Ingrown Hair: What It Looks Like, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Table Of Content

• Use shaving cream or gel
• Find more top doctors on
• Where do you get ingrown hairs?
• Prevention
• Elemis Skin Brush with Bag
• How to get rid of ingrown hairs: 8 tips, from a professional

Anyone who shaves, tweezes or waxes their hair can develop ingrown hairs. If you shave often, you’re more likely to have ingrown hairs. So if you were wondering how to get rid of an ingrown hair naturally with zero effort — simply wait. As long as there is no infection and you’re sure it’s an ingrown hair, there is nothing to worry about.

Use shaving cream or gel

Use the same, mild soap to clean the skin around where the ingrown hair was. Apply a warm, soapy washcloth as well to prevent any swelling or irritation of the skin. When the entirety of the ingrown hair appears on the surface of the skin after gently encouraging the hair to come out, use the tweezers to grab the hair at its base.

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Chemicals and fragrances in shaving creams can irritate and inflame the skin, leading to skin issues, such as ingrown hairs. An ingrown hair is one that's grown back into your skin instead of rising up from it. Ingrown hairs are also known as razor bumps, shave bumps, ingrown hair bumps, or barber bumps. Additionally, you may be able to avoid ingrown hairs or decrease the likelihood that they will develop by removing your hair properly.

Where do you get ingrown hairs?

Furthermore, the boil-like pimples can become really sore and potentially can even become infected (a condition called folliculitis),' Dr Liakas notes. You can’t always prevent ingrown hairs, but you can take steps to lower the chances of them developing. Exfoliation should be approached carefully, as it causes inflammation, which leads to hyperpigmentation and may not be very helpful in resolving ingrown hairs. Dermatologist Sherrie Bullard, MD, shares safe ways to get rid of ingrown hairs and how to prevent them from happening. Redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin, but they may look a different colour to the surrounding skin. Ingrown hairs on the legs can signal that a person is using the wrong type of razor.

Either way, if you go picking, popping, or digging, you could cause an infection, scarring, or further irritation,” Dr. Clay points out. Ingrown hairs frequently go away on their own without any specific treatment. There’s a chance an ingrown hair could heal on its own in as quickly as a week or two, Dr. Hayag says, but it may take longer if it gets infected. Sometimes it takes around a month, according to the Mayo Clinic, but it can take up to six months for hairs that are really stuck in there.

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Research demonstrates tea tree oil’s “broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal infections affecting skin.” It can also speed up wound healing. To reduce the inflammation of an ingrown hair, you can apply ice or a cold compress. This is also helpful for any pain or itching you may be experiencing as a result of this confused hair follicle. There are some OTC creams and treatments available for people who regularly get ingrown hairs.

How to identify infected ingrown hair

They’ll squeeze out any pus and use sterile tweezers to remove the ingrown hair. If an ingrown hair becomes infected, you may notice the bumps getting bigger and more painful. The beard area of your face (neck, cheeks and chin), legs, armpits and pubic area (bikini line and inner thigh) are most likely to develop ingrown hairs.

How to get rid of ingrown hairs: 8 tips, from a professional

If it’s not possible to refrain from shaving and other forms of hair removal, then laser treatment is another conventional option for how to get rid of ingrown hair. Laser hair removal removes hair a deeper level through exposure to pulses of laser light that destroy the hair follicle and prevent regrowth. Risks of laser hair removal include skin irritation, skin pigment changes, crusting, blistering, scarring or other changes to skin texture.

If you’re in a pinch, you can apply some 1% hydrocortisone right after the wax or close shave, and then one more time the next day, which may take some of the redness out. “You should not use this more than two or three applications at most,” she says, as hydrocortisone can thin the skin and cause stretch marks. Not all ingrown hairs become infected, and they usually resolve on their own in a few days.

In addition to Women's Health, her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more. As a general rule, no, it's best to leave them well alone as plucking can lead to infection. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, see a physician or health professional for help as soon as possible. If the hair is already visible and sticking out of your skin, you can attempt to tweeze the hair out.

And because the hair doesn’t grow back after treatment, you won’t have to worry about ingrown hairs. It’s usually an inflamed red bump or a cluster of bumps that look similar to small pimples. Sometimes, you can visibly see the hair growing in the wrong direction, but not always. An ingrown hair can also turn into a more painful, pus-filled sore. Ingrown hairs typically aren’t anything serious, but they can be quite irritating and visually unpleasant.

Everything You Need to Know Removing Deep Ingrown Hairs, According to Derms

Table Of Content

• Can You Prevent a Deep Ingrown Hair?
• How do you treat ingrown hairs?
• What are the symptoms of ingrown hair?
• Get the Mayo Clinic app
• Practice good shaving techniques

Stephanie (she/her) is the director of the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she writes, edits and oversees all health content for Good Housekeeping, Prevention and other Hearst titles. You may be tempted to if you see a whitehead on top of the red bump, but you should sit on your hands. After the infection has cleared, you may have a scar or discolored skin that can last for several months. A doctor may prescribe oral steroids, antibiotics, or other medications if the infection has a risk of becoming severe or spreading to the blood and internal organs.

Can You Prevent a Deep Ingrown Hair?

(Sorry to be a downer.) If you have pain, the bump gets bigger, and/or you notice other signs of infection (see below) and your symptoms don’t get better in a few days, you’ll want to get that sucker out. Of course you want a close shave, but if you’re prone to ingrown hairs, stick to a razor with two blades, max. “Each additional blade after two, the lower you cut or shave the hair,” Dr. Wechsler says, the greater the likelihood that the hair will curl back on itself before surfacing. Frequency of shaving is also a factor, says Dr. Lolis, who advises shaving less frequently. This single-blade razor from Oui the People was one of the Good Housekeeping Institute's top razor picks for 2023.

How do you treat ingrown hairs?

Popping an ingrown hair can increase you chance of it becoming infected. The results of electrolysis and laser hair removal are immediate. Apply a warm, moist — not dripping — washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day.

What are the symptoms of ingrown hair?

However, they may also appear on other parts of your body, including your scalp, chest, back, abdomen, inside of your nose (nostril), eyebrows and buttocks (butt). Ingrown hairs don’t typically warrant a doctor’s visit, but if you have an infected ingrown hair, or if ingrown hairs become a chronic problem, then you should see your doctor. But now, let’s talk about how you can prevent these annoyances in the first place. As part of conventional ingrown hair treatment, your doctor may prescribe certain medications such as retinoids, steroid cream or antibiotic ointment for ingrown hairs. To get rid of ingrown hair cyst with a serious infection, he or she may also recommend a course of oral antibiotics.

After applying the warm compress, you can very gently exfoliate the skin that’s trapping the hair. This helps remove dead skin cells so the hair is more likely to emerge, Dr. Goldenberg says. To do this, the Mayo Clinic recommends gently rubbing a clean washcloth over the area in a circular motion for a few minutes.

"Ingrown hairs often occur after shaving, tweezing, or waxing, and can be found in any area where hair grows, such as the face, legs, armpits, and pubic area," Engelman says. They happen when the skin blocks the emergence of a hair from the follicle, or when a hair grows back into the skin. Ingrown hairs are most common in areas of hair removal, such as the face, legs, armpits, and pubic region. They also occur more often in men who shave their beards. Shaving and waxing creates sharper hairs that tend to get trapped in the skin. Home remedies can often treat ingrown hairs, even if the affected area becomes infected.

Getting Rid Of Ingrown Hairs For Good

In the past, some dermatologists believed that single-blade razors reduced risk to the skin. However, a 2013 study showed no difference between single- and multiple-blade varieties. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry brushes are an effective way to clean and rejuvenate skin. More specifically, dry brushes are great for removing dead skin cells. To use a dry brush, brush the skin with a firm, long bristled brush.

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Medical Treatment

No, you should not try to pop or squeeze the affected area because not only can this damage your skin, but it can also result in an infection. Some OTC products may help coax the hair up and out of the skin, which may reduce the risk of infection. People with high levels of certain sex hormones can have more hair than usual. This can make you more likely to get ingrown hairs, especially after shaving. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Practice good shaving techniques

People with curly hair are more prone to developing ingrown hairs than those with other hair types. Most ingrown hairs on men develop on the face where they shave, and for women, they most often occur on the bikini line. To act preventatively, make sure you're shaving in a way that's safe. First start by cleaning your skin with warm water and a good exfoliant to loosen your hair follicles beforehand. Then, use a fresh blade and shave in the direction of the hair growth, says Dr. Marmur. If the area is very inflamed and tender, your doctor may also inject a steroid into the skin, in order to reduce inflammation and provide quick relief.

For more help from our co-author, like how to use home remedies to remove ingrown hair, read on. Shave in the direction your hair naturally grows and rinse off the blade following each stroke. The more often you replace the blade, the less likely you are to experience cuts and irritations like ingrown hairs. Some experts also recommend using a single blade razor to discourage ingrown hairs, especially on the face. Always rinse your face (or other area of your body) and apply a natural moisturizer when you’re done shaving.

Shaving curled hair dry makes ingrown hairs even more likely. And while ingrown hairs can happen to anyone, they strike more often in people with naturally curly hair. Most commonly, they crop up in men's beards—but they can appear anywhere you might shave, including the scalp, armpits, pubic area, and legs.

The structure of the hair and direction in which they grow also play a role in ingrown hair development. For instance, tightly curled hair will have a curved hair follicle, which is believed to encourage the hair to reenter the skin once the hair is cut and starts to grow back. Exfoliating your skin removes a dead layer of skin cells and helps release ingrown hairs. Use warm — not hot — water and small, circular motions to wash your affected areas with a washcloth, exfoliating brush or exfoliating gel or scrub. In rare cases, your healthcare provider may use a sterile surgical knife with a thin blade (scalpel) to make a small cut in your affected areas.

It may also encourage the hair to burrow even deeper into the skin. Additionally, the best way to treat ingrown hairs is to avoid them in the first place. Yes, ingrown hairs can even show up on the scalp and face whether you're shaving there or not. To treat those, Dr. Marmur loves this pH-balancing spray toner by Tower 28. "It helps minimize any irritation from ingrown hairs and soothes sensitive, stressed skin," she says. The water-like consistency won't leave you feeling greasy, either.

However, if you notice that the ingrown hair becomes incredibly swollen, filled with pus, hot to the touch, or very painful, you should go to the emergency room as a serious infection may have taken place. Yes, some hair types are more prone to getting ingrown hair than others. According to dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch, MD, hair that is curly or coarse is more susceptible because it’ll grow backwards and in different directions. Depending on the severity of the infection, it might still clear up on its own. To speed along the healing process at home, you can cleanse the area with gentle soap and water and apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes, three times per day, Dr. Clay says.

“You can also consider using salicylic acid creams.” Dr. Lolis says, adding that products containing glycolic acid or lactic acid can serve the same purpose. If you do decide on self-surgery — again, a really bad choice, Drs. Wechsler and Lolis both emphasize — you can wind up with an infection.

Tweezing, especially along your bikini line, can lead to bumps too, since it can leave a fragment of hair under the skin surface and lead to inflammation, notes Dr. Frieling. We've all been there—you're admiring a silky smooth shave or wax job when suddenly, there it is. A red, raised, (often painful) bump, ruining the landscape of your otherwise flawless skin.

42 Coolest Braids for Men Right Now

Table Of Content

• Three Braids Hairstyles
• Viking braids for men
• Manly Braids for Men With Long Hair
• Braids with Metallic Beads
• Warrior Braids
• Braids for Men with Short Hair
• Double Man Bun Braids

Never rub your braids with a towel, especially cotton ones, because it can make them come undone. When you get out of the shower, put the towel over your head and gently pat your hair. Especially if you have braids with some space showing your scalp, you may need to oil your scalp regularly because water helps clean your scalp, but oil locks in the moisture.

Three Braids Hairstyles

Simply oil your scalp to keep it fresh, and wrap your hair up at night. Dye your hair blond and create two sleek and sophisticated braids. Just bear in mind that men, like women, need to prioritize hair care in order to maintain the perfect shade of blonde. Patterns are versatile, and that’s exactly what we love about them.

Viking braids for men

Meant for long hair, this one is the Bob Marley inspired long braids for black men. If you have spent some time taking care of your hair, then you might as well flaunt it. The long braided hairstyle takes some time to finish but it sure does look amazing. When you have medium hair, rock the braided hairstyle by attaching colorful beads to the ends. Whether you choose one consistent color or alternating colors, the result will be awesome.

Manly Braids for Men With Long Hair

Also – and do not frown at this – it helps to wrap up your braids while sleeping. This will keep them from gathering lint or getting tangled – use silk or satin. Also, remember to redo your braids, don’t keep them overly long, and minimize the updos and pullings to make them last longer.

Braids with Metallic Beads

It is also a style that men with short hair can easily wear. Stylists often create short rows when putting in these braids, which is where the name comes from because they often resemble rows of corn. While I will go into even more details in the next chapter, a man with short hair can have it braided. Possible options include multi-directional braids, cornrow braids, braids with a mohawk, and short box braids.

Warrior Braids

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You can gently move the braids around if needed so that you clean all of your scalp. If your scalp is oily, choose a volumizing shampoo and avoid moisturizing options as they will cause even more oil. Alternatively, if your scalp is dry, avoid shampoos with sulfates.

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Short Hair Braids for Men – Thick Dutch Short Hair Braid with Thick Natural Curls

To try different styles in braided hair you need to be patient to grow your hair long. A fancy braided updo makes for a beautiful option for men heading to a formal event. Form a regular braid at ponytail level, then wind into a bun.

Braids for Men with Short Hair

From two, three, and four braids in rows that go straight back to creative braids twisted on top, you have a variety of braid hairstyles to choose from. Twist braids, also known as two-strand twists, are a popular and versatile hairstyle that has gained prominence in the realm of men's fashion. This braided style offers a distinctive and textured look, characterized by the intertwining of two sections of hair to create a twisted pattern. In essence, French braids epitomize timeless elegance and versatility, serving as a testament to the enduring allure of braided hairstyles. Box braids are a popular and versatile hairstyle that has gained widespread recognition in the realm of men's fashion.

Double Man Bun Braids

This braided style is easy to maintain whether you have thick or thin hair. If you are looking for a new style, try adding two braids like this in your fade haircut and a cross-like braid to make it more stylish.. Braids are ideal for men, and you can create gorgeous designs using your already braided locks or your natural hair. From cornrows, box braids, French, or Dutch braids, your options are limitless,  and we guarantee that you will get a stunning hairdo if you choose to use them. In essence, the world of men's braided hairstyles is a celebration of diversity, artistry, and self-expression. As individuals continue to explore and embrace these styles, they contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and contemporary fashion.

You can choose to have the hair on the sides of your head cut shorter all at once or go with a more tapered look. Wearing fohawks was extremely popular in the early 2000s after European soccer star David Beckham started wearing them, and they have never gone out of style since. Ladder braids are braided so that the finished braid looks like a ladder.

Another look I love is to create small braids on either side of a spiked mohawk to give it more definition. You can leave all the hair in one color, or you can experiment with braids that are different. Then, wrap one around the other and push it up through the middle of the strand you have created. A high fade will help draw attention to your facial features.

Grab the top section of your braids and pull them back into a part-up. This style is great for the hotter seasons when you want to keep your hair up and out of your face. For a deep cleanse before braiding your hair, use SheaMoisture Men Tea Tree Oil & Shea Butter Havana Hurrican 4-in-1 All-Over Wash. So, whether you’re drawn to the classic appeal of Tyga’s long braids or the innovative twist of Bad Bunny’s cornrow bun, embrace the power of braids to make a bold statement. They require a commitment to maintenance but reward with versatility and a strong presence. Beyond their striking appearance, thick cornrows are a practical selection for men leading active lifestyles.

Then, wrap the ends around the back of your head and tie them there again. Then, if your braids are longer, gather as many of them as you can and squeeze them so that you get as much excess water out as possible.

Men's Braids: 20 Different Types of Braided Hairstyles Every Man Should Try

Table Of Content

• Long Braids for Men
• Stitch Braids
• Short Hair Braids
• Braids for Men With Short Hair
• Long French Braids
• #12: Box Braids with a Beard

There is an incredible number of braid styles for men, and understanding the possibilities is the first step in deciding how you want to braid your hair. Therefore, please read through this entire list and consider how you will look in each option. Men with medium-length and long hair may want to consider braided buns, boy braids, French braids, pigtails, Viking braids, fishtail braids, woven braids, and others. As I mentioned, I will go into more detail in the next chapter. So if you need to know what these possibilities are, be sure to keep reading.

Long Braids for Men

Alternatively, you could pull most of your dreadlocks to one side and only wear one pigtail. You can let one or more of the dreadlocks hang down in front to add visual interest to your face. You can have endless things woven into your hair when styling it this way, or you can wear unique pigtail holders. Instead of pulling your hair back in a bun, you can go with pigtails instead.

Stitch Braids

Now that you have decided what type of braids you want, it is natural to have questions about how to maintain them. The style also minimizes fizz, making it perfect for rainy times of the year. You can easily change the look by tying bandanas around your hair. For example, you can match the colors in your outfit or choose a different type of fabric, like cotton or silk, depending on what you are wearing. Generally, this style puts less stress on a man’s hair, so your hair is likely to receive less damage. Two-strand twists can be done on any hair length over 2 inches.

Short Hair Braids

This is a terrific option for men who want to do something unique with their medium-length hair, as it does not have to be as long as when worn in a ponytail or a bun. If you examine these three-strand braids closely, you will see that the braids resemble a series of little boxes. You will need to plan on getting your hair re-braided about every five weeks. While most cornrows go towards the back of your head, consider side cornrows. A talented hair stylist can create them regardless of the length of your hair.

Fishbone braids for men

"Start with a leave-in conditioner. I spritz it on my hair every evening and even more liberally on wash day after rinsing out the conditioner." Stefan Bertin is a London-based celebrity and editorial hairstylist. His specialties range from creating red carpet-ready looks to working with textured hair and more. Inspired by Nordic warriors, you can create a three-strand braid in this edgy warrior braids for men, so anyone can be a warrior from the inside out. This unique cockroach braid is not at all creepy but simply stylish. Just do a few horizontal braid on top of your around-the-head braid to complete this look.

Braids for Men With Short Hair

This style is characterized by its distinctive woven pattern, which resembles the intricate texture of a fishtail. Fishtail braids offer a unique and visually striking alternative to traditional braided hairstyles, adding a touch of elegance and individuality to men's hairstyling. A braided bun is one of the trendy long braided hairstyles for men. You can start doing french braids on each side then add more in the middle to be pulled back together with the rest of the hair to form a man bun. Maintaining a braided Mohawk involves regular cleansing, moisturizing, and scalp care to ensure the longevity and neatness of the style. Additionally, protecting the hair at night with a satin or silk scarf can help preserve the integrity and sleekness of the braided Mohawk.

If you want your hair to grow more quickly, add a drop or two of pure rosemary, lavender, cedarwood, and thyme essential oil to the oil. You will also want to touch your hair as little as possible. Then, your hair has less moisture, which means it will break easier. Some people naturally do not touch their hair much, while others must work hard to remember to keep their hands out of their hair.

High Ponytail

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If your hair is relatively short, but you still want to do braids, then try this raised French braid. It is a regular French braid but done loosely to add volume to the look. This is just a reminder that anything you can do to your hair, you can also do to your beard. Try a single regular braid or try multiple braids of different styles for the dwarf king look.

#12: Box Braids with a Beard

You can also choose to start the braid at different points to create unique looks. Some days, you may want to start it at the top of your head, while on other days, you may want to start it at the base of your neck. You can also use this style to enhance your hair further if you have dreadlocks or microbraids in it. A three-strand braid for men is similar to the loose braid, but this time you will work on getting the braid tight.

You can make a straight line part or a zig-zag and decorate your braids with hair rings or cuffed beads. All in all, braids for men are a fun, nice-looking, and practical way to style medium or long hair. You can get inspired by your favorite rappers or represent your cultural values with your braids, your reasons for getting them are your own. Men’s braid is a part of the family of black men’s hairstyles.

In this chapter, we’ve covered the most well-known types of braids for men. Still, if you are interested in learning more about types of braids in general, please check our post Types of Braids. Even if some braid styles are often used by women instead of men, it doesn’t mean you cannot braid your hair one way or another.

For a spectacular effect, dye each braid in different colors. If you love braids, you can use them on your long or medium hair and also for mohawks. You can make French or Dutch braids and secure them with a strand of hair wrapped at the end. You can quickly reproduce these Viking looks by styling one or two fishtail braids. Braids with an undercut ensure that the main feature of your style – the plaits – stands out and doesn’t fade into the background. Braids are box office, yet pairing them with an undercut takes it to another level as the sleek nature of your back and sides contrast the longer style on top.

Easy braids tend to be simple and very low-maintenance, yet it’s their clean-cut aesthetic that makes them appealing. The best examples are single plaits as they’re minimal, but you can add another dimension by pulling it into a top knot or man bun that is as equally casual and smart. Box braids are synonymous with the likes of ASAP Rocky, an artist famous for his fashion sense as much as his lyrics. What sets box braids apart for most men is that they aren’t attached to the scalp – they’re sectioned off in squares along the scalp instead.