How to Prevent and Treat Ingrown Hairs After Shaving
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are common after shaving. Learn what causes them, a step-by-step shaving routine to prevent them, and how to treat bumps safely.
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are among the most common side effects of shaving. They can appear on the face, neck, legs, underarms, and bikini area, causing red, itchy, sometimes painful bumps.
The good news is that with the right shaving technique and aftercare, you can greatly reduce ingrown hairs and treat them when they occur.
What Is an Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair happens when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of growing out of the follicle. The body treats the hair like a foreign object, causing inflammation.
When this happens after shaving, it's often called razor bumps or, medically, pseudofolliculitis barbae (especially in the beard area).
Who Gets Ingrown Hairs?
Anyone can get ingrown hairs, but they're more common in people with:
- Curly or coarse hair
- Thick hair growth
- Frequent shaving or close shaving
- Dry skin with buildup of dead cells
People with tightly curled hair, including many Black men and women, are particularly prone to razor bumps.
Signs of Ingrown Hairs
- Small, red, or skin-colored bumps
- Itching or tenderness
- Pus-filled bumps in some cases
- A visible hair trapped under the skin
- Darkened skin around the area, especially on deeper skin tones
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs: A Step-by-Step Shaving Routine
Step 1: Exfoliate Before Shaving
Gently exfoliating a few times a week, but not immediately on irritated skin, helps remove dead skin cells that can trap hairs. Use a gentle scrub, an exfoliating mitt, or a body wash with salicylic or glycolic acid.
Step 2: Soften Hair
Shave at the end of your shower, after warm water has softened the hair and skin. For the face, a warm, damp towel for a few minutes can help.
Step 3: Use Shaving Cream or Gel
Never shave dry. Apply a moisturizing shaving cream or gel to reduce friction.
Step 4: Use a Sharp Razor
Dull blades tug at hair and irritate skin. Replace disposable razors or cartridges every five to seven shaves, or sooner if they feel dull.
Some dermatologists suggest that single-blade razors or electric razors may reduce razor bumps for people who are prone to them, since multi-blade razors can cut hair below the skin surface.
Step 5: Shave With the Grain
Shaving in the direction of hair growth may reduce irritation and ingrown hairs. Shaving against the grain gives a closer shave but increases the risk of bumps.
Step 6: Use Light Strokes
Don't press hard or stretch your skin tightly. Rinse your blade after each stroke.
Step 7: Rinse and Moisturize
Rinse with cool water, pat dry, and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer or aftershave without alcohol.
Pro tip: If you're prone to ingrown hairs, try leaving a little stubble. Using an electric trimmer that doesn't shave as close can greatly reduce bumps for some people.
How to Treat Ingrown Hairs
1. Stop Shaving the Area Temporarily
If possible, give the area a break for several days to a few weeks so the hair can grow out.
2. Apply Warm Compresses
A warm, damp washcloth for a few minutes several times a day can soften the skin and help the hair work its way out.
3. Exfoliate Gently
Use a salicylic acid or glycolic acid product to help free trapped hairs and reduce inflammation.
4. Soothe Inflammation
An over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream may help reduce redness and itching for short-term use.
5. Don't Pick or Dig
Picking can lead to infection, scarring, and dark marks. If a hair is clearly visible at the surface, you may gently lift it with sterile tweezers, but avoid digging into the skin.
Treating Dark Marks From Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs can leave behind dark spots, especially on deeper skin tones. Ingredients that may help include:
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Glycolic acid | Exfoliates and fades dark marks |
| Azelaic acid | Calms inflammation and fades marks |
| Niacinamide | Helps even skin tone |
| Retinoids | Speeds cell turnover |
Daily sunscreen on exposed areas helps prevent marks from darkening.
Alternatives to Shaving
If ingrown hairs are a constant problem, consider:
- Electric trimmers: Leave hair slightly longer
- Depilatory creams: Dissolve hair at the surface (patch test first)
- Waxing: Removes hair from the root, though it can cause ingrown hairs for some people
- Laser hair removal: Reduces hair growth long-term; choose a provider experienced with your skin tone
When to See a Doctor
See a dermatologist or doctor if you notice:
- Signs of infection: increasing pain, warmth, swelling, or pus
- Fever
- Large, painful bumps
- Recurring ingrown hairs that leave scars or keloids
Prescription treatments, including topical antibiotics or retinoids, may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ingrown hairs the same as razor burn?
No. Razor burn is irritation that appears right after shaving, while ingrown hairs develop over a few days as hairs grow back into the skin.
Should I exfoliate right after shaving?
No. Exfoliating freshly shaved skin can increase irritation. Exfoliate on non-shaving days or before you shave.
Can ingrown hairs go away on their own?
Many ingrown hairs resolve on their own within a few weeks, especially if you stop shaving the area.
The Bottom Line
Ingrown hairs are common but preventable. Exfoliate regularly, soften hair, use a sharp razor with shaving cream, shave with the grain, and moisturize afterward. If bumps persist, consider alternative hair removal methods or see a dermatologist for treatment options.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider about your skin. Read our full disclaimer.
