Laser · 3 min read ·
How do I get rid of ingrown hairs?
Bumps after shaving or waxing are common. How to treat them and stop them coming back.
Quick answer: Gently exfoliate with salicylic or glycolic acid, avoid picking, and shave with the grain. For persistent ingrowns, laser hair removal reduces the coarse hair that causes them.
Why they happen
Curly or coarse hair curls back into the skin, especially after shaving close or waxing.
Treating bumps
Chemical exfoliants help free trapped hairs. Avoid tweezing them out, which can scar.
Preventing them
Use a sharp razor, shave with the grain and moisturise.
Long-term fix
Laser thins and reduces hair, which dramatically reduces ingrowns.
Common questions
Should I see a doctor?
If a bump is painful, hot or pus-filled, see your GP as it may be infected.
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Written by the Skin Deep Aesthetics clinical team, 6 Carlisle Road, Derry. This article is general information, not medical advice. Book a consultation for advice about your own skin.
