An ingrown hair occurs when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up from the follicle. This can cause small red bumps, inflammation, and sometimes pus-filled spots that may feel tender or itchy.
Ingrown hairs are common in areas where hair is regularly removed, such as the beard area in men, and the legs, underarms, bikini line, and buttocks in women.
While not usually serious, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes lead to dark marks or scarring if irritated.
Anyone can develop ingrown hairs, but they're most commonly seen in people with curly or very coarse hair which can easily bend back and penetrate the skin, resulting in an ingrown hair. This type of ingrown hair is called pseudo folliculitis.
Other causes include shaving or cutting hair very short, or the build up of dead skin cells in a hair follicle which then causes the hair to grow inside and under the skin. High levels of certain sex hormones can also cause excessive hair growth, which in turn makes ingrown hairs more likely.
Ingrown hairs will often disappear on their own, but if they become infected, you could be left with darker skin areas or scars, particularly if the area has been picked or scratched. Although ingrown hairs are not serious to health, they can be very irritating for sufferers.
Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and reduce the likelihood of hairs becoming trapped. Using proper shaving techniques and avoiding overly close shaving may also help minimise irritation.
For persistent or recurrent ingrown hairs, professional hair removal treatments can significantly reduce hair growth and prevent future occurrences.
At Body Perfection, we understand that recurring ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and frustrating.
We offer advanced treatments designed to reduce hair growth safely and effectively, helping to prevent ingrown hairs while improving overall skin clarity and texture.
Our aim is smoother, calmer skin — delivered with expert care and long-term results in mind.
If you'd like to talk through your skincare needs or find out more about any of our treatments, simply fill in the form below and we'll be in touch to book your consultation.