Ingrown hairs occur when the hair fails to break the skin's surface as it grows or pushes back into the skin once it emerges. Areas with thicker follicles or curlier hair are usually the most susceptible, such as the legs, bikini and underarms—but that doesn't exclude other parts of the face or body.
1. Red, Inflamed, Irritated Ingrown Hair
This type is usually caused by bacteria in the pore and leads to inflammation. These are often sensitive to touch and can look like a pimple. They can be treated by applying a warm compress. Try not to touch it with bare hands in order to limit adding bacteria to the area. Also you can apply a calming oil with a q tip to sooth the ingrown as well.
2. Black/Dark Bump really Deep Under the Skin
This type is cause by trapped hairs under dead skin. The black/dark bump is actually hair. The hair will continue to grwon under the skinuntil it is worked back to the surface of the skin by exfolilation or by extraction by a professional. You'll want to use a physical exfoliant such as an exfoliating glove to help remove dead skin cells about 3 times a week. Be careful no to over exfoliate or to exfoliate too roughlly as this can cause damage to the healthy skin cells.
3. Black Bumps that Look Like Blackheads
This type of of ingrown is caused by excessive build up in the pores. Usually we can get rid of these ingrowns easily by lightly pressing the pore to encorage the build up to come out of the pore. This is a form of a clogged pore. This type of ingrown can be prevented by using a chemical exfoliant, such as an exfoliating wipe or a roll on exfoliant that has BHA and AHA as key ingredients. These ingredients both remove dead skin cells and break up build up that can be in the pores. Also, make sure not to use products that can clog the pores like heavy oils and butters.
Let's Recap How to Treat Ingrown Hairs
Follow proper aftercare that helps to avoid bacteria in the exposed pores after waxing.
Exfoliate 3-4 times a week
Be sure not to use products that can clog the pore and consider adding an exfoliant that has BHA and AHA in the ingredient list.