At some point in our lives, the majority of us will have experienced ingrown hairs. They can result after most methods of hair removal – shaving, plucking, waxing and even electrolysis. We are going to explore why they happen and what you can do to reduce the occurrence of those annoying ingrown hairs that can be uncomfortable and cause inflammation and spots.
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin after removal, leading to inflammation, bumps, and even infections. Plucking hairs can disrupt and distort the hair follicle, which can further exacerbate the problem. Shaving is very harsh on the skin’s barrier, causing dryness that can prevent hair from breaking through the skin correctly. This is why the correct products are key to ensure that the skin stays optimally hydrated.
Shaving rash. The condition is characterised by redness, irritation, and sometimes even painful bumps as well as infections in the hair follicle (folliculitis). To prevent shaving rash, always use a product to protect the skin, preferably non-fragranced, to prevent further irritation.
Prepare your skin with warm water and a quality shaving medium (we recommend coconut oil) to soften the hair and create a protective barrier for your skin.
Always shave in the direction of hair growth using a sharp, clean razor to minimise irritation.
Afterwards, soothe your skin with our gentle but effective Lycon Ingrown Spray to calm any inflammation and hydrate the skin.
Is there a way to prevent ingrown hairs and shaving rash altogether?
Electrolysis and laser hair removal are excellent options if you want to permanently remove the hair.
Laser hair removal will also treat any hairs that have become trapped and are growing underneath the skin, causing irritation.
If permanent hair removal isn’t feasible, maintaining well-hydrated and protected skin can also alleviate the issue.
First Published: 17/05/2024
Updated: 30/03/2026