Chances are - you're probably not going to associate 'folliculitis' with your ingrown nuisances, but this is the medical term given to the hairs that curl back or grow sideways into the skin. To make matters worse, the unlucky will encounter an infection that starts within the hair follicle - usually bringing razor bumps along for the ride. While most people believe only shaving the face will leave behind ingrown hairs, one can experience this unruliness just about anywhere on the body, including the legs, neck, and even a couple of unmentionable places.

For the most part, an ingrown hair is usually the result of broken-off tips that become confused as to which way they should grow. Yes, shaving is the leading cause, but did you know that wearing tight clothing can cause ingrown hairs to develop as well? Embedded hairs create localized inflammation and itching, which usually causes the surrounding region to become red. This is why I suggest you become familiar with the kind of things that can cause ingrown hairs so you can lessen your risk in the first place:

• Bacteria and Fungus: A lot of ingrown hairs develop because bacteria and fungus get in the way. For example, a staph infection (also known as staphylococcus) can irritate hair follicles. This bacterium can attack the beard region causing what is referred to as "barber's itch" - which is notorious for striking the upper lip.


• Friction: When too much friction or contact to hair follicles takes place, an ingrown hair is usually a result. One of the biggest offenders is clothing, especially when it they are tight.


• Blockage: Just like the pores on your skin, if your hair follicles become blocked, an ingrown hair may arise as a response to the irritation of shaving.


• Sharp or Pointy Hair Tips: Leave behind hair tips that are sharp or pointy after tweezing, waxing, shaving, or plucking and the chances of the hair growing into the sides of the skin increases.


• Waxing, Plucking, and Tweezing: The more you wax, pluck, or tweeze, the higher the risk of damaging hair follicles that can lead to ingrown hairs. This outcome will also occur if you have a habit of shaving too close to the skin.


• Curly Hair: When hair is curly or coarse, it faces the highest risk of curving and growing into the skin.


• Dead Skin Cells and Oily Build-Up: When oil starts to clog your hair follicles, an ingrown hair is inevitable. The buildup of dead skin cells in the pores and on the surface of skin also brings on an irritation that can lead to undesirable growth patterns. When hair is seized with dead skin cells and pus, hair may emerge in the wrong direction.


• Dehydrated Skin: A dry face and skin creates the perfect environment for ingrown hairs to develop.

So, maybe you're reading this late and already have a few ingrown hairs to contend with - never fear - I have some suggestions to make your problem less of a hassle. You can first start by getting rid of the irritation by using a warm washcloth to bring the offensive hair to the surface. Then, using a pair of tweezers, manually remove the ingrown hair.

Some people start shaving in a different direction in an effort to retrain misguided hairs. However, others have found success in treating ingrown hairs by allowing them to grow out so they can become straighter. When it comes time to shave, it is a must to make sure your skin and razor are sterile. You could also concentrate on the source of the issue and embrace exfoliation. I'd stock up on facial scrubs, sponges, and creams (with acidic ingredients) to eliminate the dead skin and oil that encourage ingrown hair growth.

In the worst cases, doctor assistance is recommended. He or she may suggest a treatment consisting of ibuprofen or another NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Other ingrown hair treatments to keep in mind include:

• Seek Out Active Ingredients: Choosing a treatment that contains active ingredients is a good way to fight ingrown hairs. I've heard good things about salicylic acid being one of the most active of ingredients that combats razor bumps and other skin irritations. Not only do products with this kind of acid help to prevent infection, but also exfoliates, moisturizes, and clears pores. However, I strongly suggest you stay away from products with a lot of alcohol - because you'll only make matters worse by drying the skin and causing pores to close up.


• Exfoliate: Use gentle face scrubs that contain glycolic and salicylic acid to remove the upper layers of dead skin responsible for some ingrown hair attacks. Daily use works best.


• T.L.C. for the Beard: Hey fellas - want to reduce ingrown hairs in your beard? First, you need to improve the surface of your skin and a good way to accomplish this is by using a soft-bristle face brush with liquid cleanser to dislodge the tips of ingrown hairs. Stick with a circular motion for best results.


• Shaving Techniques: Some people suffer from ingrown hairs because they need to revamp their shaving techniques. Stop shaving so closely and pulling at the skin during hair removal. Lessen the amount of pressure you apply to the blades. A single-blade razor is also recommended.


• Reduce Redness: Reach for the products that contain azulene, allantoin and witch hazel if you want to treat the redness and swelling that sometimes accompanies ingrown hairs.

While there are various ways to remove an ingrown hair, I'd like to share a method that works best for me. First, I identify the ingrown hair, as not all bumps and blemishes on the skin are the result of wayward hairs. I scan my upper lip and chin region and even check my legs. Ingrown hairs have a knack for causing skin irritations that look and feel like a small pimple, and will sometimes even contain pus. However, when you're able to catch sight of a hair just below the skin - you know what you're basically dealing with.

I apply a clean washcloth moistened with warm water onto the trouble spot, which softens the skin. Just before the washcloth begins to cool, I repeat the warm water process. Luckily, this method will cause the hair to soften and move closer to the surface of the skin. If you've applied the warm washcloth for ten minutes and no hair emerges - you probably don't need an ingrown hair treatment.

With a sterile needle or tweezers in hand, gently remove the hair. It is important to "tease" the hair out of the skin and never pluck, which will only cause further irritation and possible infection. If you have to dig for the hair, this is a sign that you need to reapply the warm washcloth. Keep in mind that it is normal to encounter a stubborn ingrown hair, but remember to remain patient. If you do not take your time - you'll cut the skin and cause unnecessary marks.

Once you have successfully removed the ingrown hair, wash the region with warm water and moisturizing soap. This gentle treatment will combat infection. If you make the mistake of choosing a soap that dries out the skin, you'll find yourself dealing with the same ingrown hair in the future. I also like to use an antiseptic after this process (like hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide or rubbing alcohol) for extra protection. I additionally follow up with a moisturizer, so the skin does not dry out.

I've had friends tell me that nothing seems to work for their ingrown hair issues, but I'd like to mention a few tips to keep in mind when you're trying to prevent or treat this frustrating and common occurrence.

• Make sure you use clean tools to extract and treat ingrown hairs. Boil instruments and use rubbing alcohol to disinfect.


• Loosen up your clothing - wear pants, skirts, and shorts that don't cling to the skin.


• Make a loofah your new best friend in the shower and use on the skin each time you bathe.


• No matter how expensive, fancy, or popular - ditch any shaving or skin care product that causes irritation.


• Men and women have been able to control ingrown hairs by using treatments specially designed for this condition. Anthony Logistics for Men is one of the first products that pop into my head.


• If your ingrown hair problem is persistent and attacking many different parts of the body - try considering laser hair removal or chemical treatments as a last resort.