Ingrown Hairs: What Causes Them and How to Help Prevent Them

Ingrown hairs. Small, annoying and somehow very good at appearing exactly where you don't want them.

The good news? They're also incredibly common.

An ingrown hair happens when a hair grows back into or underneath the skin instead of growing up and away from it. Your natural hair texture, the way you remove hair and how your skin responds can all play a part.

And while there's no magic routine that guarantees you'll never see another one, understanding why they happen can help you make a few changes that may reduce how often they show up.

So let's start with what's actually going on.

What is an ingrown hair?

Normally, hair grows up and out through an opening in the skin.

With an ingrown hair, the hair may curve back into the skin or become trapped beneath the surface as it grows.

The result can be a small raised bump that may look red or feel tender. Sometimes you can see the hair underneath; sometimes you can't.

They can appear anywhere hair grows, but they're particularly common in areas where hair is regularly shaved, waxed or otherwise removed — including the legs, underarms and bikini area.

Hair texture can matter too. Curly or coarse hairs are more likely to curve back towards the skin as they grow, which can make some people naturally more prone to ingrowns than others.

So if you seem to get them more often than someone else?

It doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong.

Why do ingrown hairs happen?

There's rarely one single culprit.

Hair-removal technique can play a part, particularly when hair is cut very close to the skin.

Shaving against the direction of hair growth, repeatedly passing over the same area or putting too much pressure on the razor may increase irritation and can make ingrowns more likely for some people.

Surface build-up can also make it harder for a regrowing hair to emerge normally.

Then there's friction.

Tight clothing rubbing against freshly groomed skin can add irritation to an area that's already had quite enough attention for one day.

And sometimes your hair simply has other plans.

The aim isn't to eliminate every possible cause. It's to understand what might be contributing and make your routine a little easier on your skin.

Start with how you're removing the hair

If you're shaving, a few small changes to your technique may help.

Give the hair time to soften first. Warm water can help, as can using a suitable shaving cream or gel so the razor can move across the skin without unnecessary dragging.

Use a light hand and avoid repeatedly going over the same patch trying to chase an impossibly close finish.

If you're prone to ingrowns, shaving in the direction the hair naturally grows may also be worth trying.

And keep your tools clean and in good condition.

A razor that's well past its best isn't doing your skin any favours.

But here's the other thing worth remembering:

Changing your shaving technique isn't your only option.

Sometimes changing the way you remove the hair is worth trying too.

Shave, trim or electric shave? You've got options

If one particular area regularly seems unhappy after a very close traditional shave, ask yourself whether you actually need that same finish every time.

You don't have to.

Trimming shortens the hair while allowing you to leave some length behind. If completely bare isn't the goal, it can be a useful option for areas where you'd rather tidy things up than shave right down to the skin.

Want to go closer?

An electric shaver is another option. It still cuts the hair close, but it works differently from a traditional manual razor. Depending on the device, technique and your individual skin, you may simply prefer how an electric shaving method fits into your routine.

And sometimes the answer is both.

If you're starting with longer hair but ultimately want a closer finish, you can trim the length first and then use an electric shaver to go closer.

Trim and stop.

Trim and electric shave.

Traditional shave.

Wax.

Leave it completely alone.

They're all tools and choices — not rules.

None can guarantee that you'll never develop an ingrown hair. Your hair texture, skin, technique and how closely the hair is cut can all play a role.

But if one method repeatedly leaves your skin unhappy, you don't have to keep doing exactly the same thing.

Bare isn't the only version of smooth.

Where does exfoliation fit in?

Gentle exfoliation can be a useful part of a body-care routine because it helps remove dead cells and surface build-up.

For some people, that may also help reduce the likelihood of hairs becoming trapped as they grow back.

But this is another place where more isn't better.

Scrubbing aggressively or exfoliating already irritated skin can create more irritation rather than less.

If exfoliation suits your skin, start gently and follow the instructions for whatever you're using.

And if your skin feels sore, inflamed or uncomfortable?

Give it a break.

Your skin doesn't need to be scrubbed into submission. It needs you to pay attention to it.

Don't forget the rest of your routine

Hair removal doesn't happen in isolation.

Keeping your skin moisturised won't magically prevent an ingrown hair, but supporting your skin barrier and avoiding unnecessary dryness is still a worthwhile part of your body-care routine.

After hair removal, choose products that suit your skin and avoid piling on anything you already know tends to irritate it.

Think about what you're wearing afterwards too.

If a tight waistband or pair of leggings is going to rub continuously over an area you've just groomed, giving the skin a little breathing room where practical may help reduce irritation.

Again, this isn't about creating another rule.

It's about noticing what your own skin seems to prefer.

What if you've already got an ingrown hair?

First:

Hands off.

We know. The temptation to grab the tweezers and investigate is very real.

But digging, squeezing or repeatedly picking at an irritated bump can damage the skin and increase the risk of further irritation or infection.

Instead, keep the area clean and give it time to settle.

A warm compress may feel soothing, and it's a good idea to avoid shaving directly over an irritated bump while the area calms down.

And this isn't the moment for aggressive exfoliation either.

If your skin is already inflamed, doing more to it isn't necessarily going to make it recover faster.

Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is leave it alone.

When should you get it checked?

Most everyday ingrown hairs settle without becoming a major issue.

But occasionally a bump needs more attention than your bathroom cabinet can provide.

If the area becomes increasingly painful, hot or swollen, develops pus or drainage, the redness appears to be spreading, or it simply isn't improving, speak to a pharmacist, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

And if ingrown hairs are frequent, severe or causing ongoing problems, it's worth getting professional advice rather than endlessly experimenting with your routine.

Knowing when not to DIY is part of good body care too.

The takeaway: less irritation, not more effort

Ingrown hairs happen.

The goal isn't to create a complicated routine that promises you'll never see another one.

Keep your tools clean. Don't rush your hair removal. Exfoliate gently when your skin is calm. And pay attention to whether very close hair removal seems to be a recurring trigger for you.

Most importantly, remember that changing your method is an option too.

If traditional shaving isn't working for a particular area, you might try leaving a little more length with a trimmer. If you still want a closer finish, an electric shaver may be another option to explore.

You don't have to keep chasing the closest possible result simply because that's what you've always done.

And when an ingrown does appear?

Don't declare war on it.

Give it time, keep your hands off it and let your skin settle.

Sometimes smoother skin starts with doing a little less.