What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs grow through the side of the follicle and lie just beneath the skin’s surface. Ingrown hairs are usually caused by tweezing or waxing, when the hair breaks at the weakest point just below the surface of the skin. This can distort the hair, especially if it is pulled against its direction of growth. The hair will then grow under the surface of the skin rather than up and out of the hair follicle. A pimple like inflammation results that is uncomfortable to the patient, especially when it occurs on the inner thigh, the neck, or the underarm. Men with heavy beards can have this problem. When they shave close, the hair pulls back into the hair follicle, and sometimes its direction of growth is altered, causing ingrown hairs. Patients who are prone to ingrown hairs should stop tweezing or waxing and receive electrology treatments immediately.
