What Causes Ingrown Hairs and How to Stop Them (For Good)
They’re small, but they can really mess with your face.
Ingrown hairs—those red, itchy, sometimes painful bumps—are the unwanted side effect of shaving, trimming, or even just having curly hair. The worst part? They’re sneaky. They show up when you least expect them, usually right before a date, a meeting, or a photo you’ll be tagged in forever.
Here’s the no-nonsense guide to what actually causes ingrown hairs—and how to finally get rid of them (and keep them from coming back).
What Exactly Is an Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair happens when the hair grows sideways or curls back into the skin instead of rising straight out of the follicle. Your body sees it as an invader, and boom—inflammation, redness, bumps, and sometimes pus.
They can appear anywhere you shave or trim—face, neck, jawline, back of the head, even chest or legs.
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
1. Shaving Too Close
A super-close shave can sharpen the hair’s tip, making it more likely to pierce the skin as it grows back.
2. Curly or Coarse Hair
Naturally curly or coarse hair grows in loops or bends, making it way more likely to re-enter the skin after shaving or trimming.
3. Clogged Pores
Dead skin cells, oil, and dirt can trap hairs beneath the surface, blocking their path and pushing them sideways.
4. Improper Technique
Dry shaving
Dull razors
Shaving against the grain
All of these increase your risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.
5. Friction from Clothing
Tight collars, helmet straps, or even pillowcases can rub hair back into the skin after shaving—especially on the neck.
How to Stop Ingrown Hairs (And Keep Them Gone)
Let’s be real—there’s no magic fix. But the right routine and tools can dramatically reduce them.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Use a gentle facial scrub or chemical exfoliant (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid) 2–3 times a week. This clears away dead skin and frees trapped hairs.
Pro Tip: A boar-bristle beard brush also helps exfoliate and train your hairs to grow in the right direction.
2. Shave Smarter
Use a sharp, clean razor
Apply a warm towel beforehand to soften skin
Shave with the grain, not against it
Use a thick shaving gel or cream, not soap
Rinse with cool water after, then moisturise
Switch to single-blade razors or electric trimmers if you're prone to bumps. Multi-blade razors cut hair below the skin’s surface—exactly where you don’t want it.
3. Don’t Pick or Squeeze
Tempting? Yes. Smart? Nope.
Picking at ingrown hairs can lead to scarring, infection, or hyperpigmentation—especially for darker skin tones.
If the hair is visible at the surface, use sterile tweezers to gently tease it out. If not? Let it ride, exfoliate, and use warm compresses to reduce swelling.
4. Use Targeted Treatments
Look for aftershaves or serums with:
Salicylic acid
Tea tree oil
Witch hazel
Aloe vera
These ingredients calm inflammation, reduce bacteria, and gently dissolve dead skin cells.
5. Keep Your Beard or Stubble Well-Groomed
Longer beards still need maintenance. Comb regularly. Use beard oil to soften the hairs and reduce friction. And don’t forget to exfoliate beneath your beard line.
FAQs
Do ingrown hairs go away on their own?
Most do—but you can speed things up with exfoliation, warm compresses, and topical treatments.
Should I stop shaving completely?
Not necessarily. But you might consider switching to trimming instead of close shaving, especially in sensitive areas.
Are some skin types more prone?
Yes—people with curly hair or sensitive skin are more likely to get ingrown hairs.
Can I still get them with a beard?
Absolutely. Especially around the neckline, where shaving or shaping still happens.
Final Thoughts
Ingrown hairs aren’t a sign you’re doing something wrong—they’re a sign your hair and skin need a little more strategy.
The fix isn’t extreme. It’s consistency. A smart routine, better products, and a few minor adjustments to how you shave or trim—and suddenly, those bumps? Gone before they start.
Because smoother skin doesn’t start with a blade—it starts with Barbershop-level knowledge.