Hair can grow in the layers of the skin when it curls and extends inward, or if the hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, resulting in a change in the direction of hair growth. Hair that grows into the skin is often itchy and a little sore. The shape resembles red spots on the surface of the skin with the size of a pimple and can become infected. Often, ingrown hairs will go away on their own. However, if there are hairs that grow into your skin and don't go away, try loosening them by exfoliating your skin and applying a warm compress. After that, you can pull the hair out of the skin with sterile tweezers.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Help Ingrown Hairs Disappear on their own
Step 1. Leave it for one week
In the majority of cases, hairs that grow into the skin will disappear without any treatment. Usually, hair in this direction of growth will find a way to grow out of the skin that traps it. While waiting for the problem to improve, don't scratch or pick at the ingrown hairs.
While waiting for the ingrown hairs to disappear, avoid shaving the surrounding area. If this layer of skin gets injured, you run the risk of getting an infection or making the problem worse
Step 2. Apply a small amount of acne medication to the ingrown hairs
Hair that grows like this is very similar to acne, especially if it is festering. Apply a small amount of benzoyl salicylic or salicylic acid several times a day for a few days. The combination of this treatment and daily exfoliation is often enough to solve the problem as it reduces swelling and allows the hair to grow outward (no longer inward).
You can buy acne creams at any drugstore or pharmacy
Step 3. Apply steroid cream in case of infection
If the ingrown hair begins to fill with white or yellow pus, it means that an infection has started. In this situation, you should treat the infection before removing the hair. To do this, rub a small amount of steroid cream on the surface of the infected skin. This cream will reduce swelling as well as help heal the infection.
Some steroid creams, such as cortisone, can be purchased without a prescription. Meanwhile, to get a stronger steroid cream, visit a doctor and ask for a prescription
Method 2 of 3: Removing Hair
Step 1. Exfoliate the surrounding area to remove the layer of skin covering the hair
Apply an over-the-counter exfoliating scrub or use rough gloves to exfoliate the surface of the skin around ingrown hairs twice a day. This treatment will help get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and oil that traps hair. In addition, the exfoliating motion can also slide the ends of the hair out of the skin. Try rubbing the ingrown hairs in various directions to loosen the surrounding skin layer as much as possible.
You can buy scrubs or loofah gloves to exfoliate your skin at your local convenience store or drug store
Step 2. Do not let the skin layer damaged by exfoliation
You do have to exfoliate your skin vigorously enough to loosen the layer around your hair. However, you should not exfoliate too vigorously to damage the skin. If the area around the ingrown hair hurts, looks blistered, or starts to bleed, stop exfoliating immediately.
When in doubt, try to exfoliate gently, but for a longer period of time, say 10 minutes
Step 3. Apply a warm, moist compress to the area for a few minutes
Wet a washcloth with hot water, wring it out, and apply it to the ingrown hair area for 3-4 minutes. Once the washcloth has cooled, re-wet it with hot water. This treatment will soften the layer of skin and bring the hair back to the surface of the skin so that it is easier to pull out.
If you can see hair stuck to the skin, this treatment can help soften it and bring it closer to the surface of the skin. If you can't see these hairs, continue to compress until the hairs rise to the surface of the skin
Step 4. Shake the hair out of the hair using tweezers and a sterile needle
You may need time to remove the hair from the skin. So, don't give up and tear the skin. Once the ends of the hair can be opened with the needle, use the pointed tweezers to pull them away from the skin. There's no need to pull out the entire hair shaft if you can avoid it. Just make sure the part of the hair that grows into the skin is successfully removed.
- Sometimes, hair that grows into the skin will form a loop. In this case, the ends of the hair do not grow lengthwise through the skin, but curl and grow sideways. This means, the ends of the hair have extended into the skin layer. Try passing the tip of the needle through the loop of hair and pulling it slowly. The ends of the hair will often loosen.
- If you don't notice any curls of ingrown hair after exfoliating and applying a warm compress, don't dig through the layers of skin to find them. Your skin may break or bleed.
- You can sterilize equipment by boiling or rubbing alcohol or setting it on fire until it smolders. If you are heating the appliance, allow it to cool completely before continuing.
- Wash your hands before treating ingrown hairs and try to wear nitrile gloves to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Hair From Growing Into the Skin
Step 1. Wash frequently shaved areas with warm water and moisturizing soap
This problem most often occurs in areas that are frequently shaved. For that, try to keep this area clean by washing it often. If you experience this problem frequently, you can also use an antiseptic to further protect your skin from infection.
You may also need to apply a topical solution daily to prevent hair from growing into the skin
Step 2. Wash the area to be shaved with warm water
If you usually shave your face dry, you are more at risk for this problem. Therefore, wash your face with warm water 2-3 minutes before shaving. You can also use a gentle facial cleanser before shaving. After that, apply shaving cream and leave for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin before shaving.
Or, to make things easier, shave right after your shower. Your skin should be warm and moisturized by then
Step 3. Shave in the direction of hair growth
While you can shave shorter hair against the direction of its growth, you can reduce ingrown hairs if you shave in the direction of its growth. Also, try not to shave your hair too close to your skin. Hair that is shaved very short and close to the skin tends to grow back under the skin.
The longer and straighter the hair, the less likely it is to curl and grow into the skin. So, try not to shave your hair too close to the skin. Use a single-edged razor or an electric razor instead of a double-edged razor
Tips
- Sometimes, hair that grows deep into the skin won't come out at all. If the above methods don't work, see a doctor or dermatologist for a prescription medication.
- Although this problem is more common in those with curly hair, almost everyone has experienced it at some time.
- Always make sure your razor is clean before use. Buy a high-quality shaving cream. There are some brands of shaving cream that even claim to prevent the growth of hair into the skin.
- Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer all over areas prone to ingrowth of hair into the skin. Non-comedogenic products will not clog skin pores.
Warning
- If the skin inflammation extends beyond the area around the hair follicle or persists for more than a few days after the hair has been removed, consider seeing a dermatologist or general practitioner.
- Do not press the hair that grows into the skin or squeeze it until it breaks like a pimple. This pressure can cause your skin to break or hurt, infecting the follicles.
