Let’s talk about ingrown hairs. Everyone gets them. Whether on your legs, underarms, or bikini line, this uncomfortable irritation is the unfortunate price we (often) pay for hair removal. It doesn’t matter if you shave, wax, or pluck—the occurrence of redness, bumps, and inflammation is extremely common, and it’s about time we get to the bottom of it. We tapped Dr. Diane Madfes, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City—who specializes in dermatology surgery, facial rejuvenation, and general skincare—to help us better understand why ingrown hairs happen and how we can avoid them.
“Ingrown hairs are hairs that are underneath the skin that haven’t pierced through the dermis,” Dr. Madfes told StyleCaster. “They tend to be more prominent in people with curly hair, but there’s also a genetic component. Hair grows parallel to the surface, and if it has been traumatized, like cut at an angle, the hairs get trapped underneath the skin.”
So what’s the solution, you ask? Keep reading to learn the best approach to tackle ingrown hairs and get advice on how to prevent them.
It Starts With a Couple Mistakes
You’re Shaving Wrong
Of course the most common way to remove hair is also the most common reason for ingrown hairs. While we can’t ditch the razor completely, there is a way reduce the bumps.
“What I recommend shaving with a gel or cream and using circular motions. It’s important to hydrate the hair as you’ll get them to lift up and raise off the skin, preventing you from cutting them at an angle,” Dr. Madfes explained.
You’re Not Letting Your Skin Breathe
When skin is constantly rubbing up against your jeans or other tight clothing, the skin will become irritated, only inflaming an ingrown hair more.
“Clothes can contribute. If you’re wearing underwear with an elastic lining that presses onto the skin, the hairs can’t get through. Let your skin breathe,” Dr. Madfes shared.
Here’s What You Can Do
Try a Warm Compress
“Warmth is great. Warmth activates tiny muscles around the hair bulbs, and when they contract (when warm), they lift the hair up, allowing it to grow upward and out and not at an angle,” Dr. Madfes told StyleCaster.
Maintain Waxes and Use the Best Razors
There’s a misconception that shaving is bad and waxing is better and that’s not necessarily the case. Both can cause ingrown hairs without proper prep and aftercare.
“If you shave properly, shaving will actually result in less ingrown hairs than waxing because waxing twists the hair bulb. People tend to prefer waxing because over time, you have less hairs and it requires less maintenance. For people who want to shave, which is perfectly fine, I recommend using a double-blade razor,” Dr. Madfes explained.
Buy the Right Products
Dr. Madfes recommends products that feature salicylic acid, an ingredient that sheds dead cells and decreases redness and swelling. You can find the component in the below products, which are loved by our Commerce Editor, Maya Gandara, and myself (Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor).
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
“I’ve been using First Aid Beauty’s Ingrown Hair Pads for a little over a year now. After shaving with a razor and drying off following a shower, I swipe the pads over my skin, and I repeat this daily. The pads are formulated with glycolic and salicylic acid as well as witch hazel and aloe, making them soothing and hydrating. After a month of use, I noticed my skin was less irritated and inflamed. Now, I rely on these—especially before a pool day or vacation.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“Whenever I’ve gotten a professional wax, ingrown hairs immediately cropped up in the weeks after. For a while, I leaned on the European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Wipes
to keep the painful bumps at bay, and they worked wonders. I would swipe one across areas most prone to ingrowns, following up with the European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Serum. Without these two products, I would have been in far more pain.” — Maya Gandara, Commerce Editor
Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic
“When I had a really bad ingrown situation, I sprinted to Sephora after seeing the girlies rave about Topicals on TikTok. When this serum, which comes in a roll-on form, touched my skin, I instantly felt relieved. In addition to calming inflammation, this product also helps get rid of dark spots, blemishes and evens texture.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
Fur Ingrown Eliminator Serum
“If you couldn’t already tell, I have quite a product rotation when it comes to tackling my ingrowns. I’m pretty heavy handed with this one, lathering my bikini line with it before going in with the brand’s Fur Oil, which I feel has improved the texture of my skin.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
