Top Tips to Remove an Ingrowing Hair

Ingrowing hairs are a common skin concern that can affect both men and women. They often appear after shaving, waxing or other forms of hair removal and can cause redness, irritation and painful bumps beneath the skin. In some cases, they may even lead to infection or scarring if not treated properly.

At Eterno Clinic, we regularly help clients manage ingrowing hairs through expert skincare advice and advanced treatments that target the root cause of the problem. Whether you are dealing with occasional ingrowing hairs or frequent flare ups, understanding why they happen is the first step towards preventing them.

This guide explains what causes ingrowing hairs, how to remove them safely and the best professional treatments available for long term results.

What Is Ingrown Hair?

Ingrown hair happens when a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outward normally. This traps the hair beneath the surface, leading to inflammation and irritation.

Ingrowing hairs often appear as:

• Small red or raised bumps
• Tender or itchy areas
• Spots filled with pus
• Dark marks left after healing
• Painful lumps beneath the skin

They are most common in areas where hair is frequently removed, including the face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs and chest.

What Causes Ingrowing Hairs?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing ingrowing hairs.

Shaving Too Closely

Using blunt razors or shaving too close to the skin can create sharp hair tips that are more likely to grow back into the skin.

Curly or Coarse Hair

People with curly or thick hair are naturally more prone to ingrowing hairs because the hair bends back towards the skin more easily.

Dead Skin Build Up

Excess dead skin cells can block the hair follicle, trapping the hair beneath the surface.

Tight Clothing

Friction from tight clothing can irritate freshly shaved skin and force hairs back into the follicle.

Improper Hair Removal Techniques

Waxing or shaving against the direction of hair growth may increase irritation and the chance of hairs becoming trapped.

How to Safely Remove an Ingrowing Hair

Apply a Warm Compress

A warm compress helps soften the skin and reduce inflammation. Hold a clean warm cloth over the area for a few minutes to encourage the hair to move closer to the surface.

This can also help relieve discomfort and swelling.

Exfoliate Gently

Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells that may be trapping the hair. Use a mild exfoliating cleanser or chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid a few times a week.

Avoid harsh scrubs, as aggressive exfoliation can worsen irritation.

Do Not Dig Into the Skin

It can be tempting to squeeze or pick at an ingrowing hair, but this can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection or scarring.

If the hair becomes visible near the surface, you may carefully lift it out using sterilised tweezers. However, do not pull the hair out forcefully.

Keep the Area Clean

Using gentle antibacterial skincare can help prevent bacteria from entering irritated follicles. This is especially important if the area is inflamed or sore.

Avoid Shaving Over the Area

Allow the skin time to heal before shaving again. Repeated shaving over inflamed skin can worsen irritation and make the ingrowing hair more painful.

How to Prevent Ingrowing Hairs

Preventing ingrowing hairs often comes down to improving your hair removal routine and supporting healthy skin.

Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth

This reduces irritation and lowers the risk of hairs curling back into the skin.

Use a Sharp, Clean Razor

Blunt razors drag the hair and create uneven cuts that can increase ingrowing hairs.

Do Not Dry Shave

Always use a shaving gel or cream to reduce friction and protect the skin barrier.

Exfoliate Regularly

Regular exfoliation helps keep follicles clear and prevents dead skin from trapping hairs.

Moisturise Daily

Hydrated skin is healthier and less prone to irritation after shaving or waxing.

Professional Treatments at Eterno Clinic

For people who regularly struggle with ingrowing hairs, professional treatment can make a huge difference.

Laser Hair Removal

One of the most effective long term solutions for ingrowing hairs is Laser Hair Removal. By reducing hair growth directly at the follicle, laser treatment helps prevent hairs from becoming trapped beneath the skin.

This is especially helpful for areas such as the beard line, bikini area, underarms and chest where ingrowing hairs are common.

At Eterno Clinic, laser hair removal treatments are tailored to your skin and hair type to achieve safe and lasting results.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This helps keep hair follicles clear and reduces the chance of hairs becoming trapped beneath the skin.

It can be especially helpful for areas prone to congestion, rough texture or recurring ingrowing hairs caused by shaving or waxing. Regular treatments may also improve the appearance of marks or uneven skin tone left behind by previous flare ups.

At Eterno Clinic, Microdermabrasion is tailored to your skin type and can be combined with other treatments as part of a longer-term skin management plan.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can help exfoliate the skin more deeply and reduce blocked follicles. They are particularly useful for improving pigmentation and marks left behind by repeated ingrowing hairs.

Professional peels also help smooth skin texture and support healthier skin renewal over time.

LED Light Therapy

LED Light Therapy can help calm inflammation and support healing in areas affected by repeated irritation, shaving rash or inflamed ingrowing hairs.

Blue light can help target bacteria associated with breakouts, while red light supports skin repair and reduces redness. It is often used alongside other treatments to improve skin recovery and comfort.

Book Your Consultation

Ingrowing hairs can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but they do not have to become a long term problem. With the right advice, skincare and professional treatment, smoother and healthier skin is possible.

At Eterno Clinic, we provide treatments tailored to your skin and hair type, helping to reduce irritation and prevent future flare ups.

Book your consultation today and let our experienced team help you achieve clearer, calmer skin with confidence.