Ingrown Hairs – Causes and Appearance

After a fresh shave or following the completion of another method of hair removal, there are three main lingering threats to consider – razor bumps, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Since there are a variety of skin irritations that can infiltrate the body, it is important to first identify your problem before assessing its cause and then locating the most appropriate treatment approach.

Try to remember that not all bumps on the skin are the handiwork of ingrown hairs. Typically, the skin shows visible irritation (often in the form of redness, swelling, or raised patches of skin) when an ingrown hair is present – but so do a lot of other common concerns. A small pimple-like formation may appear. Sometimes, pus is found in the center of the bump, which is a sign of infection. However – just below the skin, a hair is often found – usually positioned at a sideways angle.

In case you didn’t know – individuals with a Nordic, Mediterranean, or African heritage are highly susceptible to this common condition because they possess coarse, wavy, or wiry hair more likely to curl back into the skin. As a result, one may suffer irritation, itchiness, redness, and inflammation. In the worst cases, ingrown hairs can:

lead to infected follicles
fill with pus
cause discoloration of the skin
leave behind scars

As you begin to explore the ins and outs of ingrown hairs, you should become familiar with the different factors that can ultimately increase your risk for suffering the condition. Just some of the common causes to keep in mind the next time you attempt to remove hair from any part of the body include:

shaving techniques and habits
rushing through the shaving process
inappropriate choice of shaving equipment
waxing
clogged pores
poor after-shave care
thin skin and sensitive body parts
dull razors or blades