Ingrown hairs are a common nuisance that almost everyone who removes facial or body hair has to deal with at some point.
These unsightly and often painful bumps can pop up in areas that are shaved or waxed regularly - like the face, legs, armpits and pubic area.
“Ingrown hairs appear when a hair gets trapped and grows back into the skin instead of rising up from it,” explains Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London. “This can happen if the hair is cut or broken below the skin level or if it's unable to grow straight out because it’s curly or coarse in texture. The trapped hair can cause irritation, inflammation and small, painful bumps on the skin, which can become easily infected.”
Yet with the right products and know-how, ingrown hairs can be treated - and even prevented. Dr Mahto answers some frequently asked questions about managing and preventing these irritating bumps.
What causes ingrown hairs and can you prevent them from forming?
“Shaving using dull razors or having naturally curly or coarse hair can cause ingrown hairs,” says Dr Mahto. “You can prevent them by using a sharp razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth and avoiding overly tight clothing that rubs against the skin. Exfoliating regularly and keeping the skin well-moisturised can also reduce risk, as can switching to other hair removal methods, like laser hair removal.”
Are certain skin types or hair textures more prone to ingrown hairs?
“People with curly or coarse hair are more prone to ingrown hairs, as their hair tends to curl back into the skin. Those with sensitive skin may experience increased irritation from hair removal, which makes ingrown hairs more likely. Oily skin types can also be at higher risk, as blocked pores make it harder for hairs to break through the surface,” adds Dr Mahto.
How can ingrown hairs be prevented and treated?
Regular exfoliation is essential for preventing ingrown hairs. It helps to remove dead skin cells that can block hair follicles, and when done a few days before shaving or waxing, it can make the hair removal process smoother. “Use tools, such as an exfoliating brush or mitts with a mild exfoliating cleanser,” advises Dr Mahto. “Products containing salicylic or glycolic acid can unclog pores, free trapped hairs and even calm down inflammation and redness. Look out for tea tree oil too - as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,” the expert adds.
You may be tempted, but avoid picking or squeezing ingrown hairs, as this can lead to infection and scarring.
When should an ingrown hair cream be applied?
Generally, only those who are prone to ingrown hairs need to use products specifically targeting them after hair removal. “Use ingrown hair products a few hours after hair removal or even the following day - this allows the skin to settle and reduces the risk of irritation from ingredients like salicylic or glycolic acid,” advises Dr Mahto.
“After hair removal, soothe the area with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera gel. Once the initial sensitivity subsides, apply the ingrown hair product as directed to keep pores clear,” she says.
What happens if ingrown hairs are left untreated?
If left untreated, ingrown hairs might become infected, especially if they are picked or scratched. “Infected ingrown hairs may form pustules or cysts, which can be painful and sometimes require medical treatment. Persistent ingrown hairs and improper treatment can also lead to hyperpigmentation and scarring,” Dr Mahto says.
How can you tell if an ingrown hair is infected?
An infected ingrown hair usually shows up as a red, swollen bump that feels warm and tender or even painful to the touch. You might notice a white or yellowish tip if there’s pus, and the skin around it can look inflamed.
“For mild cases, apply a warm compress several times a day to reduce inflammation and help draw out the hair,” advises Dr Mahto. “An over-the-counter antibiotic cream can also be applied to prevent further infection. If the infection doesn't improve within a few days or spreads, go and see a GP who may prescribe a stronger antibiotic.”
Best ingrown hair creams at a glance
How we tested
We tested each product over two weeks with a panel of people who frequently experience ingrown hairs. Each tester used the products as directed, focusing on areas like the bikini line, legs, underarms and face. We looked at each product’s ease of application and effectiveness at reducing ingrown hairs, redness and irritation. We also noted any improvements in skin smoothness.
Ingrowns, begone! Shop the selection below
Skin Doctors Ingrow Go Lotion
Best for: Treating painful ingrown hairs
This liquid exfoliator can be used anywhere on the face and body that is prone to ingrown hairs. It combines isopropyl alcohol, an antibacterial that clears out pores and prevents infection, with glycolic acid to dissolve dead skin cells and release trapped hairs, plus propylene glycol to keep skin hydrated.
We were impressed with how quickly it reduced razor bumps and soothed painful ingrown hairs - credit goes to the added aspirin, a powerful anti-inflammatory that also eases redness and swelling.
The formula can be drying on the hands, so it’s best to use a cotton ball or cotton bud, dabbing it onto problem areas twice a day until the skin clears. If your skin is especially prone to ingrowns, start using it a couple of days before hair removal. While the scent may be strong, it’s worth it for the results.
Buy now £14.99, LookFantastic
First Aid Ingrown Hair Pads
Best for: People with sensitive skin
These single-use, travel-friendly pads are perfect for keeping ingrown hairs in check. Soaked with powerful exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acids, they do a great job at sloughing away dead skin cells that can trap hairs and lead to unsightly bumps. We noticed a visible reduction in the look of razor bumps and painful ingrown hairs felt more comfortable after use.
Designed to be used 24 hours after hair removal, the pads also contain soothing witch hazel and aloe to soften and refresh the skin. The tub is filled with 60 pads that are free from artificial fragrance, making them a good option for sensitive skin types.
If you do use them on the face, don’t forget to apply an SPF afterwards, as some of the added acids can cause sun sensitivity.
Buy now £20.00, Boots
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Best for: Congested skin
This fast-absorbing, leave-on blend is ideal for anyone struggling with post-shave bumps or ingrown hairs.
Filled with anti-inflammatory salicylic acid, the liquid formula is kinder on the skin than gritty scrubs. It’s also oil-soluble, so it easily penetrates the pores to unclog them and gently lift away blockages. The added green tea extract has a calming effect, helping to reduce redness and soothe irritation.
Using it couldn’t be simpler - just soak a cotton pad, swipe it over trouble spots and let it get to work. We found it a saviour for those annoying bumps on the legs that shaving can leave behind, and a little goes a long way in keeping skin super smooth.
Buy now £29.75, Paula’s Choice
Decleor Post Hair Removal Cooling Gel
Best for: Cooling
If you’re prone to post-wax irritation or shaving-induced redness, you’ll love this cooling gel. Packed with anti-inflammatory clove and soothing chamomile, it’s designed to take the sting out of hair removal. The added lipohydroxy acid gently dissolves dead skin and sebum from the pores, making it a great choice for sensitive skin types.
The gel formula has a cooling effect that quickly calms the skin and leaves it refreshed. You can also use it on the body, including sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms. It’s recommended for use a few hours after hair removal.
Although we didn’t use it for long enough to notice, the makers claim that, when used daily, it can even help slow regrowth.
Buy now £35.57, Superdrug
Kiehls Ultimate Razor Burn and Bump Relief
Best for: Men
If you suffer from post shave razor bumps and irritation, this cream is a must-try. Perfect for use on freshly-shaved areas, it’s packed with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, along with lipohydroxy acid and willow herb extract, which work together to gently exfoliate the skin.
It gave the face soothing relief after shaving and it really helped to calm and nourish irritated areas on the neck. You only need a pea-sized amount that can be applied like a moisturiser. It’s gentle enough to use twice a day on problem zones, and once the skin settles, switch to once-daily use to keep ingrown hairs at bay.
Buy now £23.00, Kiehls
DeoDoc Ingrown Hair Exfoliator
Best for: Intimate areas
Created by a team of doctors and gynaecologists, this exfoliating stick is designed to prevent and reduce ingrown hairs in sensitive areas like the bikini line, following any type of hair removal - be it waxing, shaving or epilating.
Filled with finely crushed volcanic lava stones, it provides gentle exfoliation to clear away dead skin cells, creating the optimal environment for hair to grow without obstruction. Apply it on damp skin and rinse off - just like you would with any exfoliator.
It does a brilliant job at minimising discomfort and eradicating stubborn ingrown hairs along the bikini line. It’s also enriched with minerals and skin-loving vitamin E, so it leaves skin feeling smooth and well-moisturised.
For best results, use it the day after hair removal, and two to three times a week thereafter until your skin looks the way you want it to.
Buy now £30.00, Cult Beauty
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
Best for: Preventing ingrown hairs
A dermatologist favourite, this fragrance-free cream is formulated to gently exfoliate dry, bumpy skin - a common culprit behind ingrown hairs.
Brimming with a blend of salicylic and lactic acids to slough away dead skin cells, 10 per cent urea for smoothing plus calming niacinamide - the cream works well to smooth and nourish post-hair removal dryness and irritation on the face and body.
It quickly locks in moisture, provides long-lasting hydration and improves overall skin texture. While it’s ideal for preventing rough skin and ingrown hairs, it's also a good option for those with skin issues like keratosis pilaris or psoriasis.
We recommend using it daily for softer, clearer skin that's free from unwanted bumps.
Buy now £22.50, Boots
Murad Retexturising Body Pads
Best for: Convenience
Each swipe of these handy doctor-formulated pads releases a triple acid blend of anti-inflammatory azelaic, plus salicylic and glycolic acids to help clear away follicle-blocking dead skin cells.
We found them incredibly easy to use. They had an immediate calming effect on waxing-induced irritation on the legs and underarms and the added amino acids gave skin a really smooth and refreshed feeling. They’re versatile too - you can use them to treat breakouts on the face and tackle keratosis pilaris - those red, bumpy spots that can appear on the back of the arms and legs.
While they may be on the pricier side, the jar comes loaded with 45 pads that go a long way.
Buy now £49.00, Murad
Fur Ingrown Eliminator Serum
Best for: Face and body
This post-hair removal serum features a potent blend of ingredients to help soothe irritation and eliminate ingrown hairs.
Willow bark extract - a gentler form of salicylic acid, helps to purge pores and prevent inflammation, while lactic acid exfoliates and frees the hairs before they become ingrown. Antibacterial lavender oil quickly calms and heals and cold-pressed aloe juice offers hydration.
We like that it is safe to use practically anywhere - including the underarms, pubic area, on the eyebrows and chin. After regular use, we found that the underarms felt noticeably softer after daily use and there were also fewer bumps in the pubic area. In a brand-led study, 95 per cent saw a reduction in the appearance of ingrown hairs.
Buy now £36.00, Cult Beauty
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
Best for: Multitasking
This useful multitasking stick can tackle multiple skin concerns. Key ingredients include glycolic and salicylic acid that are brilliant for eliminating excess oil and chemically buffing away and dissolving dead skin that can cause ingrown hair, while the added shea butter smooths and hydrates.
Besides ingrown hairs, it can also treat keratosis pilaris, breakouts and dry heels. We like the easy-to-use stick format - it glides on smoothly and offers precise and mess-free application. Just remember to wait at least eight hours after hair removal before using it, to avoid sensitivity.
Buy now £13.50, Amazon
Verdict
Skin Doctors Ingrow Go Lotion’s fast-acting formula effectively eradicates even the most stubborn ingrown hairs, while easing the discomfort that comes with it. It contains dermatologist-recommended ingredients and is suitable for use on both the face and body.
The First Aid Ingrown Hair Pads, also won us over. Easy to use, travel-friendly and does a brilliant job at keeping ingrown hairs and bumpy skin under control.
