Deep ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but dermatologists say patience and gentle skin care are often the best first steps.

If you regularly shave, wax, tweeze or otherwise remove unwanted hair, chances are you have encountered an ingrown hair at some point. These small bumps can appear almost anywhere hair grows and may be particularly noticeable after hair removal.

While some ingrown hairs disappear without much attention, deeper ones can linger beneath the surface of the skin. They may look like pimples and can sometimes become red, swollen, itchy or tender.

Trying to remove a stubborn ingrown hair yourself may seem tempting, especially when it is easy to see or feel beneath the skin. However, dermatologists generally recommend resisting the urge to pick, squeeze or dig at it. Doing so can irritate the surrounding skin and increase the possibility of marks or infection.

The good news is that several simple changes to your hair removal routine can help lower the chances of developing ingrown hairs in the first place.

1. Understand why ingrown hairs happen

An ingrown hair develops when a hair grows back into the skin instead of moving normally through the surface. This often happens after shaving, waxing, tweezing, threading or cutting hair very close to the skin.

Dead skin cells can also contribute by blocking a hair follicle and interfering with the hair’s normal growth path.

Anyone can develop an ingrown hair, but people with thick, coarse or curly hair may be more prone to them because the hair can naturally curve back toward the skin.

2. Prepare your skin before hair removal

A little preparation can make hair removal gentler on the skin. Before shaving or removing hair, wash the area with warm water. This helps soften the hair and prepares the skin for the process.

If you shave, use a shaving cream, gel or another product that provides enough lubrication. Shaving on dry skin can create unnecessary friction, which may contribute to irritation.

Your razor also matters. Using a sharp, clean razor and moving it in the same direction as hair growth can help reduce irritation and limit the chances of hairs growing back at an unusual angle.

3. Give exfoliation a place in your routine

Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that may otherwise collect around hair follicles. Depending on your skin type, an appropriate exfoliating product may be used before or after hair removal.

The emphasis should be on gentle care. Scrubbing aggressively over an existing bump can make irritation worse rather than helping the hair emerge.

If your skin becomes especially sensitive after shaving or waxing, allow it time to settle before introducing additional products.

4. Resist the urge to dig out a deep ingrown hair

This may be the hardest step, particularly when an ingrown hair is visible beneath the skin. Dermatologists generally advise against trying to extract a deep ingrown hair with a needle, tweezers or other sharp tools at home.

Picking and squeezing can damage the surrounding skin and potentially leave behind discoloration or scarring. Introducing unclean tools to the area can also raise the possibility of infection.

Most ingrown hairs eventually resolve without being manually removed. Instead of attempting to force the hair out, focus on keeping the area clean and using gentle skin care.

A warm compress may also be recommended by a health care professional. Pausing hair removal in the affected area can give the skin and hair follicle an opportunity to recover.

5. Know when professional treatment may help

A deep ingrown hair that refuses to improve may need professional attention. A dermatologist can examine the area and determine whether additional treatment is appropriate.

Depending on the situation, treatment may include topical products containing retinoids, which can help with the buildup of dead skin cells and discoloration. A physician may also recommend an anti-inflammatory treatment if the surrounding area is particularly irritated.

Laser hair removal can be another option for people who repeatedly experience ingrown hairs. By reducing hair growth over time, it may help address one of the underlying causes of recurring bumps.

In more significant cases, a doctor may determine that medication is necessary if there are signs of infection.

When should you see a dermatologist?

An occasional ingrown hair usually does not require medical attention. However, a bump that remains for around two weeks, becomes increasingly uncomfortable or starts looking worse is worth discussing with a dermatologist or primary care physician.

Professional guidance can also be especially useful if ingrown hairs happen frequently. A dermatologist can help identify potential triggers and suggest a hair removal or skin care routine that is better suited to your skin and hair type.

The bottom line

Deep ingrown hairs can be annoying, but trying to remove them yourself is not always the best solution. Picking, squeezing or using sharp tools can create additional skin problems and may leave behind lasting marks.

Instead, focus on prevention by preparing the skin before hair removal, using adequate lubrication, shaving with the direction of growth, keeping the skin moisturized and incorporating gentle exfoliation when appropriate.

When a deep ingrown hair persists or becomes increasingly bothersome, professional care is the safest next step. With the right approach, you can address existing bumps while also making future ones less likely to appear.