Ingrown hairs may occur anywhere you shave. Specifically, ingrown hairs may form in areas where hair is particularly coarse or curly, says the Mayo Clinic. An ingrown hair occurs when hair grows back underneath the skin instead of emerging. It may look like a red, swollen bump, or a loop of hair that grows back into the skin. Ingrown hairs can be reduced with at-home care.
Washcloth
Use a washcloth to rough up your skin before shaving and before bed, recommends David Feingold, M.D., chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Tufts University School of Medicine. Wet a washcloth with warm water, then carefully rub the skin in a circular motion for about one minute. Rubbing your skin gently with a washcloth will help dislodge the hairs from the skin and exfoliate the skin, which will help prevent new hairs from growing back underneath it.
Sterilized Needle
The Mayo Clinic recommends using a sterilized needle to lift out loops of hair that become stuck underneath the skin. Sterilize a needle using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, then carefully slide the needle underneath the loop of hair and lift the needle to release the hair from the skin. Remove the hair with a pair of tweezers if it continues to be bothersome, then dab the skin with an antibacterial cream to prevent infection.
Sharp Razor Blade
When shaving, use a sharp, new razor blade to get a close shave and prevent hairs from being shaved at an angle. Hairs that are shaved at an angle are more likely to curve and pierce the skin. Use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel to prevent the skin from getting cut and irritated due to the razor. Rinse off the razor blade after each stroke, and shave with the grain. Do not pull the skin tight as you are shaving, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
