SKIN CONCERN

Ingrown Hair

Also called: ingrown hair, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, shaving bumps, hair stuck under skin

Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into or becomes trapped beneath the skin instead of growing outward. They can cause small bumps, redness, irritation, itching, or discomfort.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

After shaving, waxing, plucking, or other hair removal.

TREATED BY

Laser hair removal, topical treatments, professional extraction, and more.

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Ingrown hairs develop when a hair curls back into the skin or becomes trapped beneath the surface instead of growing outward normally. This can trigger inflammation, creating a raised bump that may become red, itchy, tender, or painful.

They commonly occur after shaving, waxing, or plucking, particularly when hair is cut very close to the skin. Curly or coarse hair is more likely to become ingrown because it can naturally curve back towards the skin as it grows. Dead skin cells can also block the hair follicle and prevent the hair from emerging properly.

Ingrown hairs frequently affect areas such as the beard, neck, underarms, legs, and pubic region. Most are harmless, but repeated or inflamed ingrown hairs can sometimes lead to infection, dark marks, or scarring.

How far along is it?

Early

A small raised bump develops where the hair becomes trapped beneath the skin, sometimes with mild redness, itching, or irritation.

Moderate

The area becomes more inflamed, tender, or painful and may develop a visible pustule or darker pigmentation around the affected follicle.

Advanced

Repeated or significantly inflamed ingrown hairs may become infected, form larger painful bumps or cyst-like lesions, and potentially lead to persistent dark marks or scarring.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Ingrown hair removal→

It may be worth seeking professional advice when ingrown hairs become persistent, frequently recur, or cause significant pain, inflammation, infection, dark marks, or scarring. Early assessment can help manage existing ingrown hairs and identify ways to reduce future recurrence.

Quick Questions:

What causes ingrown hairs?

Ingrown hairs develop when a hair grows back into the skin or becomes trapped beneath it. Shaving, waxing, plucking, dead skin build-up, and naturally curly or coarse hair can increase the likelihood.

How do you get rid of an ingrown hair?

Many ingrown hairs resolve as the hair grows out naturally. Avoiding further shaving or picking and gently caring for the area can help. Persistent or inflamed ingrown hairs may require professional treatment.

Can ingrown hairs become infected?

Yes. An inflamed hair follicle can sometimes become infected, causing increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or pus. Signs of spreading or significant infection should be medically assessed.

How can you prevent ingrown hairs?

Using appropriate shaving techniques, avoiding very close shaving, gently exfoliating where suitable, and reducing repeated irritation may help. For frequently recurring ingrown hairs, laser hair removal can provide a longer-term reduction in hair growth.