How do I get rid of ingrown hair?

Many times, patients come to us for a consultation for acne. Upon further assessment, some of the patients have pseudofolliculitis barbe which may present itself as acne lesions. These lesions that are caused from ingrown hairs can leave hyperpigmented (discolored) scars and affect the texture of the skin. It is most common on the lower half of the face as well as the front and back of the neck. A good long-term option is laser hair removal to these areas. Our patients have been very pleased with the outcomes after completing a laser treatment plan.

Ingrown hairs are caused by a combination of factors, including excessively dry skin, stiff, coarse curly hairs, and improper shaving technique.

During shaving, as the razor is pulled across the skin, it causes the hair to be pulled. When the stiff, coarse hair is released from under the razor, it recoils and curls inward; the presence of excess dead dry skin cells worsens the problem by blocking the hair, causing inflammation.

Keeping skin moisturized and exfoliated is important, as well as making sure that hair is softened before shaving. Shave in the same direction as hair growth rather than against hair growth. Using a razor with fewer blades (no more than a double-edge razor) is advisable.

How to get rid of razor bumps or ingrown hairs if you happen to get them? Treat them like you would acne pimples: apply a drying on-the-spot remedy with astringent and antibacterial ingredients.

Razor bumps are small pimples that are usually caused by a hair cut at an angle or by a bacterial infection on a freshly shaven (or waxed or threaded) skin.

To prevent razor bumps:

• Make sure to soften your hair with warm water and a very moisturizing and softening shaving lather or cream before you start shaving. One of my favorite ingredients in a shaving potion is raw honey, which is moisturizing, softening, and antibacterial while being extremely gentle.
• Leave the shaving lather on for a minute or two if possible and only then shave in the direction the hair grows-not against the grain.
• Immediately after shaving, follow with a soothing antibacterial after-shave.
• It is also very helpful to rinse your shaving razor in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide every time after shaving (your can also do it before shaving, but then I’d recommend the hydrogen peroxide over the harsh alcohol).

Women often get razor bumps when they get their eyebrows waxed or threaded in not-so-sanitary corner nail places. I recommend that you carry with you antibacterial cleansing pads or an antibacterial after-shave and then disinfect the area in question before and after waxing or threading. Ideally, your antibacterial pads or after-shave would also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as chamomile, lavender, or melissa essential oils.