By Editorial TeamIngrown hairs are a constant, frustrating problem, and they’re surrounded by a ton of bad advice. Let’s clear up some of these ingrown hair myths, because a lot of misinformation gets in the way of having smooth, healthy skin after you shave or wax. What if a lot of what you believe about them is just plain wrong?
Key Takeaways
- Your hair removal technique is the main culprit. Bad shaving or waxing creates sharp hair tips that curl back and get stuck under the skin.
- You need to exfoliate, but do it smartly with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, because scrubbing too hard just makes things worse.
- Moisturizing every single day keeps your skin flexible, which helps new hairs break through the surface instead of getting trapped.
- Stop picking and tweezing at ingrowns, you’re just pushing bacteria in, which causes inflammation, dark spots, and even scars.
1. Understand the True Causes of Ingrown Hairs
The most stubborn myth is that only people with curly hair get ingrowns. While having naturally curly or coarse hair does make you more prone to them because of the follicle’s curved shape, the actual cause comes down to how you’re removing the hair. When a hair is cut or yanked out from below the skin’s surface, especially with a dull razor or a clumsy wax job, it leaves a sharp tip that can easily pierce the skin on its way back out. Your technique is the real problem here, far more than your genetics. Pro Tip: A lot of people see a red bump and immediately think it’s infected. The initial irritation is typically just inflammation from the trapped hair, while a true infection involves pus, spreading redness, and skin that’s warm to the touch.
2. Choose the Right Hair Removal Method
The method you use to get rid of hair has a huge effect on your risk for ingrowns. Shaving, particularly with those multi-blade razors, is a common offender because it can cut the hair so short that its sharp, angled tip gets trapped under the skin. A 2023 review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology pointed out that a bad shaving technique is a primary cause of pseudofolliculitis barbae (those nasty bumps in beard areas), and noted that switching to a single-blade razor can actually reduce the problem compared to multi-blade cartridges. If you’re going to wax, the direction you pull is everything. You have to pull the strip against the direction of hair growth while holding the skin tight, which ensures the hair comes out clean from the follicle. When hair snaps off below the surface, it’s practically begging to become an ingrown. A clean pull from the root leaves behind a soft, tapered end that’s much less likely to cause trouble. Common Mistake: Using a dull razor. A blunt blade doesn’t slice cleanly. It tugs and drags the hair, creating an uneven cut with a sharp edge that’s perfect for causing an ingrown. Always, always use a sharp, clean blade.
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Find a Wax Studio Near You →3. Implement a Consistent Exfoliation Routine
Regular exfoliation is one of your best defenses. So many people think this means scrubbing their skin raw, but that aggressive friction just irritates the skin and can even push the hair deeper. The goal is gentle, consistent exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants with salicylic acid or glycolic acid work wonders. Because it’s oil-soluble, salicylic acid (a BHA) can get deep inside the pore lining to clear out the dead skin and oil that trap hairs. Glycolic acid (an AHA) works more on the surface to unglue dead skin cells. Get a product with 1-2% salicylic acid or 5-10% glycolic acid and use it two or three times a week on clean, dry skin where you get ingrowns. For instance, after you shower, you can just wipe a salicylic acid toner over the area with a cotton pad. Don’t scrub. Let the acids do the heavy lifting. If you go overboard, you can damage your skin’s protective barrier, which just leads to more sensitivity and inflammation. It’s no surprise that a 2025 study from the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting found that using low-concentration chemical exfoliants consistently is great for keeping pores clear and reducing inflammatory issues. Pro Tip: If you must use a physical scrub, pick one with very fine grains or use a soft brush, and apply it with almost no pressure in light circles for maybe 30 seconds.
4. Prioritize Skin Hydration and Moisturizing
Dry, flaky skin is practically an invitation for ingrown hairs. Dehydrated skin loses its pliability, creating a tough barrier that new hair struggles to push through, so it just curls back underneath. People wrongly think moisturizer is only for those with a “dry” skin type, but keeping skin hydrated is a non-negotiable for everyone. After you remove hair, and really, every single day, slather on a good, non-comedogenic moisturizer. You want to see ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides on the label, as these pull moisture into the skin and reinforce its barrier. For example, after waxing your legs, immediately apply a fragrance-free lotion to calm the skin and seal in moisture. Doing this daily keeps skin supple, allowing hair to grow out properly. It’s a proactive step for skin health.
5. Resist the Urge to Pick or Tweeze
This is the hardest rule to follow. When you see that little dark hair trapped under the skin, the urge to dig it out with tweezers or your fingernails can feel impossible to resist. But it’s one of the absolute worst things you can do. Every time you pick, you’re introducing bacteria from your hands and creating a perfect storm for infection, more inflammation, and those stubborn dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or even permanent scars. What should you do instead? If you can see the hair loop just beneath the surface, applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes can soften the skin enough to help it pop out on its own. If the hair is deep or the bump is red, swollen, and filled with pus, leave it alone or see a dermatologist. They have sterile tools and can extract it safely without causing a bigger mess. Have some patience. Your skin will thank you. Common Mistake: Using dirty tweezers or needles to dig out a hair. You’re pretty much guaranteeing an infection and making the whole situation uglier.
6. Incorporate Targeted Aftercare Products
Beyond your daily moisturizer, you can use specific aftercare products to seriously cut down on ingrown hairs. These are usually serums or lotions formulated with a mix of exfoliating and calming ingredients. Look for products made for post-hair removal care that contain things like witch hazel for its anti-inflammatory benefits, often paired with a low dose of salicylic acid to keep pores from getting clogged. Get in the habit of applying one of these products every day, especially during the first week after you shave or wax. For example, if you wax your underarms, swipe on a dedicated ingrown hair serum every morning and night. This targeted routine works with your regular skincare to keep follicles clear and skin calm.
7. Consider Professional Hair Removal
While doing it yourself is convenient, going to a pro for waxing can mean fewer ingrown hairs. A trained esthetician knows how to work with hair growth patterns and uses techniques designed to reduce hair breakage and skin trauma. They also use better quality waxes that grab the hair without sticking too much to the skin, which helps get a clean pull from the root every time, not to mention their focus on hygiene and proper aftercare. A study presented at the 2024 Dermatology Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, found that people who got their hair professionally removed had a 30% lower rate of severe ingrown hairs than people who only used at-home methods. The researchers credited this difference to the pro’s consistent technique and use of the right products. It’s a big factor, even if it’s not a 100% guarantee. Busting these ingrown hair myths and switching to a smart, proactive routine is what gets you smoother, healthier skin.
Can they get infected?
Yes, especially if you pick at them or they get seriously irritated. You’ll know it’s infected if you see increased redness, swelling, tenderness, or pus. If you think one is infected, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
How long do ingrown hairs last?
If you just leave it alone, an ingrown hair can stick around for a few days or even a couple of weeks. With the right care, like using warm compresses and gentle exfoliation, the hair often works its way out much faster.
Does tight clothing really cause them?
It definitely can. Tight clothes, especially around the bikini line or inner thighs, create friction that irritates the skin and can physically block hair from growing out properly, forcing it back into the follicle.
Is it possible to prevent them completely?
Preventing them 100% is tough, particularly if you’re just genetically prone to them. But you can dramatically reduce how often they pop up and how bad they get by using proper hair removal methods, exfoliating gently but regularly, and moisturizing every day.
What’s the difference between an ingrown hair and a pimple?
An ingrown hair is literally a hair that’s trapped under your skin which is why you’ll often see a red, inflamed bump with a tiny dark spot or loop in the middle (that’s the hair). A pimple is just a clogged pore filled with oil and bacteria. Even though it might look similar, there’s no trapped hair involved.
