How to get rid of ingrown hair

There’s nothing better than the feeling of healthy, stubble-free skin. But every now and then, you may experience red, itchy bumps in place of where you should have nothing but smooth, hairless skin. In those instances, understanding how to remove ingrown hair really comes in handy. When it comes to hair removal from the face and body, ingrown hair is a very common problem. But this doesn’t mean that you have to grin and bear it. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of ingrown hair with ingrown hair removal tips and solutions to help avoid this annoyance. You deserve to enjoy healthy, smooth skin without irritation every time. So let’s get started!

What is an ingrown hair?


Before we go over the different ingrown hair solutions, allow us to explain what exactly an ingrown hair is and what causes it. Ingrown hair occurs when hair is cut and grows back at an improper angle. This results in the hair growing into the skin rather than through the surface. When this happens, you will likely see a raised red, itchy spot on your freshly shaved, waxed, or plucked skin. Ingrown hair is most common in the following areas you remove hair from:
 

  • Face and neck
  • Legs
  • Armpits
  • Chest
  • Back
  • Pubic hair
     

The good news is that ingrown hair treatment rarely requires medical attention. There are certain steps you can take to help reduce your chances of getting an ingrown hair. And there are plenty of hacks for ingrown hair removal if you find that you do end up with one.

Ingrown hair treatment and prevention


When it comes to prevention, the most effective ingrown hair remedy is to stop shaving that area. The truth is that shaving is probably the worst hair removal option if you’re looking to avoid an ingrown hair. Switch up your technique by trying a more long-term hair removal solution, such as epilation or laser treatment.

 Ingrown hair treatment and prevention


If you’re interested in intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal, consider the Philips Lumea Prestige to enjoy up to six months of hair-free smooth skin.*This IPL device offers intelligent attachments designed for each area of the body for an easy-to-use at-home hair removal experience.

Lumea Prestige

IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

Lumea Prestige IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

Philips Lumea Prestige with SenseIQ technology is our most effective IPL. Designed for convenient treatment at home, Lumea's intelligent attachments perfectly fit every curve of your body and adapt programs tailored for each body area. See all benefits

Unfortunately this product is no longer available

Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

Philips Lumea Prestige with SenseIQ technology is our most effective IPL. Designed for convenient treatment at home, Lumea's intelligent attachments perfectly fit every curve of your body and adapt programs tailored for each body area. See all benefits

If you do choose to shave, don’t worry!

If you do choose to shave, don’t worry! There are still preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of ingrown hair:

 

  • Ensure that your skin is wet with warm water.
  • Use shaving gel.
  • Shave in the same direction that the hair is growing in.
  • Use as few strokes as possible and rinse the razor after each stroke.
  • Press a cool, wet cloth to your skin after shaving to reduce irritation.
  • Never use a blunt razor.
  • Moisturize to get rid of dead skin cells.

If you find an ingrown hair on your skin, chances are it will clear up on its own. But if it doesn’t, you will need an ingrown hair remedy to get the hair growing back up through the skin again. Try the following if you’re looking for an ingrown hair solution: 
 

  1.  Avoid picking at the ingrown hair.
    This could result in infection or scarring and will only cause further irritation. 
     
  2. Place a warm compress on the ingrown hair.
    This will help open the pores and make it easier for the ingrown hair to grow on the skin’s surface.
     
  3. Exfoliate.
    Exfoliating can help the hair to grow on the skin’s surface by removing any surrounding dead skin.

 

Now that you know how to get rid of ingrown hairs, you will be better equipped to deal with them moving forward. As previously said, ingrown hair rarely calls for medical attention. But if you experience significant redness or irritation, you can speak with a doctor regarding a steroid cream prescription. And if your ingrown hair becomes infected, a healthcare professional can prescribe you with an antibiotic cream or tablets to treat it. [2]

Ingrown hair treatment for healthy, smooth skin!


The best part about hair removal is enjoying healthy, soft, silky-smooth skin. Don’t let an irritating ingrown hair get in the way of that! By knowing how to remove an ingrown hair and how to avoid them in the first place, you’re one step closer to getting the most out of hair-free skin.
 

* Median hair reduction on legs: 78%, after 12 treatments.
 

 

References:

 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ingrown-hairs/

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