It may also push the hair deeper into the skin, increasing the time it takes to heal. Small pustules or dry red bumps are often scattered over an area that has been shaved recently. Ingrown toenails are caused by the growth of the toenail into the surrounding nail fold. Apply a warm, wet washcloth over the ingrown hair. Often the bumps start a few days to weeks after hair removal and get worse as the hairs grow back. In this article, learn about ingrown, Vellus hair is the short, fine hair that covers most of a person's body. Hydrocortisone cream can be applied to alleviate the irritation caused by chemical depilatories. 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. You might want to try one of these razors: Although body scrubs exfoliate your skin, you can also lower the risk of an ingrown hair with dry brushing. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, says those ingrown hairs can become inflamed and infected. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. Use the following methods to help prevent ingrown hairs: Dirt, oils, and dead skin cells can clog the hair follicles.

This makes it easier for them to penetrate the skin and grow inward. What symptoms and signs did you experience with your ingrown hair(s)? Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Tretinoin (Retin A) cream can help decrease skin plugging or hyperkeratosis. Ingrown hairs commonly occur on the face, neck, armpits, pubic region, and legs. Bacterial infections. Topical eflornithine HCl 13.9% cream (Vaniqa) is a prescription that can reduce the rate of hair growth when applied to the skin twice a day over one to two months. 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Release visible ingrown hairs by inserting a sterile needle under each hair loop and gently lifting the tip that has grown back into the skin. A few other medical conditions may look just like ingrown hairs and need to be examined more closely by a physician specializing in conditions of the skin called a dermatologist. wet your skin and the hair to be removed with warm water and use lubricating gels or creams when shaving; do not push too hard when shaving, and avoid pulling the skin taut; avoid shaving hair too short, and consider leaving very short stubble (about 1 mm); if using an electric razor, shave in slow circular motions without pressing too hard; and. Treatment options include the following: Treatment options for ingrown hairs that can be attempted at home include washing and gently scrubbing the area of the ingrown hair with a moist warm washcloth or an exfoliating scrub. In severe cases, multiple small red or pink little bumps at hair follicles may be seen on any skin area that normally grows hair. Learn to identify, treat, and prevent ingrown hairs and related infections. Do you know what a staph infection is? Topical antibiotics, and rarely oral antibiotics, may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection of the ingrown hair has developed. medical removal of the ingrown hair by small incision and pulling out the hair, and. We avoid using tertiary references. Using an exfoliant scrub can also be preventive, as it can lift hairs that may be starting to grow inward, and it also removes dead skin cells and debris, which helps to prevent the blockage of the hair follicles. The different types of skin biopsy include shave biopsy, punch biopsy, and excisional biopsy. The doctor may be able to suggest further treatment options. Electrolysis is a procedure in which individual hairs are removed from the face or body. To reduce your risk of ingrown hairs, exfoliate your legs before shaving with a body scrub. Using incorrect shaving techniques and failing to take precautionary measures when shaving or removing hair increases your chances of developing ingrown hairs. Razor burn can cause a painful, irritating red rash or small red bumps on your skins surface. Unfortunately, no hair-removal technique is permanent when it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair.

What Is the Prognosis of an Ingrown Hair? You may see pus in the spots.

Always use a sharp, clean razor, avoiding razors with any signs of rust or wear. These steps help control the condition. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Staff.

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of staph infections (Staphylococcus aureus) before they become dangerous Staphylococcus infection complications like endocarditis or toxic shock syndrome. Do not shave against the direction or grain of the hair growth. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

Newman CC, et al. This complication can sometimes arise when individuals pick or scratch the area of the ingrown hair. 6th ed. The diagnosis of ingrown hair is typically very straightforward and based on the skin's appearance. Is Your Skin Trouble Blocked Hair Follicles? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Accessed May 5, 2021. Hydration is key for people who wax their legs. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne. By removing hair and leaving the sharp tip of the hair so short and close to the skin surface, it is more prone to grow sideways or curl back into the hair follicle and get stuck under the skin surface, leading to irritation and inflammation of the overlying skin. (2013, April). 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew. Here's how to prevent them from happening. Treat existing bumps and prevent more from developing with these. Beauty doesnt have to take hours. Sometimes it is possible to see the imbedded coiled hair on magnification. Overall, teenagers and adults are more prone to ingrown hairs. skin conditions & beauty centerTopic Guide. Removing these can treat and help prevent ingrown hairs. base of hair follicles. Although possible, it is rare to have ingrown hairs all over the body. It is a benign condition, which usually appears as a small tan or sometimes pink bump under the skin. Clean your blade with alcohol after each use, and throw away disposable razors after a few uses. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Merck Manual Professional Version. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Boils: Pictures, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae and pseudofolliculitis barbae: Are prevention and effective treatment within reach? Ingrown hairs can be more common in people with coarse or curly hair. Ingrown hairs can be prevented by avoiding shaving or by taking measures to decrease the chances of developing them. See a picture of Folliculitis and learn more about the health topic. Electrolysis may be used to permanently remove hair. Apply shaving cream don't let it dry out and use a sharp, single-blade razor. Avoid curving or cutting the nails short at the edges. For best results, use a natural, nonsynthetic bristle brush. This content does not have an Arabic version. How do health care professionals diagnose an ingrown hair? Jasterzbski, T.J., and R.A. Schwartz. Consulting a medical doctor who specializes in dermatology may be necessary for the optimal treatment of more severe cases. Often, a small pinpoint (often dark) part of the underlying hair may be seen under the skin bump. Well also provide, Ingrown pubic hairs can be uncomfortable. Some skin conditions can mimic an ingrown hair such as eczema, impetigo, and molluscum contagiosum. What shaving or other hair removal technique do you use? The shaving techniques described above can be applied to prevent or decrease the occurrence of ingrown hairs. This often creates an inflamed red bump or dot that may itch or cause pain. Surgery is also an option for severe cases. Moles? Some other tips for preventing ingrown hairs due to shaving include: There are some OTC creams and treatments available for people who regularly get ingrown hairs. This is different from terminal hair, which is coarser and grows on the head, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. The FDA recognizes only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair. If the skin is dry, waxing can result in brittle hair that breaks at the root, rather than being pulled out entirely. Ingrown hairs can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial skin infection and/or an. Improper shaving techniques are the major cause of ingrown hairs. Some of the bumps may be slightly red or have an accompanying light-red halo indicating inflammation. Leave very short 1 mm-2 mm stubble with shaving to help reduce the tendency of shaving too closely. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys. Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose skin growths, skin conditions, and skin cancers. And that we call acne keloidalis or acne barbae, or other conditions that then cause lumps of retained hair along the beard area, mustache area or back of the neck. Possible side effects of this method are blistering, scarring and loss of skin color (dyspigmentation). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Individuals with thicker, tightly curled hairs, such as African Americans, tend to have the highest rate of problems with ingrown hairs, particularly in the beard area. The bumps start small, but eventually can enlarge and create scars on the face and neck. If shaving worsens your condition, you might want to try a chemical hair removal product (depilatory), such as Nair, Magic, others. This commonly occurs in shaved skin, especially those with tightly curling hair. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. (2015, January 28), Over-the-counter (OTC) products for ingrown hairs, https://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/S0733-8635(13)00136-8/fulltext, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23652888?dopt=Abstract, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663401/, http://nyulangone.org/press-releases/nyu-langone-skin-expert-offers-practical-advice-and-best-practices-for-dealing-with-ingrown-hair-or-razor-bumps, Displacement and health: 'The anti-immigrant rhetoric needs to stop', Type 2 diabetes: 10-hour eating window may improve blood sugar, Gut disorders and Alzheimer's: Scientists find genetic link, LGBTQ youth: Discrimination trauma may increase suicide risk by more than 3 times, In Conversation: The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure. An ingrown hair happens when the sharp tip of the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin of the hair follicle. There are individuals, however, who are more prone to developing ingrown hairs and thus suffer from ingrown hairs on a chronic basis. What Are Ingrown Hair Causes and Risk Factors? However, if ingrown hairs occur frequently, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. They may also be likelier to occur when the hairs are very short, such as after waxing, shaving, or tweezing. What do you think caused your ingrown hair(s)? These products add extra moisture to your legs and help keep pores unclogged. Replace razors regularly to avoid dullness, which can add friction. Exfoliation before shaving can help. Hairs in an area tend to grow in the same direction. Ingrown hairs appear commonly on the face, neck, armpits, pubic region, buttocks, and legs, though they can appear just about anywhere. Ingrown hairs cause red, often itchy bumps where a hair has grown back into the skin. Treatment for ingrown hairs can vary, and sometimes the ingrown hair will heal spontaneously without any specific treatment at all. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Pull firmly upward to remove the hair. topical chemical depilatory creams or liquids (such as Neet or Nair). The symptoms of an ingrown hair vary, but typically involve small bumps, blister-like lesions, skin darkening, pain, and itching. Try using an electric clippers. Topical tretinoin cream may thin out the epidermis, reduce the buildup of dead skin cells, and decrease hair embedding into the follicles. Learn how to identify and treat an infected ingrown hair, and how to avoid them in the future. A doctor can treat the infection and keep it from spreading or getting worse. Heres our process. Is my condition likely temporary or chronic? Tight clothing can also lead to and irritate existing ingrown hairs. See additional information. To prevent ingrown hair on your legs, your razor should glide smoothly over your skin. Ingrown hairs can happen anywhere, including your armpit. Hold the washcloth in place for 1 minute, then remove it. Special considerations in skin of color. The simplest way to prevent ingrown hair is to allow hair to grow without cutting it too short. Other times, a skin bacterial culture may be taken by a cotton-tip applicator to assist in determining an infectious cause. Ingrown hair: Definition. Keep the head of the electric razor slightly off the surface of the skin and shave in a slow, circular motion. Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Terms of Use. Topical steroid creams may be prescribed to help decrease the inflammatory reaction of the skin.

These scrubs can also reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by previous ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can also result from increased friction that occurs when clothes rub against recently waxed dry skin. What Diseases or Conditions Are Often Mistaken for Ingrown Hairs? Does anything seem to improve your symptoms? This is called trichiasis, and it can, Learn how fluid-filled lumps known as cysts can form around an ingrown hair. Currently, laser removal works primarily on dark hairs only. Skin Tags? Do you have any relevant brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? Some of the more common conditions that can occasionally be mistaken for ingrown hairs include: Ingrown hairs are generally treated by a primary care provider (PCP), such as a family physician, a childs pediatrician, or internist. List key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. Clean the blade with rubbing alcohol after each use. : If you go to trim or shave your hair, particularly if you're a man or particularly if you are skin of color and a male, it's very easy for those hairs if they are trimmed closely to turn in on themselves and then pierce the skin. What's the most likely cause of my condition? Ingrown hairs typically appear as small, raised red, pink, or tan bumps on the skin, often in clusters. Shave less often, allowing the hair to grow.

In males, ingrown hairs commonly affect the cheeks, chin, and neck after shaving, sometimes leading to "razor bumps" (also termed pseudofolliculitis barbae). What are symptoms and signs of an ingrown hair? Ingrown hairs appear as individual tan or red. Sometimes you can see a hair trapped under the skin. A boil is a skin abscess, a collection of pus localized deep in the skin. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Ingrown hairs most characteristically involve areas that are shaved, like the beard, bikini area, and legs. Well explain the difference between ingrown hair bumps and other bumps. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Apply these creams and gels after shaving your legs to reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Options include a nonhandle brush or a brush with a long handle for hard-to-reach areas. To get the most from your appointment, it's good to prepare. Applying the right shaving cream before you set your razor to work adds moisture, which can prevent cuts and allow the razor to move smoothly across your skin. This layer of dead cells can trap new hairs inside the follicles, causing them to grow inward. Test it on a small patch of hair first. 2014; doi:10.1016/j.det.2013.12.001. Laser treatment risks include skin discoloration. Set it to leave stubble. Also, gentle exfoliation is sometimes enough to pull ingrown hairs up and outside the skin, where they can grow correctly. Laser hair removal may be an option for preventing ingrown hairs. Although ingrown hairs are common, they dont have to be your reality. For ingrown hair, some basic questions to ask your health care provider include: Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well. erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli. Shaving is a fast way to remove unwanted hair. Dr. Davis: That can cause little bumps that erupt like razor burn, but more extensive along the beard area and the neck. Laser hair removal is generally very fast, efficient, and safe. In severe cases or when the diagnosis may not be clear, a dermatologist (specialist in conditions affecting the skin) may be consulted. They include: Your health care provider might recommend laser-assisted hair removal, which removes hair at a deeper level than does shaving, waxing, tweezing or electrolysis. Developing an ingrown hair on your leg isnt usually a cause for concern. How should you treat an ingrown hair cyst? To avoid post-shave irritation, choose an alcohol-free cream or gel. Laser treatments applied to an area help to permanently decrease the number of hairs. A doctor may use a sterile small needle or scalpel to help dislodge the ingrown hair. 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Treatment at home involves soaking the affected foot in diluted white vinegar or Epsom salts, elevating the foot, and trimming the nails straight across. When the entire hair is above the surface of the skin, use the tweezers to grab its base. for video Shaving too close can cause skin problems, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. One type of ingrown hair is pseudofolliculitis, also called "razor bumps," in which small red bumps appear on the beard area (lower face and neck) and may flare with repeat shaving. Rarely, ingrown hair may also appear in other skin parts, such as the eyelid or thighs. Some Products Can Do Real Harm. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In some cases, a small skin biopsy may be used to help the doctor confirm the diagnosis. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Here are some of the most effective body scrubs for achieving this: If you have problems with recurrent ingrown hairs, you might be using the wrong type of razor on your legs. Use a moistened washcloth, a wet sponge, or a soft-bristled, Some natural mild exfoliators, such as salt and. By reducing friction, shaving cream reduces the risk of irritation. Your health care provider is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as: In the days before your medical appointment, if possible, stop shaving or using any form of hair removal. There are various measures available to prevent the development of ingrown hairs. Many remedies mentioned in this article are available for purchase online. Ingrown hairs tend to be more common in areas with coarse hairs, like the bikini area in women, and beard and neck in men. However, a 2013 study showed no difference between single- and multiple-blade varieties. Guys, want some great skin care routines? Mr. Howland: Dr. Accessed Jan. 26, 2022. This can help open the follicle and allow it to drain. There are other skin conditions and diseases that can sometimes resemble ingrown hairs. If possible, stick with single-edge razors or razors with a skin guard to avoid cutting too close to your skin. Next review due: 07 August 2022, shaving and hair removal products to help prevent irritation, exfoliating products to help prevent ingrown hairs, a mild antiseptic to help prevent infection, the ingrown hair or area around it is very painful, hot, red or swollen, your temperature is very high, or you feel hot, shivery or very unwell, freeing the hair using a sterile needle or blade (scalpel), prescribing a steroid cream to help swelling and irritation, prescribing antibiotic cream or tablets to treat an infection. "Pseudofolliculitis cutis: a vexing disorder of hair growth.". Shaving is more likely to cause ingrown hairs, but they can also occur after waxing. How Can I Get Rid of Razor Bumps on My Legs? This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form Freshly shaved or waxed legs can look and feel soft. The following suggestions for hair removal and proper skin hygiene can help decrease the chances of developing ingrown hairs or prevent them altogether. If you have recurrent ingrown hair that causes pain, your doctor can help you manage this condition. An ingrown hair is a very common skin condition occurring primarily after puberty. Disease-a-month. Always shave in the direction of the grain of your hair, and make sure your razor is sharp. Ingrown hair may worsen at first as the hair grows back. People with sensitive skin may benefit from using natural or hypoallergenic products on their legs. Theres also the risk of complications, such as a bacterial infection and permanent scarring. Overall, diet does not seem to affect ingrown hairs. Prep your legs by applying shaving cream as you get out of the shower to retain some extra moisture. Laser treatment slows regrowth and is a longer term solution. After removing unwanted hair from your legs, its easier for curly hair to regrow and re-enter your skin, which causes inflammation in the area. Mayo Clinic, New York Biology Natural Arabica Coffee Body Scrub, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/definition/con-20034717, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/symptoms/con-20034717, nhs.uk/Conditions/ingrown-hairs/Pages/Introduction.aspx, How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Infected Ingrown Hairs, Treating and Preventing Ingrown Pubic Hair, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to Identify and Treat an Ingrown Hair Cyst. Your health care provider may prescribe certain medications to help manage your condition. An ingrown hair is hair that grows back into your skin. Ingrown hairs are a common, benign skin disorder seen in all age groups. What websites do you recommend? This area of skin irritation can appear as a small solitary tan, pink, or red bump on the skin surface, or it may appear in clusters. Ingrown hairs can also develop when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells and debris, causing the tip of the hair to grow sideways. Instead, the tip of an ingrown hair grows sideways or curls back into the hair follicle to cause a localized area of skin irritation and inflammation. An occasional ingrown hair on the leg is normal. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. But if you dont apply the right products or use the right shaving techniques, painful and itchy ingrown hairs can rob your legs of smoothness. MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. Pressing the razor too close to the skin or pulling the skin taut can result in too close of a shave. They won't make it go away permanently. Usually theyll clear up on their own, but sometimes you may need to treat them, especially if theyve. List questions to ask your health care provider. There are other hair-removal methods that may also help prevent ingrown hairs. Accessed Jan. 26, 2022. Apply a warm, damp cloth for a few more minutes. Find out how to avoid premature aging and get tips for ways to fight skin problems. Are ingrown hairs the same as razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis? It is often best to let them heal on their own and take preventive steps. The best way to prevent ingrown hairs is by not shaving. Other common locations of ingrown hairs include the face, neck, thighs, and buttocks. In general, the prognosis is excellent if the condition is managed appropriately and measures are taken to prevent the development of ingrown hairs. Razors that do not glide smoothly can catch and pull hairs, and ingrown hairs can result. Ingrown hairs can look like raised, red, itchy spots on the skin. (2015, March 13). If a person notices that an ingrown hair is infected, they should see a doctor. Antibacterial washes, such as benzoyl peroxide (Clearasil, Proactiv) or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), can be used once or twice a day to control the infection. An ingrown hair is a very common condition, but it can be irritating and lead to unsightly and embarrassing skin lesions. Jason Howland: Sometimes you can get too close of a shave. A few simple home remedies can help. Itching can be a common problem. Pseudofolliculitis barbae: A dermatoscopic correlate. 2nd ed. Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases.

When using electric razors, some shaving techniques may help prevent ingrown hair. Although ingrown hair is primarily caused by improper or aggressive, An ingrown hair can lead to a localized foreign-body inflammatory reaction, which causes pinpoint red or pink. Too much friction can result in irritation and inflammation. An ingrown hair is caused by a small hair under the skin that does not grow outward through the skin as it should. Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline (Sumycin) or cephalexin (Keflex, Keftabs), are used to control infected pustules or abscess formation. apply a cool washcloth to the shaved area when finished. Since the most common cause of ingrown hairs is cutting or removal of the hair below the level of the follicular orifice (commonly called a pore by patients), it typically tends to occur on your face, neck, armpits, groin, and legs. Many topical creams are available to help control ingrown hairs. A large bump that appears above the skin may be an ingrown hair cyst, a razor bump, or an acne cyst.

Body scrubs can clean your pores, remove dirt, and expose healthier layers of skin. Ingrown hairs on your face are painful and annoying. You may be more likely to get ingrown hairs if you have coarse or curly hair. If you wish, trim a beard with scissors or electric clippers. Pustules and abscesses may occasionally form, especially if there are bacteria on the skin. By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Ingrown hairs appear as small bumps on the skin. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your health care provider is likely to diagnose ingrown hair by looking at your skin and asking about your hair removal habits. If needed, try using a 1% hydrocortisone cream for no more than four weeks. This can occur after you shave, wax, or tweeze your legs. High WA, et al., eds. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. (2013, April 30). All rights reserved. They can sometimes appear like tiny pimples. If you have razor bumps but can't stop shaving, develop a consistent skin care routine such as the following to help control this condition: If you're able, avoid close shaves. Before shaving wash the affected area using a warm washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. Does diet have anything to do with ingrown hairs? Here's why this happens and how to stop it. Some possible look-alike skin conditions include: Folliculitis of ingrown hairs may also resemble uncommon skin conditions like: 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Best results may be achieved with combination therapy. Although body scrubs and shaving creams can exfoliate your legs and help your skin retain moisture, you may still develop ingrown hairs depending on the razor you use. Also, get some tips on treatment for this type of cyst and learn how to, Laser hair removal is a popular long-term option for removing unwanted body hair. An ingrown hair is a common condition in which the tip of the hair is unable to grow outward through the skin and curls back or grows sideways. Electrolysis is often slow, tedious, and requires multiple treatments. What about golden staph? Brushing the skin with a firm, long-bristled brush in a circular motion can gently scrape away the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing softer skin underneath. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. An ingrown eyelash can be caused by issues like inflammation or trauma. Ingrown hairs generally develop several days after hair removal as the hair is growing back. Hydrate and soften both the skin and the hair before shaving. Terms of Use. What Are Tips for Prevention of Ingrown Hairs? What Are Ingrown Hair Symptoms and Signs? It may also help to wear loose-fitting clothes for 24 hours after waxing. Dr. Davis: If they start to see these acnelike bumps or little scar tissue like bumps, they should make sure that they're washing appropriately.