A small red bump after shaving can be sore, itchy and irritating – especially along the bikini line, under the arms or on the legs. When you treat ingrown hairs at home, it's mainly about calming the skin and giving the hair a chance to grow out again.
It can be tempting to squeeze the bump or try to dig the hair free with tweezers. But that often makes the problem worse and can increase the risk of irritation, inflammation and dark marks.
What is an ingrown hair?
An ingrown hair occurs when the hair doesn't grow freely out through the skin's surface. Instead, it can bend back toward the skin or get trapped under the top layer of skin.
The skin can react with a small red or sore bump. Sometimes you can see part of the hair under the skin, and other times a small white top forms.
The problem is common after shaving, waxing or epilating. When a hair is shaved very close, the short and sharp hair tip can more easily grow back into the skin.
Curly or coarse hair also tends to bend back more. At the same time, friction, sweat, tight clothing and dead skin cells around the hair follicle can increase the risk.
How to treat ingrown hairs at home
The goal isn't to force the hair out. The most important thing is to reduce the irritation and keep the skin soft, so the hair can more easily come out on its own.
Take a break from hair removal
Avoid shaving, waxing or epilating the irritated area until the skin has calmed down.
If you keep removing hair very close to the skin, the irritation can get worse, and small tears can make the area more sensitive.
If you absolutely need to trim the hairs, a trimmer that doesn't go right up against the skin can be a better choice.
At the bikini line, it's also a good idea to avoid very tight underwear and clothing that rubs against the skin while the area heals.
Use a warm compress
Dampen a clean cloth with lukewarm water and hold it against the skin for about five to ten minutes.
It can help soften the top layer of skin and make it easier for the hair to come up to the surface.
You can repeat this once or twice a day.
The water should be comfortably warm, not very hot. Too high a temperature can make red and sensitive skin even more irritated.
Exfoliate gently
Dead skin cells can block the opening around the hair follicle. A mild exfoliation can therefore be useful, when the skin is no longer sore or damaged.
Avoid hard body scrubs, rough gloves and vigorous scrubbing directly on the irritated bump.
A mild product with, for example, salicylic acid or lactic acid can be a better choice. Salicylic acid can suit skin that easily gets clogged pores and follicles, while lactic acid is often a milder choice for dry skin.
Start gently, for example once or twice a week, and see how the skin reacts.
If you have very sensitive skin or eczema, it can be better to just use moisture and warm compresses until the skin is completely calm.
Moisturize the skin
A simple, fragrance-free moisturizer can help keep the skin soft and support the skin barrier.
Avoid heavily fragranced products and strong active ingredients right after shaving, when the skin is often more sensitive.
If the hair tip is already clearly lying on top of the skin's surface, you can gently free it with a cleaned pair of tweezers. You shouldn't, however, pull the whole hair out by the root.
If the hair is deep under the skin, you should leave it alone.
Digging and poking at the skin increases the risk of wounds, infection and dark marks.
What you should avoid
Don't treat an ingrown-hair bump like an ordinary pimple.
Avoid:
- squeezing the bump
- digging for the hair with a needle
- using strong alcohol or disinfectant again and again
- scrubbing hard
- applying strong acids on open or damaged skin
If the skin is very red, weeping or inflamed, it should be allowed to rest first.
How to prevent ingrown hairs when shaving
The best treatment is often to prevent the problem from happening again.
Start with clean skin and a sharp razor blade. A dull blade requires more strokes and creates more friction.
Always use shaving gel or a mild shaving cream instead of shaving dry skin.
Shave in the direction of hair growth if possible. This is especially important along the bikini line and under the arms, where the hairs can grow in different directions.
Shaving against the direction of growth can feel smoother right after shaving, but it also increases the risk of the hairs being cut so short that they more easily grow into the skin.
Rinse the blade often, and avoid going over the same area many times.
After shaving, you can rinse the skin with lukewarm water, pat it dry and apply a mild moisturizer.
Between shaves, regular, mild exfoliation can help prevent a buildup of dead skin cells around the hair follicles.
Can IPL help against ingrown hairs?
If you often get ingrown hairs because of shaving, IPL can be relevant as a more long-term solution.
IPL gradually reduces hair growth. When fewer hairs grow out, and the hairs become finer, the need for frequent shaving can also become smaller.
IPL shouldn't, however, be used directly on red, damaged or inflamed skin.
Wait until the skin is completely calm, and always follow the instructions for your IPL device regarding skin tone, hair color, treatment interval and intensity.
IPL isn't an acute treatment for an already ingrown hair. It's rather a way to reduce hair growth and thereby the risk of recurring problems over time.
When should you get the area assessed?
Most ingrown hairs are harmless and go away with gentle care.
You should get the area assessed if it:
- becomes increasingly painful
- feels warm and swollen
- develops a lot of pus
- becomes strongly red
- gets redness that spreads
Also contact a doctor if you get a fever or repeated deep and painful bumps in the same area.
Frequently asked questions about ingrown hairs
How long does it take before an ingrown hair goes away?
A mild case can often improve within a few days to a couple of weeks. Avoid picking at the area, and keep the skin clean, soft and as free of friction as possible.
Can I use tweezers?
Only if the hair tip has already clearly emerged above the skin's surface. You can gently free it, but avoid pulling the hair out by the root or digging for it.
Why do I get ingrown hairs so often at the bikini line?
The bikini line is exposed to a combination of coarser hair, close shaving, heat, moisture and friction from underwear.
A sharp razor blade, shaving in the direction of hair growth and loose clothing after hair removal can make a big difference.
A simple and gentle routine is often more effective than many strong products. Give the skin time to calm down, and be careful with both shaving and exfoliation.