7 Ways to Get Rid of Ingrown Hair for Good

I don't need to tell you how annoying ingrown hairs can be. If you've ever had one you'll know just how painful, itchy and irritating they are. According to the NHS, these pesky little things happen when "hairs have curled round and grown back into the skin", which can lead to red, itchy spots and whiteheads. Niiice.

Ingrown hairs can crop up anywhere, from the legs to the bikini line and under arms to the jawline, so how do we get rid of them? Follow our 7 expert tips and put a stop to those oh-so irritating bumps, once and for all...

1. Exfoliate often

According to the NHS "an ingrown hair can occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells". This clogging can force a hair to grow sideways (ouch), but regular exfoliation (once a week) will help prevent that build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. 

2. Consider hair removal creams

Shaving is the biggest culprit for triggering ingrown hairs, this is because 'when the hair grows back, it has a sharper edge and can easily poke back into the skin'. The NHS recommends the simplest way to prevent them "is to let your hair grow freely without shaving it".

3. If you are going to shave, use the best blade

Remember peeps, disposable razors are just that - disposable. We've all been there, that yellow Bic razor has been lurking in the corner of your shower for wayyy to long, and yet you reach for it anyway. The next day, your bod is shaving rash central... That's because disposable razors aren't deigned for long-term use, the blades can dull quickly and leave you with an uneven, bumpy shave - which will only exasperate the ingrown hair sitch. Another option is to invest in an electrical shaver because it doesn't cut the hair quite as close to the skin it pretty much guarantees you won't get any ingrowers or itchy regrowth. So if you aren't fussy about feeling 110% smooth, it might be worth trading off to an electrical option for day-to-day, and keeping your wet razor for special occasions only.

4. Remember shaving cream

If you're using a manual razor it's oh-so important to find a good shaving cream. It will give an extra slip to the skin ensuring blades don't drag, and meaning you can avoid irritating any sensitive spots. Opt for an alcohol-free, sensitive formula, to prevent drying out your skin.

5. Go in the right direction

Shaving in the opposite direction to the hair growth means each hair will be cut at a sharper angle, and is therefore more likely to grow back under the skin. Remember to shave in the same direction as hair growth to prevent this from happening.

6. Post-shave treatment

There are a whole host of 'post-shave' products out there, some good, some not-so good. 

7. Aaand if you do find yourself with an ingrown hair...

You did everything right, but there it is, an angry red spot staring up at you. Firstly, avoid the temptation to squeeze it, as you could end up pushing the hair deeper into the skin, or you could spread bacteria into the pores triggering an infection.

Often minor ingrown hairs can be left alone and they'll usually go away without you having to do anything. However, if the hair is close to the skin and you can see it, the NHS recommend "using a sterile needle or tweezers to gently tease it out. However, don't dig for the hair if it lies deep below the skin's surface." If in doubt though, leave it alone and contact your GP. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.