Ingrown Head Hairs

Ingrown head hairs can be an inconvience.

Ingrown hairs are hairs that have grown backwards into the skin. This can be a painful, if not unserious condition for men and women. It generally occurs on the face in the beard area for men and on the legs and armpits for women. It also can occur on the head.

Causes

Ingrown hairs are usually caused by shaving or cutting the hair very close. Men who shave their heads are more likely to get ingrown hairs on their head. Cutting the hair causes it to get a sharp edge. While the hair grows back, this sharp edge may curl backwards onto itself. This causes the hair to grow back into the skin. Ingrown hairs can also cause new hairs to get trapped underneath the skin. Ingrown hairs aren't always caused by shaving. Sometimes the hairs on your head will simply become ingrown by themselves.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the skin is a first sign of ingrown hair. The skin will be painful to the touch and may even ache. The pain won't be too severe, however. Small bumps will generally appear on the skin. The number of these bumps will vary depending on the severity of the ingrown hairs. More ingrown hairs will create more bumps. Looking closely at the bump may reveal a small curled hair in the center. The bumps may be itchy and red. Puss may fill up inside of the bumps and even spill out onto your scalp.

Treatments

Occasional ingrown head hairs are usually not a problem. Many of them will eventually grow out from the skin. Individual ingrown hairs can also be pulled out from underneath the surface using tweezers. Don't pluck the hair as this can cause pain in the area. Chronic ingrown hairs may require hair removal creams or electrolysis. Hair removal creams will temporarily remove hair from the afflicted area. Electrolysis, a laser-based procedure, will permanently remove the hair from the area. Topical creams can prevent infections.

Prevention

If you shave your head and fear ingrown hairs, there are simple ways to prevent ingrown hairs from ever occurring. One method is to simply stop shaving your head. However, if you still want to shave your head you should always use proper shaving safety. Electric razors don't shave as close as a regular razor. Always use shaving gels or foams to prevent drying out and irritating the skin. Always shave in the direction of the hair and never against. This helps prevent hair from being cut awkwardly, which can lead to ingrown hairs.

Other Problems

While ingrown hairs are a minor condition, they can lead to other more serious conditions. Itching ingrown hairs can lead to bacterial infections. Avoid scratching your head as much as possible. Soothing balms can help reduce the itching. Skin darkening can also occur if the ingrown hairs are chronic enough. This is caused by hyperpigmentation, which occurs when the skin is in a constant state of irritation. Finally, chronic and untreated ingrown hairs can lead to permanent scars that will scar your head.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Ingrown Hair
• Ingrown Hairs
• Healthy Skin Care: Ingrown Hair