Overview

An ingrown hair is a thread that comes back into your skin after shaving, plucking, or waxing, and can cause painful discomfort. 

Ingrown hairs can crop up anywhere, from the legs to the bikini line.So what causes ingrown hairs?And how can you treat ingrown hair?

What causes ingrown hairs?

Traditional methods of hair removal such as shaving ,are  the most causes of ingrown hair anywhere else.

Shaving is primarily responsible for activating ingrown hairs because when the hair regrows, it has a sharper edge and can penetrate the skin easily.

Shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth means that each hair will be cut at a sharper angle and therefore more likely to grow back under the skin.

Dr. Shamban says people with curly hair are more likely to get ingrown because it's the curl that causes the hair to curl on its own. This is because coarser hair can get under the skin more easily and also cause more irritation (thus causing the deeper inflamed skin tone that you are more likely to notice). Moreover,because pubic hair is coarser and curlier, ingrown hairs are more likely to develop in this area.

How to treat ingrown hair?

Regardless of your hair removal method, regular exfoliation is a sure way to prevent dead skin cells from clogging your hair follicles, says Dr. Eiskreamwala.

Some women have ingrown facial hair, and retinoids are another good exfoliator. Be sure to gently exfoliate dead skin with a facial scrub or a mild scrub (like LOreal Pure Sugar Resurface and Energize Kona Coffee Scrub) every time you shower (especially before shaving with a razor) to prevent hair from being damaged.

You can also double your exfoliation with chemical exfoliation by using an ingrown hair product that contains salicylic acid, an ingredient chosen to dissolve dead skin cells that would otherwise keep ingrown hairs under the skin for longer, says Dr. Solomon. 

If your ingrown hair looks more like a pimple, with a lot of redness and possibly pus, your doctor may also suggest using a benzoyl peroxide product to address this problem.

How to prevent ingrown hair?

When shaving, make sure you're using fresh and sharp blades; Dr. Freeling adds that the duller the blade, the more it will scratch the skin, increasing the chance of irritation and ingrown growth. She recommends shaving (top to bottom), especially if you have more curly hair.

If you don't mind the look, using a trimmer instead of a razor or wax won't make your hair too short or wet your skin, reducing the risk of ingrown hairs if you're prone to them.

Is laser hair removal  the best solution for ingrown hair?

The answer is yes,laser hair removal is  the most effective tool for getting rid of all unwanted hair, including ingrown hair . The laser destroys the follicle, which no amount of lotion or moisturizer can do. and the good thing is that you can easily treat any area at home by yourself.

Takeaway

Trying to remove ingrown hairs on your own may seem like a small procedure, but if done incorrectly, it can lead to some serious problems, including infection and scarring, says Gary Goldenberg, MD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Mount Icahn School of Medicine. 

If the area is still tender or inflamed after a few days, or there are signs of infection, such as increased pain, heat or discharge in the area, Dr. Zeichner says it's really time to see a dermatologist and he can find a better way.

Going to a dermatologist or doctor to treat ingrown hairs can be embarrassing, especially in vulnerable areas, but if you can't get rid of ingrown hairs, you'll need professional help anyway.

DISCLAIMER                

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice