Are you struggling with pubic ingrown hair? Here’s how to get smooth, bump-free skin in the pubic region.

Even though ingrown hairs are very common, they are still a nuisance. Whether you wax or shave, you must have struggled with painful bumps around the pubic area and your vulva. Ingrown hairs, also known as pseudofolliculitis pubis, develop when Hair grows back into the skin, as opposed to upward and outward. You are more likely to develop painful ingrown hairs in your pubic region because the hairs in this area are thicker than the rest of your body. When these coarser-textured hairs begin to grow and push out, they sometimes curl back into the skin and become stuck, resulting in pubic ingrown hair. Fortunately, there are several methods for preventing ingrown pubic hair and treating them once they emerge.

How to treat pubic ingrown hair?

I have compiled a list of some super effective tips and tricks that will treat pubic ingrown hairs and prevent them from coming back:

Exfoliate before and after hair removal

If you want to banish pubic ingrown hair for good, it is vital to exfoliate the area before and after hair removal. Exfoliating can help eliminate ingrown hairs around the bikini line that have already emerged. To prevent the accumulation of oils and dead skin cells, gently exfoliate the region twice or thrice a week with an exfoliating glove or washcloth and an exfoliating wash.

Change your razors frequently

Shaving creates sharp edges on hair when it is cut. This sharp edge makes it easier for the hair to puncture the skin and grow back into it. To avoid pubic ingrown hair, you need to use a sharp (preferably new) razor each time you shave. Dull razors can tug at your skin, causing severe discomfort and infection. Furthermore, using shaving cream to prevent ingrown hairs is vital since it causes the least amount of skin irritation. And, if you store your razor in the shower, sanitise it frequently with hot water and soap to prevent it from getting contaminated with bacteria. 

Shave in the direction of hair growth

Shaving with the grain or in the direction of hair growth is essential for preventing pubic ingrown hair and minimising irritation. Shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth enables the razor to tug on the hair, pulling it away from the skin before cutting it. This can result in the hair being cut below the skin’s surface, increasing the probability of it becoming trapped when it regrows. Shaving along the direction of hair growth helps keep the hair above the skin long enough for it to grow out naturally without curling back and becoming ingrown.

Use a warm compress

If you are struggling with pesky bumps around your pubic region, a warm compress can help. The warmth from the compress helps to open up the hair follicles. When hair follicles are open, hair may grow out naturally instead of curling back into the skin. This is particularly helpful for preventing hair from becoming trapped when it regrows after shaving or other hair removal treatments. Furthermore, if you prefer to shave your pubic area, applying a warm compress before shaving might make the process easier and less painful. It makes the razor glide more effortlessly, reducing the risk of nicks, cuts, and skin irritation.

Try retinoids

Tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A) and other retinoids can help get rid of pubic ingrown hair. They promote the shedding of dead skin cells, which can aid in the prevention of hair follicle clogging. When the hair follicles are free of debris and dead skin, hairs are less prone to become trapped as they grow. Retinoids also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help calm irritated skin. By reducing inflammation, retinoids can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with ingrown hairs.

If you want to learn more about how to treat pubic ingrown hair, schedule a consultation with me here.

The post How to Treat Pubic Ingrown Hair                 first appeared on Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta.