Ingrown facial hair: How to deal with ingrown hairs on chin & face

What are ingrown facial hairs?

An ingrown hair forms when a hair curls back or grows back into the surrounding skin instead of outward.¹ This often happens after hair removal and is more common if you have coarse or curly hair.²

Occasional ingrown hairs on the face for women are normal. Hormonal facial hair growth (for example, during menopause or with conditions like hirsutism) can increase the likelihood of a female having an ingrown hair on chin or upper lip.³

Here are some key characteristics of ingrown facial hair¹²:

• A small, raised bump
• Redness or inflammation
• Tenderness or itching
• Sometimes visible trapped hair under the skin
• Swelling

How ingrown hairs differ from razor bumps

Ingrown hairs can sometimes be mistaken for razor bumps due to their similar features. Here is how you can distinguish between razor bumps and an ingrown chin hair bump:

• Razor bumps tend to appear as clusters of red, inflamed spots and small pustules on the skin.⁴ These bumps develop when hair is shaved too closely, particularly if shaving is done against the direction of hair growth. Irritation arises not only from hairs becoming trapped, but also from inflammation of the surrounding hair follicles. While hairs are also trapped underneath the skin, irritation is triggered by inflammation of hair follicles.⁴
• Ingrown hairs are individual hairs that have curled back or grown sideways into the skin, rather than erupting outward as normal.¹ This can lead to a single, tender bump, sometimes with visible trapped hair beneath the skin. Ingrown hairs are primarily the result of the hair’s growth direction.¹

Both types of skin irritation are triggered by hair removal.

Why do we get ingrown hairs on the face

Several overlapping factors influence why some people frequently get ingrown facial hair:

• Hair type: Coarse or curly hair tends to curve back into the skin, resulting in ingrown hairs on face.¹
• Hair-removal methods: Certain hair removal methods can increase the risk of ingrowns¹:
  • Close shaving, particularly with a blunt razor
  • Shaving against the grain
  • Plucking
  • Waxing
  • Threading
  • Hair removal creams

Removing facial hair using these methods can make it more likely for ingrown hairs to form.

• Hormonal or genetic factors: Hormonal or genetic factors can also influence facial hair growth patterns. Some examples include⁵:
  • Menopause
  • PCOS
  • Aging
  • High stress levels (Cortisol)

If, before reading this guide, you found yourself asking, “I keep getting ingrown hairs on my face, why?” some of these factors may help you better understand ingrown hairs and why they occur.

How to deal with ingrown facial hairs safely

Most ingrown hairs on your chin, cheeks and the rest of your face resolve naturally if left undisturbed. However, visible or painful bumps can be treated at home. Here are some safe at-home ingrown facial hair tips:

• Pause hair removal in the area:Temporarily stop shaving, plucking or waxing over the affected area until it resolves. Continuing to remove hair in or around the ingrown can increase irritation and make recurrence more likely.
• Gentle exfoliation: Use a low-strength chemical exfoliant a few times weekly to dissolve dead-skin build-up that may be trapping the hair.⁶ This can gradually free any trapped hairs so they can grow outward.¹
• Warm compress: Apply a clean warm (not hot) compress for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the skin and follicle opening. This can encourage a deep or tender ingrown chin hair bump to release naturally as swelling reduces.¹
• Soothing anti-inflammatory care: Apply calming ingredients such as aloe vera to reduce redness and discomfort.⁷ Keeping inflammation low helps prevent scars and supports the healing of hair bumps on the chin for females.
• Hands-off healing: Avoid picking or squeezing an ingrown hair on your face. You should also avoid attempting ingrown facial hair removal at home. Manipulation can push the hair deeper, introduce bacteria, prolong healing, and worsen scarring; many ingrowns surface naturally with exfoliation and time.¹
• Seek professional help if needed: See a clinician if the ingrown is very painful, infected, repeatedly recurrent or leaves dark marks.

Depending on their recommendations for treatment, ingrown facial hair removal can be performed safely by a dermatologist; they may also be able to advise longer-term solutions for recurrent cases.

How to avoid ingrown hairs on face

The best way to avoid ingrown hairs on face is to stop removing hair from your face. However, if you do decide to continue with hair removal, we’ve compiled some tips to help you prevent ingrowns in the future:

• Improve shaving technique: Always shave in the direction of hair growth using light pressure and minimal passes. Cutting hairs too short or against the grain increases the chance they will curl back into the skin.¹
• Use a clean, sharp razor every time: Dull or clogged blades create jagged hair tips and require repeated strokes, both of which raise the risk of ingrown hairs.¹ A new, clean blade produces a cleaner cut that grows out more smoothly.
• Prep skin properly before hair removal: Cleanse and soften the skin with warm water or a shower before shaving or trimming. Hydrated hair shafts cut more easily and are less likely to retract below the skin surface.¹
• Use adequate lubrication when shaving: Apply a gentle shaving gel to reduce friction. This allows the blade to glide without tugging.¹
• Exfoliate regularly: Mild chemical exfoliation 2 to 3 times weekly prevents dead-skin build-up that can trap emerging hairs.⁶ Consistent exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to prevent ingrown facial hairs.
• Consider long-term hair removal such as IPL: Devices like the Philips Lumea IPL 9900 Series offer long-term hair reduction by delivering gentle light pulses that target hair growth at the root. With consistent use, you can achieve up to 18 months of noticeably smooth, hair-free skin*.

This reduction in the frequency of hair removal lowers the risk of hairs becoming trapped beneath the skin, helping to prevent ingrown facial hairs.

• Consider epilation as an alternative hair removal method: Much like IPL, epilation removes hair directly from the root. When combined with regular exfoliation, the risk of hairs becoming trapped beneath the skin is minimised, making ingrown hairs far less likely.

The Philips Beauty Set 9900 offers a comprehensive solution for your beauty routine, helping you avoid ingrown facial hairs. This all-in-one kit comes with seven versatile attachments, including a body exfoliation brush and an epilator head, enabling you to achieve beautifully smooth skin while keeping ingrowns at bay.

Discover the convenience of Lumea Try & Buy

With Lumea Try & Buy, sign up for a fixed 12-month payment plan and enjoy complimentary home delivery of the Lumea 9900 Series. Take your time to decide if it’s the right fit for you — if not, simply return it free of charge. After 12 months, the device is yours to keep, or you can choose to purchase it outright at any time.

Experience true flexibility with Try & Buy and make hair removal easier than ever.

FAQs: Ingrown facial hair

Are ingrown facial hairs harmful?

Most ingrown hairs are harmless and resolve naturally. However, repeated picking, squeezing, or attempting to extract them yourself can cause infection and scarring.¹ If you are dealing with persistent or painful ingrowns, speak to your GP.

Should I remove an ingrown hair on my face?

The vast majority of ingrown hairs should be left alone. If the hair is deep, inflamed or infected, leave it to heal naturally or seek professional care.

Are ingrown facial hairs meant to hurt?

Ingrown hairs can be painful, but the level of pain can vary, particularly if they become infected. While most ingrowns will heal on their own, if you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling over a prolonged period, you should see a doctor.

Treating and preventing ingrown facial hairs is achievable with the right approach. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can enjoy smoother, healthier skin and minimise discomfort.

Remember, persistent or painful ingrown hairs should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Prioritise gentle care and consistency for lasting results.

*After 3 treatments. Median result 86% hair reduction on lower legs at 18 months. Individual results may vary. Based on a survey of 90 consumers.