Small red bumps, dark spots under the skin, itching after hair removal… Ingrown hairs are a common problem with all traditional hair removal methods. The good news is that we know why they occur, how to prevent them, and, most importantly, how to get rid of them for good.
What exactly is an ingrown hair?
An ingrown hair is a hair that, instead of growing normally to the surface of the skin, grows backward, horizontally, or becomes trapped beneath the top layer of the epidermis. The body reacts to it as if it were a foreign object, causing inflammation, redness, and a pimple.
This is particularly common in areas that are frequently waxed—such as the bikini line, underarms, and legs—and among people with thick or curly hair, who naturally have a harder time getting the wax to adhere properly to the skin.
The 4 main causes
Shaving against the grain
When you shave against the grain, you cut the tip of the hair at an angle, like an arrowhead. As it grows back, this sharp hair tends to dig into the skin instead of coming out cleanly.
Clogged skin
Dead skin cells, product residue, and sebum: all of these clog the pore through which the hair is supposed to grow. As a result, the hair grows under the skin, searching for an exit it can’t find.
Tight-fitting clothing
Skinny jeans, synthetic underwear, and tight-fitting workout leggings, combined with repeated friction, cause the hair to grow into the skin instead of letting it grow out freely.
Wax and tweezers
Plucking a hair can cause it to break off under the skin or damage the follicle. The next hair that grows in then encounters rough terrain and is more likely to grow in crookedly.
How to spot an ingrown hair
Several typical signs:
- A small red bump, which may be tender, that appears 2 to 10 days after hair removal.
- A dark spot visible under the skin: it's a hair that's curled in on itself.
- Itching or mild tenderness when pressed.
- Sometimes a small white spot (folliculitis), if the inflammation has worsened.
Don't: pierce the pimple with a needle, pick at it, or squeeze to force the hair out. You risk infection, scarring, or hyperpigmentation. If it's inflamed, leave the skin alone.
Tips for preventing them
The best defense is prevention. Here are some habits to adopt starting today.
1. Exfoliate regularly
Gently exfoliating once or twice a week removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Opt for very gentle mechanical exfoliants or effective, non-irritating chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid (BHA).
2. Shave in the direction of hair growth
If you use a razor, always shave in the direction of hair growth, even if the result isn't quite as close. This helps prevent ingrown hairs.
3. Moisturize daily
Soft, well-moisturized skin is more resilient. Hair comes out more easily, and there’s less inflammation. Cream, oil, aloe vera gel: find what works for you.
4. Choose breathable fabrics
Cotton, linen, and modal: these fibers allow your skin to breathe and reduce friction. If you sweat a lot, change your clothes right after exercising.
5. Space out your shaves whenever possible
The more often you shave, the more you stress the hair follicle. If possible, give your skin a few days’ break between shaves.
How to treat an existing ingrown hair
Do you have one? Here's what to do.
- Apply a warm compress to the area for 10 minutes. The heat opens the pores and reduces inflammation.
- Gently exfoliate the area around the pimple (never directly on the pimple itself). A damp exfoliating glove or a fine-grained scrub will do the trick.
- Moisturize with a soothing treatment: aloe vera, panthenol, calendula. You can also apply a salicylic acid cream once a day.
- Let the hair grow out on its own. In a few days, it will eventually break through the skin naturally.
- If the inflammation worsens (redness, pain, or a significant amount of pus), see a dermatologist. Established folliculitis may require treatment.
The sustainable solution: addressing the root cause of the problem
All of these methods—exfoliation, moisturizing, and compresses—provide relief, but they don’t address the root cause: shaving and waxing continue to produce ingrown hairs in large numbers, week after week.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal changes the game. By permanently reducing the amount of hair that grows back, it effectively eliminates most of the hair that would otherwise become ingrown. Less hair = less shaving = fewer ingrown hairs.
In fact, this is one of the reasons why many women turn to IPL after years of frustrating shaving: not just for the “smooth” results, but to put an end to recurring breakouts and itching in the bikini area or underarms.
The turning point. When you stop shaving a certain area every week, you also stop irritating it. The skin regains its balance, the pores close up properly, and ingrown hairs disappear along with the hair itself.
Say goodbye to ingrown hairs
Solippy's LOOP tackles the root of the problem: by permanently reducing hair growth, it puts an end to the endless cycle of shaving→regrowth→ingrown hairs. 5 intensity levels, full-body treatment in 20 minutes, 2-year warranty, 100-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more about LOOP →FAQ: Ingrown Hairs
Does IPL really get rid of ingrown hairs?
Which areas are most prone to ingrown hairs?
Should I see a dermatologist?
Is exfoliation enough to prevent them?
Ingrown hairs aren't inevitable. By following the right daily habits and addressing the root cause, your skin can regain long-lasting comfort. To learn more, read about how IPL hair removal works.