GUIDE · 4 MIN
How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs: Treatments and Prevention Tips
An ingrown hair is a strand of hair that grows back into your skin after shaving, tweezing, or waxing. It happens when the hair gets trapped and curls back into the skin instead of growing outward, showing up as raised, itchy bumps — more likely if you have thick, curly, or coarse hair. Most clear up on their own within one to two weeks, but a few simple steps speed things along and keep them from coming back.
Key takeaways
- Ingrown hairs happen when trapped hair curls back into the skin
- Gentle exfoliation and warm compresses help release them
- Don't pick or pop them — that risks infection and scarring
- Shave in the direction of growth and keep skin moisturized to prevent them
- See a dermatologist if one becomes painful, warm, or red
What does an ingrown hair look like?
An ingrown hair can look like a tiny, flesh-colored bump, or sometimes a black spot just under your skin. If it gets irritated, the bump can grow bigger and turn pink or red, resembling a pimple. On lighter skin the bumps may look red; on black or brown skin the redness can be harder to see, but the bump may look a different color than the surrounding skin.
The usual trigger is hair removal — shaving, waxing, tweezing, plucking, or threading can all cause ingrown hairs. You're more likely to get them if you have coarse or curly hair.
How to get rid of an ingrown hair at home
Apply a warm compress
Warm compresses open your pores and make it easier for the trapped hair to release. Press one on the spot and move it in gentle circles for 5 to 10 minutes.
Gently exfoliate
Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells blocking the hair from growing out. Use warm — not hot — water and small, circular motions with a washcloth, exfoliating brush, or a gentle scrub. Sloughing off that outer layer helps the hair grow out properly instead of curling back in.
Try to release the hair
If the compress and exfoliation don't work, you can gently pull out a hair that's looped or curled back into the skin using a sterile needle, pin, or tweezers — then apply rubbing alcohol to the surrounding skin to prevent infection. If the hair doesn't come out easily, leave it alone for at least a few days. Don't dig for it.
Keep skin moisturized
Keep your skin soft and elastic with a moisturizing lotion or oil, especially after exfoliating. Dryness worsens irritation and raises the risk of more ingrowns.
What NOT to do
Don't pick at, scratch, or pop your ingrown hairs. Popping one exposes the follicle to bacteria, which can lead to infection or scarring.
How to prevent ingrown hairs
Change your shaving routine
Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize the risk of hair curling back into the skin. Use a good shaving cream to reduce friction and protect the skin, and replace your razor regularly — a dull blade makes hair grow back incorrectly.
Exfoliate before hair removal
Exfoliating before you shave or wax lowers the risk of hairs getting trapped. Use a gentle scrub with fine granules, or a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid.
Keep skin moisturized
Hydrated skin keeps its elasticity, which reduces the chance of hairs becoming trapped.
Wear loose clothing
Tight clothes irritate the skin and can cause ingrown hairs — go for loose-fitting garments, especially right after shaving or waxing.
Reconsider your hair removal method
Wax strips remove hair from the root for longer-lasting smoothness. If you shave, an electric shaver held just above the skin avoids the close cuts that lead to ingrowns.
When to see a doctor
If an ingrown hair hurts to the touch, feels warm, or looks red, see a dermatologist. They may prescribe an antibiotic for infection, or a retinoid to help clear dead skin and prevent recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an ingrown hair take to go away?
Most heal on their own within one to two weeks as the hair grows out and releases from the skin. The home steps above can speed that up.
Can I pop an ingrown hair?
No. Popping it exposes the follicle to bacteria and risks infection or scarring. If it won't release on its own, leave it alone for a few days and keep the area exfoliated.
Why do I keep getting ingrown hairs in the same spot?
Coarse or curly hair in high-friction areas (bikini line, neck, underarms) is most prone. Consistent exfoliation, shaving with the grain, and looser clothing in those areas usually breaks the cycle. If it persists, a dermatologist can help.
Does waxing cause more ingrowns than shaving?
Both can cause them. Waxing pulls from the root so regrowth is slower, but the regrowing hair can still curl back in. Exfoliating between sessions is the key prevention either way.
When should I worry about an ingrown hair?
If it's painful, warm, swollen, or filled with pus, it may be infected — see a dermatologist rather than treating it at home.