If you’ve ever dealt with ingrown armpit hair, you know how frustrating—and painful—it can be. What starts as a small bump can quickly turn into a red, swollen lump that makes even the smallest movement uncomfortable. For many, it’s a cycle of trying to manage the irritation, only to end up with even more sensitivity and discomfort.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Ingrown armpit hairs are a common struggle, especially for those with thicker or coarser hair. But the good news is, there are effective ways to fix the problem and, better yet, prevent it from happening altogether.
Why Ingrown Armpit Hair Happens
- Improper Shaving: Shaving too close to the skin or against the grain can cause hair to regrow at an angle. It increases the risk of it becoming trapped under the skin. Dull razors or dry shaving can further irritate the skin.
- Friction and Sweat: The constant movement of your arms and rubbing of clothing, combined with sweat, irritates hair follicles and may force the hair to grow in the wrong direction.
- Hair Type: Coarse or curly hair types have a natural tendency to grow back into the skin instead of outward.
- Irritation from Products: Deodorants and antiperspirants, particularly solids, can block pores and trap growing hairs. Products with harsh chemicals or heavy fragrances can also inflame the skin and cause ingrown hairs.
How to Fix It
Here are some steps to manage and resolve ingrown hairs in the armpit / underarm area and avoid further irritation or complications:
- Spot Treat: Ingrown hairs can be spot treated with glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and encourage the trapped hair to surface naturally. Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub makes a great spot treatment! Pop it on a few minutes before you get in the shower.
- Gentle Cleansing: Wash with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to clean the area and reduce the risk of further irritation or infection. Steer clear of scrubbing or using harsh exfoliants.
- No Picking or Squeezing: Fight the urge to pick at the ingrown hairs. Let the hairs work their way out on their own.
- Moisturise and Soothe: Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturiser to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Moisturisers with aloe vera or chamomile formulations can help soothe inflammation.
- Talk to a Doctor: If the area becomes severely swollen, painful, or infected, waste no time consulting a dermatologist. They may be able to recommend professional treatments or prescribe medication like topical antibiotics.
Break the Cycle with Laser Hair Removal: A Lasting Solution for Ingrown Armpit Hairs
If you’re looking for a way to stop ingrown armpit hairs at the source, Laser Hair Removal might just be what you need.
Here’s why Laser Hair Removal is worth considering:
- Safe for Sensitive Areas: Designed to target hair follicles without affecting surrounding skin, it’s a gentle option for delicate underarm areas.
- Goodbye to Ingrowns: Laser Hair Removal targets hair follicles and decreases the occurrence of hairs being trapped under the skin's surface.
- Great for Different Areas of the Body: While it’s perfect for underarms, laser hair removal is equally effective on other areas prone to ingrown hairs, like legs, bikini lines, or even the face.
- Convenient and Long-Lasting: Laser Hair Removal minimises the need for frequent maintenance. It saves you money and effort in the long run.
If you’re curious about how the process works and what to expect, check out our article on How Laser Hair Removal Works (And Other Questions) for all the details.
Ready to make the change? Book a consultation with Laser Clinics New Zealand today!
