How to get rid of ingrown hairs on legs

What causes ingrown hairs on legs?

An ingrown hair grows back into the skin instead of out through the surface. Shaving removes the hair strand, not the follicle, so the hair's return was never cancelled. New growth can curl back into the skin, particularly when hair is thick, coarse or curly. Close shaving can also leave a sharp hair tip that pierces the skin. Waxing and plucking can cause ingrown hairs too, so switching to either is not an automatic fix.12

How do you soothe ingrown hairs on legs?

1. 1Pause hair removal and let the hair grow rather than shaving over the bumps.
2. 2Wash the affected area with a mild cleanser.
3. 3Hold a warm, wet washcloth against the bumps for 10 to 15 minutes to help the hairs release and ease discomfort.
4. 4Keep the skin moisturised. Ask a pharmacist about creams or lotions for itching if you need more relief.

Should you exfoliate ingrown hairs?

Yes, gentle exfoliation removes dead surface skin cells and can help release trapped hairs. Use warm, not hot, water and small circular movements with a washcloth or exfoliating gel or scrub. Gentle is the useful part: do not scratch or pick at a bump to force the hair out. A moisturiser containing glycolic acid can also exfoliate the surface and reduce new inflamed spots. A pharmacist can help you choose an exfoliating product; you do not need to start with a prescription treatment.123

How long do ingrown hairs take to clear?

Individual ingrown hairs often clear within a few days to two weeks as the hair grows and releases. More severe cases can take several weeks. Widespread razor bumps can take about four to six weeks to settle after stopping the hair removal that caused them. Dark marks or scars can remain after the inflammation has healed.12

How do you prevent ingrown hairs after shaving?

Not shaving is the best prevention. If you resume shaving, prepare the skin first. Shaving cream helps the razor glide, which is a more useful job than making the bathroom look like a shaving advert.35

1. 1Wet your legs with warm water, gently exfoliate before shaving, then apply shaving cream or gel.
2. 2Use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction the hair grows. Do not stretch the skin.
3. 3Use short strokes and as few passes as possible. Rinse the razor after every stroke and leave at least 1 mm of stubble.
4. 4Hold a cool, wet cloth against your legs afterwards, then moisturise once the skin is dry.
5. 5Store the razor outside the shower so it dries between uses. Replace it if it becomes dull, damaged or starts tugging.

Avoid daily shaving if possible. An electric shaver held just above the skin is another option. Hair removal creams can be irritating; for recurring bumps, laser hair removal is an alternative to discuss with a clinician.123

When should you get medical help?

Seek medical help if a bump or the surrounding area is very painful, hot or swollen, or if you develop a fever, chills or feel very unwell. Pus can signal infection. Folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles, can resemble ingrown hairs. If bumps persist despite home care, a clinician can check the cause, release a trapped hair with sterile equipment or prescribe treatment for inflammation or infection.1236