Ingrown Hairs

• Ingrown hairs are a common occurrence for anyone who engages in hair removal. An ingrown hair is a hair that grows from the follicle and gets trapped underneath the surface of the skin. The hair then continues to grow under the layer of skin, resulting in a bump. The tip of the hair shaft pierces the interior of the pore as it grows, and this can result in the bump becoming painful, inflamed or red. Ingrown hairs typically get trapped under the surface by dead skin cells or debris that clogs the pore.
  
  

Ingrown Hairs along the Bikini Line

• The bikini line is one of the most sensitive areas of skin on the body. Since the skin in this area is so delicate, it is especially prone to ingrown hairs after hair removal (such as shaving, waxing or electrolysis) because of its sensitivity and easy irritability. If undergarments rub against freshly waxed or shaved skin along the bikini line, the friction can cause further irritation. Since the area is so delicate, an effective yet non-irritating treatment is essential for addressing ingrown hairs.
  
  

Salicylic Acid

• Salicylic acid has many functions in the skin care arena, including relieving ingrown hairs. The acid gently exfoliates the skin, clearing away the debris that has clogged the pore and trapped the hair. Opening up the pore frees the hair and allows it to grow outward from the skin. Salicylic acid helps eventually to heal the ingrown hair, and it disappears.
  
  

Treating Ingrown Hairs with Salicylic Acid

• Squirt a few drops of a salicylic acid treatment onto a cotton ball. Dab the cotton ball on the skin of the bikini area and let dry for a minute or two. If your underwear is causing added irritation to the ingrown hairs, consider wearing undergarments made of cotton, which typically is the least irritating type of fabric.
  
  

Preventing Ingrowns

• To prevent further ingrown hairs in the bikini area, shave with a clean, fresh razor in the direction of hair growth. Dull blades tend to cut skin easier, so make sure the blade is sharp. Use a light moisturizer that won't clog pores if needed. There are skin care products that can be applied to freshly shaved skin or post-wax or post-electrolysis skin to stave off future bumps.