Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair is a benign skin condition where hair either curls back into the skin or grows sideways into the skin. Those with curly hair or thick coarse hair are more likely to suffer from ingrown hair. In grown hairs usually appear as bumps of varying sizes under the skin and more often than not are accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle known as folliculitis. While ingrown hairs most commonly appear in areas where the skin is shaved or waxed (beard, legs, pubic region), it can appear anywhere.

What causes ingrown hair?

Generally any method of hair removal which causes the hair to break off unevenly resulting in a sharp tip can cause ingrown hairs to develop. However the most common cause is improper shaving techniques and using old or blunt razor blades. Other causes of ingrown hairs include waxing, tweezing, threading and friction from tight clothing which not only causes ingrown hairs but may aggravate and worsen the situation. Although ingrown hair is mostly a result of improper or aggressive hair removal, it sometimes occurs naturally when an excess of dead skin cells block the hair follicle opening, causing the hair to grow sideways under the skin. In addition those who suffer from high levels of certain sex hormones can have excessive hair growth, which increases the probability of ingrown hairs developing.

Prevention

The best prevention when it comes to ingrown hairs is practicing proper hair removal techniques especially when it comes to shaving. The following are some helpful tips.

• When shaving, wet your skin with warm water then apply the proper amount of lubrication whether in the form of shaving cream, gel, or soap. This helps to soften the hair and surrounding skin ensuring that the hair is not being forced underneath the surface of the skin.
• Avoid applying too much force with a razor as this can contribute to hair that is cut shorter than the surrounding skin increasing the chances of the hair curling back and growing sideways under the skin.
• Every day or every second day gently exfoliate the skin using either a loofa, exfoliating mitten, or exfoliating scrub. This will not only help to shed dead skin cells helping the hair to grow up and through the skin but will also help to tease out any existing stubborn ingrown hairs.
• Always use a sharp, single-bladed razor.
• Shave in the same direction as your hair growth.
• Rinse the blade with water after every stroke.
• For men, try not to shave too closely to your skin. Leave a little bit of stubble.
• If you're using an electric razor, hold it slightly above the surface of your skin.
• Apply a cool washcloth to your skin after you shave to reduce irritation. 
• When waxing use the correct wax type for the corresponding area e.g. hot wax for the face and bikini, strip wax for the legs and arms
• Always use a pre wax oil when using hot wax
• Always make sure the wax is applied in the same direction as the hair grows
• When the wax is removed insure the surrounding skin is held taut and the wax is pulled off flush with the skin at a 45 degree angle in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
• Use a body moisturising lotion with either glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid this will help to shed dead skin cells                                                     

Treatment

In most cases an ingrown hair will disappear on its own.  However if this is not the case an ingrown hair can become infected, permanently darkening the skin, or leaving behind a scar, especially if you've been scratching or picking at it. In severe cases a large deep abscess can occur which needs to be looked at by a dermatologist who in most cases will need to drain the abscess and release the hair by making a small cut in your skin with a sterile needle or scalpel. Medication may also need to be prescribed. Such medications may include:

• Steroid medicine that you rub on your skin to bring down the swelling
• Retinoids (Retin A) to remove dead skin cells and reduce the skin pigment changes that can occur from ingrown hairs
• Antibiotic that you take by mouth or rub onto your skin to treat an ingrown hair infection

To date the best and most effective prevention and treatment of ingrown hairs is laser hair removal. The math is simple no hair equals no ingrowns.