How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs (And Prevent New Ones)

Billie | Amazon / Nordstrom and Photo Illustration by Aly Lim
Billie | Amazon / Nordstrom and Photo Illustration by Aly Lim
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Ingrown hairs are one of the most dreaded beauty woes, especially when they materialize around the pubic area. They hurt, can get irritated and swollen easily, and are just not what you want to see peeking out from your bikini line. If you're experiencing a case of the bumps, you might be wondering how to get rid of them at home (and, let's be real: whether or not you can pop them). And, of course, once you treat any existing spots, you may be wondering if there are any specific measures you can take to prevent ingrown hairs from popping up in the future.

Ahead, we talked to a dermatologist about what causes ingrown hairs, how to treat them, and the best prevention practices so you can get rid of those painful little bumps as fast as possible. Consider this your complete guide to tackling any pesky ingrown hair problems once and for all.

What Are Ingrown Hairs?

Aside from just being annoying, ingrown hairs are a real skin-care concern. When you remove hair from the follicle, sometimes it grows back and curls under the skin, causing inflammation and unsightly bumps. Although similar to a zit, an ingrown hair and a pimple are not the same thing. "Pimples are caused from hormones, oils, and bacteria, while an ingrown hair is caused when the hair curls on itself to create a bump," board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, tells POPSUGAR.

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

While it's possible for everyone to get ingrown hairs, some people are more susceptible to them than others. Shaving, waxing, tweezing, and other forms of hair removal can all cause ingrown hairs. If you're regularly removing hair from your body or face, you've probably experienced them. But that's not to say you're doomed to experience them forever — there are ingrown hair treatments you can do to banish them.

How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs

According to Dr. Gohara, if you're looking to prevent ingrown hairs, you could try switching to laser hair removal. The process prevents the follicles from being able to grow new hair, meaning it won't get trapped beneath the skin.

That said, laser hair removal is a major investment. If you're not ready to commit to it, there are some other things you can do. First, if you shave your bikini line, make sure you're using shaving cream (we like the Billie V Smooth ($12) for any delicate areas), only working in the direction of hair growth, and using a fresh, clean razor (Dr. Gohara also recommends using a razor with only one or two blades for best result). Then, make sure you are exfoliating weekly because sloughing off the dead skin cells sitting at the surface can keep the hair from growing under the skin. Try a chemical pad like the First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads ($18). Follow that up with an ingrown-hair serum like the BushBalm Ingrown Hair Oil ($26) to prevent flaking, irritation, and hyperpigmentation from forming on your bikini line.

How to Treat Ingrown Hairs

It's best to prevent ingrown hairs before they happen, but if you do find yourself coming on with a painful bump, use the Fur Ingrown Microdart Patch ($28). Additionally, Dr. Gohara advises you to keep your cortisone cream handy to ensure it doesn't get infected and make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing so you don't irritate the bump more.

Can You Pop Ingrown Hairs?

If you're thinking about popping your ingrown hairs, Dr. Gohara warns that doing so can lead to some undesirable complications. "That just creates more inflammation in the skin and more likelihood of scarring," she says. "If it gets inflamed, go to the dermatologist and get it drained, evaluated for infection, and treated."

Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington