Skin Conditions | Ingrown Hairs

As the name suggests, an ingrown hair is a hair that has grown back in the skin. Ingrown hairs can become inflamed and may look like a spot. They may also itch and be tender to the touch. They tend to occur when hairs have been shaved, plucked or waxed and are more common in people with curly hair or in areas such as the bikini line where the hair is coarse and curly.

What causes ingrown hairs?

An ingrown hair occurs when a hair curls back under the skin and is growing. This results in a spot-like bump appearing on the surface of the skin. Most ingrown hairs are completely harmless and will restore themselves, but in some cases the area can become angry, inflamed and result in puss filled blemishes. This happens when the hair follicle becomes infected.

Where can you get ingrown hairs?

You can get an ingrown hair anywhere on the face or body where you have hair growth, but they are far more common in areas such as the bikini line or areas that are regularly shaved or waxed, such as the underarms, legs or the face.

Who can get ingrown hairs?

Anyone can get ingrown hairs and most people will have one at some point in their life.

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