Ingrown underarm hair: Causes & prevention

Ingrown underarm hair can be a frustrating and sometimes even painful issue that many people face, especially those who regularly shave, wax or pluck their armpits. These tiny bumps may look harmless, but they can cause itching, redness, and even infection if not managed properly.

 

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, ‘why do I get ingrown hairs under my armpits?’ or ‘how to get rid of underarm ingrown hair without making it worse?’, you’re not alone. The good news? With the right care and a few preventative steps, you can reduce the chances of ingrown armpit hairs and keep your underarms smooth and healthy.

What is ingrown underarm hair?

 

An ingrown underarm hair occurs when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up from the follicle. This can lead to a small, inflamed bump that may resemble a pimple and sometimes fills with pus.¹ 

 

Common symptoms of underarm ingrown hairs include:²

 

• Red or dark bumps under the skin
• Itching or tenderness
• Small amounts of pus in some cases
• Pain when shaving or applying deodorant
   

Though not usually serious, ingrown underarm hair can become infected or lead to scarring if picked or irritated repeatedly.¹

What causes ingrown hairs under the armpits?

 

There are several reasons you might be developing ingrown underarm hair, especially if they keep coming back in the same area. Understanding what causes ingrown hairs under the armpits is the first step towards treating and preventing them. Some of the common causes include:

 

• Shaving too closely or with a dull blade: This cuts the hair in a way that makes it easier for it to grow back into the skin.
• Hair removal methods like waxing or plucking: These can cause hair to break beneath the surface or change direction as it regrows.
• Tight clothing and friction: Constant rubbing in the underarm area can irritate the skin and trap hairs under the surface.
• Naturally curly or coarse hair: People with curly hair are more prone to ingrown hairs, as strands are more likely to curl back into the skin.²
• Buildup of dead skin cells: Clogged pores can block hair from exiting properly.
• Poor shaving technique: Shaving against the grain or without a proper skin prep can increase the risk.
   

So, the next time you ask yourself, ‘why do I get ingrown hairs under my armpits?’, it could be due to one or a mix of these factors.

How to get rid of underarm ingrown hair safely

 

If you're already dealing with one or more ingrown underarm hairs, it’s important to treat them gently and avoid squeezing or picking. Many people struggle with ingrown armpit hair. How to get rid of it without making the problem worse comes down to using the right techniques: 

 

• Apply a warm compress: Using a cool, wet compress softens the skin and can help the trapped hair work its way to the surface.
• Gently exfoliate: Use a mild scrub or exfoliating mitt in circular motions to remove dead skin cells and free trapped hairs.
• Use an over-the-counter treatment: Salicylic acid or glycolic acid-based products can reduce inflammation and help unclog pores.³
• Avoid shaving until it heals: Let the skin recover to prevent further shaving irritation.
• Don’t pick or dig at the bump: As tempting as this can be, this increases the risk of infection and scarring.
   

If the bump is very painful, infected, or doesn’t go away, it may be wise to consult a pharmacist or GP for further advice.

Preventing ingrown armpit hair: Tips that actually work

 

Prevention is always better than cure – especially when it comes to figuring out what to do with ingrown hairs in the armpit. Making a few simple changes to your grooming and skincare routine can go a long way in keeping your underarms bump-free. Here’s how to prevent ingrown armpit hair:

 

• Exfoliate regularly: Use a gentle exfoliator 2–3 times a week to remove dead skin and clear hair follicles.
• Use a clean, sharp and skin-friendly shaver: The Philips OneBlade Intimate is a shaver designed to protect sensitive areas like the underarms. Its SkinProtect blades provide an extra layer of protection, helping you achieve an easy, irritation-free shave. 
• Shave in the direction of hair growth: This reduces the chance of hair curling back into the skin.
• Prep the skin before shaving: Soften the area with warm water and a moisturising shave gel.
• Avoid dry shaving: If you find that you are particularly prone to ingrown hairs, shave using a shaving gel or cream to minimise friction and irritation.
• Moisturise after shaving: Hydrated skin is less likely to trap hairs.
• Consider laser hair removal: For a long-term solution, laser treatments reduce hair growth and lower the risk of ingrown hairs.
• Reduce shaving frequency: Whether or not to shave your armpits in the first place comes down to personal preference, though it’s a question many people dealing with ingrown armpit hair revisit from time to time. The best way to prevent ingrown armpit hair may be to start shaving less or even stop shaving entirely. 

 

By taking these steps consistently, you can prevent ingrown armpit hair and keep your skin smooth and irritation-free.

 

Ingrown underarm hair can be annoying, painful and a knock to your confidence – but it's also very common and treatable. By understanding what causes ingrown hairs under armpits, how to treat armpit ingrown hair, and taking steps to improve your shaving and skincare habits, you can reduce how often they appear. 

 

Whether you’re trying to get rid of ingrown armpit hair now or looking to avoid future flare-ups, a little extra care goes a long way. So next time you reach for the shaver, remember: prep, patience, and prevention are key.

 

Struggling with ingrown hairs elsewhere, too? Our guide on how to avoid ingrown hairs down there has you covered.

Sources:

¹ Ingrown hairs, NHS

² Ingrown hairs, NI Direct

³ Ingrown hairs (pseudofolliculitis barbae), First Derm