How can I get rid of In-growing Hairs?

Ingrown hairs, which are a common side effect of shaving, can be painful and unsightly but there are measures you can take to get rid of them.

The best step in dealing with ingrown hairs is to try and prevent them in the first place. One of the easiest ways to avoid ingrown hairs is to make sure that the skin is properly prepared for shaving by exfoliating away any dead skin cells and letting warm water soften the hairs. Make sure that you shave in the direction that the hair grows and avoid shaving the same area too often as this will help to avoid skin irritation. In terms of the razor used, it is vital to use a new sharp blade as this will cut through the hair more easily and reduce the risk of bacteria. If you frequently experience ingrown hairs, it may be time to invest in a more expensive, or even an electric, razor.


It is worth noting that ingrown hairs can also appear after waxing and again one of the best tips to avoid this is to prepare the skin beforehand through exfoliation. Many people find that visiting a qualified beautician is another good way of preventing ingrown hairs as they are trained in ensuring that hair is pulled from the root and in the right direction. 

If ingrown hairs have already appeared, disinfect the area to get rid of any bacteria and avoid infection. In order to reduce swelling, several products are available which claim to treat ingrown hairs but you can also try any anti-inflammatory cream. Try to lift the hair end out with tweezers, but be very careful – you do not want to pluck an ingrown hair as it can make it re-grow deeper. In general, in-grown hairs resolve themselves and it is recommended that hair removal is discontinued for a few weeks to allow this to happen. If an in-grown hair shows signs of infection, it is wise to consult a GP.

Finally, it must be highlighted that some experts suggest laser hair removal as a useful way of getting rid of in-grown hairs. This is because, when successful, this treatment destroys the hair at the root, severely reducing the level of re-growth. For those with recurring ingrown hairs, it may be worth considering this high-tech method as a possible solution to an irritating problem.