rough up hair on the skin several minutes before shaving, recommends David Feingold, M.D., chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Tufts University School of Medicine. Rubbing your skin with the washcloth will encourage skin exfoliation, exposing any ingrown hairs that are growing underneath the skin. Rub in a gentle circular motion to allow hairs to stand on end, which will ensure a more even shave. When hairs are shaved evenly, they are less likely to be sharp and pierce the skin as they grow. Rub your skin with the washcloth again at bedtime to help prevent new ingrown hairs from forming.
Corticosteroid Cream
Corticosteroid cream reduces redness and swelling on the skin and is available over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores. Rub a small amount of corticosteroid cream on the area after shaving to help prevent ingrown hairs from growing recommends the Mayo Clinic. When skin is puffy or swollen due to shaving, ingrown hairs are more likely to pierce the skin and cause an unsightly, painful bump. In some cases, a dermatologist may recommend a prescription-strength corticosteroid cream for areas with severely ingrown hairs.
Sterilized Needle
As an ingrown hair begins to grow under the skin, a loop of hair may form on the skin's surface. Avoid picking or scratching at the loop to expose the hair. Instead, use a sterilized needle to carefully remove the hair loop and encourage the hair to grow normally. Soak a new sewing needle rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to sterilize it, then carefully place the needle between the loop of hair and the skin. Carefully lift the needle up to pull the hair loop out of the skin.
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