Ingrown Hair: Prevention and Treatment

Ingrown hairs after shaving are a painful and unpleasant problem that many men suffer from. Fortunately, there are effective methods of both prevention and treatment.

What are ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs occur when the beard curls back after shaving and grows under the skin instead of growing out. The body then reacts with inflammation – a red, painful pimple appears.

Why ingrown hairs

• Curly or coarse beards: Tend to curl
• Shaving too close: The beard is cut below the skin level
• Blunt razor: Pulls and pulls out the beard
• Shaving against the direction of growth: Increases the risk
• Dead cells: Block the exit of the beard
• Tight clothes: Rubbing on neck

Prevention of ingrown hairs

Correct shaving technique

• Always use a sharp razor
• Shave in the direction of beard growth
• Do not stretch the skin too much
• Do not shave too closely
• Rinse the razor after each stroke

Skin preparation

• A hot towel before shaving opens the pores
• Use a good shaving cream or gel
• Exfoliate the skin 1-2x a week

Aftershave care

• Cold water closes the pores
• Apply aftershave with acid salicylic acid
• Moisturize the skin

Treatment of ingrown hairs

Home treatment

• Warm compress: Softens the skin and can loosen the hair
• Gentle exfoliation: Helps loosen the hair
• Sterile needle/tweezers: Carefully loosen the end of the hair (DO NOT PULLING)
• Hydrocortisone cream: Reduces inflammation

What NOT to do

• Do not squeeze or do not squeeze
• Do not pull the hair
• Do not shave over the inflamed area
• Do not touch with dirty hands

Alternatives for susceptible men

• Electric shaver: Not a close shave
• Trimming: Stubble instead of a close shave
• Single blade: One razor is better than more

When to see a doctor

• Repeated infections
• Large, painful cysts
• Symptoms of infection (pus, fever)
• Scars from ingrown hairs