Can Dermatologists Remove Ingrown Hairs?
If you’ve tried everything but you’re still dealing with those painful red bumps after shaving, you’re probably wondering, can dermatologists remove ingrown hairs? Ingrown hairs are a common and unfortunate side effect of shaving. However, they tend to occur most due to poor shaving practices like skipping shaving cream and using a dull razor.
While you can treat ingrowns at home, sometimes it’s just easier to see a dermatologist. But what can a dermatologist do for ingrown hairs? Here’s what you should know.
Can Dermatologists Remove Ingrown Hairs?
Yes, in most cases, dermatologists can remove ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs usually resolve on their own. However, if you want to speed the process along or you suspect you may have an infected ingrown hair, you’re better off consulting a dermatologist.
Your dermatologist will use a sterile needle to make a small incision in the skin to untrap the ingrown hair from beneath the skin’s surface. Once the hair is released, your dermatologist may give you a retinoid or topical steroid cream to minimize any swelling, discoloration, or irritation. If the ingrown hair was infected, they may prescribe an antibiotic lotion.
If you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to speak to your dermatologist. They’ll be able to examine the ingrown hair and advise on the best treatment method.
Can You Remove Ingrowns at Home?
According to dermatologists, you should only remove an ingrown hair at home if the hair has already broken through the skin and you have a sterile needle you can use to remove it. That being said, if ingrown hairs are a common occurrence, it’s always a better and safer idea to see a dermatologist.
To do it properly, lift the hair with the needle, catch it in the eye of the needle, and then twist and pull the hair out. Dermatologists always recommend using a needle instead of plucking it out with a pair of tweezers.
Can dermatologists remove ingrown hairs? Yes they can, but you can also speed up the ingrown removal process by using a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. This will help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells and loosen the hair follicles, untrapping the hair and reducing future risk of razor bumps. A warm compress can also help to loosen the ingrown hair.
Best Ingrown Hair Treatments
While dermatologists can remove ingrown hairs for you, you can also try one of these at-home ingrown treatments.
Truly’s Smooth Legend After Shave Serum
SHOP NOW
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Squalane, Plum Oil, Lactic Acid | Scent: Jasmine, Blackcurrant, & Vanilla Woods
A skin refining serum formulated with lactic acid and glycolic acid to buff away dead cells, combat ingrowns, and leave skin soft and smooth. It’s also enriched with hydrating plum oil, vitamin E, and squalane for a natural glow that lasts all day.
Truly’s Glass Skin After Shave Oil
SHOP NOW
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Jojoba Oil | Scent: Soap Bubble Accord, White Musk & Coconut Milk
Get glass skin from head to toe with this airbrush effect after shave oil. It’s made with bakuchiol to encourage cell turnover and fight ingrowns, along with vitamin C to brighten dark spots and discoloration. Meanwhile, niacinamide and jojoba oil soothe and hydrate for a smooth, supple, and luminous finish.
Truly’s Cooka Ingrown Concentrate
SHOP NOW
Key Ingredients: Tea Tree, Lavender, Primrose, Jojoba Oil | Scent: Spa-Like
A topical concentrate designed to treat and prevent ingrown formation on the bikini area, underarms, or anywhere where hair meets skin. Lavender and tea tree’s antimicrobial effects work alongside moisturizing jojoba and primrose to relieve inflammation, reduce redness, zap away pimples, and combat ingrown hairs.
Truly’s Coco Cloud Ingrown Prevention and Brightening Deodorant
SHOP NOW
Key Ingredients: Mandelic Acid, Coconut Oil, Mango Butter | Scent: Coconut & Warm Vanilla
An ingrown-fighting deodorant that busts odors and keeps your armpits bright and bump-free. It gently exfoliates with mandelic acid and combats odor-causing bacteria with coconut oil while softening skin with mango butter. Plus, it’s clean, vegan, and aluminum-free.
Tips for Preventing Ingrowns
The best way to prevent ingrowns after shaving is mastering your shaving routine and hair removal methods. For starters, always exfoliate before shaving. This will remove the buildup of dead skin cells, allowing your razor to glide and cut hair more easily. We suggest starting your shave in the shower so the warm water can open your pores and soften hair.
Next, always use shaving cream, gel or butter so that your razor has cushioning, preventing razor burn, cuts, and bumps. It’s also important to use a good quality razor with clean, sharp blades for a smooth, close shave. A five-blade razor is particularly good for shaving the pubic area where hair is coarse. Another essential: always shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent friction and ultimately, irritation.
Of course, you can consider alternative hair removal techniques and methods like waxing, electrolysis, depilatory, and laser hair removal. That being said, shaving is our fave method since it’s easy, pain-free, and FAST.
Can Dermatologists Remove Ingrown Hairs?
Yes, dermatologists can remove ingrown hairs. In fact, it’s always best to get your ingrown hair removed professionally by a board-certified dermatologist to avoid infection. Whilst your waiting for ingrown hair removal, it’s best to stop shaving to avoid irritating it further.
Most importantly, invest in a luxury shave routine to avoid ingrowns altogether. By mastering your shave, you can enjoy smoother results and less chance of ingrowns. Browse our bestselling shave routines and upgrade your shave today.
