Here, we break down the eight steps to identifying them, treating them, and keeping them away for good: The other areas we tend to get them more or are areas where the hair is coarser, be that the beard, bikini region, nape of the neck, or so one. This is because coarser hair can get trapped under the skin easier, as well as create more irritation (therefore, this causes a deeper, more inflamed ingrown that you’re more likely to notice). Identifying where you are more prone to them may help you understand what your next steps are: If you regularly get them in your beard, you may need to evaluate the products you’re using that may be triggering the clogged pores in the first place. If you get them at your bikini line, perhaps you need to consider another form of hair removal than shaving. Ingrowns, however, can also be the result of repeated wear on a particular area—no matter the hair type. So if you find you get them regularly, and curly hair isn’t the explanation, you may need to inspect whether the area is going through repeated irritation like chafing from clothing, masks, sweaty materials, or so on. Just be mindful of where you are regularly getting your ingrowns, and find the appropriate scrub for the area: “Body exfoliators shouldn’t be used on the face. They are often thicker in consistency and contain higher concentrations of acids and could be too irritating for delicate facial skin,” says Cochran Gather. “Likewise, using a facial exfoliation on your body may not be strong enough to give you the results you’re looking for.” “Prior to shaving, spend about 10 minutes in warm water to help soften the outer layer of skin, making it easier to remove hair and decreasing the risk of razor burn. It is also helpful to gently and lightly exfoliate with a warm wet washcloth,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. “Shave with a new sharp, clean blade, and change blades frequently. Shave in the direction of hair growth; and use a lubricating shaving gel, cream, or oil; and moisturize afterward. Don’t go over the same area more than once.” For guys who frequently get ingrowns around the beards, perhaps opt for an electric razor. “Ingrown hairs can be decreased by not shaving closely,” says King. “For example, use an electric razor rather than a blade so that the hair, even at its shortest, is above the skin surface.” And you don’t need to look far for a good hydrator, as there are plenty of all-natural options right in your kitchen. You can use a bit of an exfoliating toner, serum, or face wash on the area. Do this regularly until the bump goes away: “Over time this will help to release the hair from beneath the skin,” says King. After the product formula dries, rub on something soothing to help the redness and puffiness go down. If you’re looking for a calming body lotion, look for actives like ceramides, colloidal oat, aloe vera, calendula, comfrey, or chamomile. It’s important to keep the areas hydrated and nonirritated. Professional hair removal services work by removing the hair, permanently, at the root. However, these can be costly, painful, and time-consuming. It may feel embarrassing to visit a dermatologist or physician for an ingrown hair, especially if it’s in a delicate place, but if you can’t seem to get rid of the growth no matter what, you’ll need professional help. They’ll be able to provide topicals, extractions, or other options to help get rid of the ingrown.
