What is ingrown armpit hair? Causes and remedies

Ingrown hairs in the armpits are no longer a rare condition. This can occur in both men and women, and it’s important to understand the causes and the most effective and safe ways to address it. So, what are the causes of ingrown armpit hairs? What are the permanent solutions? Let’s find out with Enbi Bao Bao Nail & Spa in the following article!

What is ingrown hair?

Instead of growing outwards, underarm hair not only grows back but also curls up. This ingrown hair growth is caused by many factors, including shaving. When underarm hair grows inwards, it can increase oiliness, cause pain and inflammation in the area, leading to discomfort.

In most cases, ingrown underarm hairs do not require treatment; however, these conditions can still cause self-consciousness and embarrassment. To minimize this, women should avoid shaving and instead use hair removal products. Hair removal will not puncture the skin and will help reduce ingrown hairs.

However, if you ignore this condition and do not treat it promptly, it can become chronic, leading to infection, skin discoloration, permanent keloid scarring, and razor bumps.

Symptoms of ingrown armpit hairs

Ingrown hairs in the armpits usually occur when sweat glands become blocked and hairs get trapped in the pores. Signs of this include:

• The appearance of pustules, small, round, and firm bumps at the site where the hair grows inward.
• The armpit skin becomes dark, itchy, and painful due to the hair being trapped in the pores.
• The hairs appear below the skin’s surface, causing discomfort and hindering exfoliation and hygiene.

In particular, patients should pay attention to the following symptoms to seek timely medical attention:

• Ingrown hairs that persist for a long time.
• Excessive or dense hair growth due to hormonal imbalances.
• Swelling, inflammation, infection, or darkening of the skin.
• Ugly raised scars.

To prevent and learn how to remove ingrown armpit hairs, we will next examine the causes of this condition.

See more: 21+ simple and effective ways to treat dark armpits at home

Causes of ingrown armpit hairs

Ingrown hairs in the armpits can occur due to various reasons. They often result from improper hair removal, especially with curly hair or damaged skin. Specific causes of this condition include:

The structure of the hair follicle and the direction of the hair shaft

The way hair grows can be affected by this factor. For people with curly hair, it’s not easy for the hairs to grow straight. Therefore, they tend to curl inward, causing ingrown hairs in the armpits.

High levels of sex hormones

People with high androgen levels are also more prone to ingrown hairs in the armpits. This is because androgens are sex hormones that affect hair growth. Therefore, when androgen levels are high, hair can grow excessively compared to normal. This causes hairs to grow inward into the skin instead of outward as usual.

The habit of plucking or shaving hair

Skin can be affected by the habit of frequently shaving or plucking underarm hair, leading to ingrown hairs. This is similar to shaving a man’s beard or a woman’s arm or leg hair. If not completely removed, leftover hair under the skin can cause irritation and inflammation.

Do not exfoliate your skin

Failing to exfoliate your skin can lead to clogged pores. This creates an “obstacle” that prevents hair from growing straight out, causing it to grow inward instead.

Frequently wearing tight-fitting clothes

Wearing tight, form-fitting clothing for extended periods, especially in hot weather, can also cause ingrown hairs. This prevents proper ventilation of the pores, causing hairs to grow inward into the skin.

Other factors that increase the risk of ingrown hairs in the armpits.

Ingrown hairs are a very common health condition that can affect people of all ages. Besides curly hair, several other factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. Some common factors include:

• Genetics: If someone in your family has this condition, your chances of developing it are very high.
• Using low-quality products: Using unsuitable skincare products or services can increase the risk of this uncomfortable symptom.
• Using too many skincare products: However, using too many skincare products can also increase this risk.
• Improper skincare: If you don’t take proper care of your skin, ingrown hairs can occur.
• High Body Mass Index (BMI): People with a higher BMI tend to have more body fat, which can lead to ingrown hairs.

See more: Armpit beauty services you should know

How to deal with ingrown armpit hairs

Having learned about the symptoms and some common causes, let’s explore some suggestions from Enbi Bao Bao Nail & Spa on how to prevent and treat ingrown underarm hairs.

Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation is a crucial step in your skincare routine and can prevent ingrown hairs in the armpits. For best results, you should exfoliate 1-2 times a week. You can use commercially available exfoliating products from cosmetics and skincare stores or prepare your own exfoliating scrub from natural ingredients such as green tea, red bean powder, unsweetened milk, bath salts, coffee grounds, etc.

Adjust your shaving or hair removal habits

To minimize the risk of ingrown underarm hairs, you can adopt some new habits when shaving or plucking. You should limit shaving or plucking to minimize skin irritation.

Additionally, during shaving or plucking, pay attention to protecting your skin to avoid damage. You can use a shaving cream suitable for your skin type to minimize irritation. Before shaving or plucking, cleanse your skin with warm water to soften it and make hair removal easier. Also, shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid shaving too close to the skin’s surface, and avoid shaving too forcefully. After shaving, apply a cool compress or use a moisturizer to nourish your skin.

High-tech armpit hair removal

DPL or diode laser hair removal technology is an effective solution for quickly and safely removing body hair. Compared to traditional methods like shaving, plucking, or waxing, this method not only minimizes skin irritation and pain but also leaves the skin softer and brighter. Furthermore, this hair removal technology also helps eliminate problems like ingrown underarm hair, leaving your skin clean and very smooth.

Oral medication, topical cream for infections

To treat mild infections caused by scratching, doctors usually use antibiotic ointment. However, for more severe infections, doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics.

Anti-inflammatory cream

In addition to using exfoliating creams to reduce ingrown hairs in the armpits, doctors may prescribe certain steroid-containing creams to reduce inflammation. These creams help reduce infection and alleviate pain and itching. However, to ensure safety when using these creams, patients must strictly follow their doctor’s instructions and not exceed the prescribed dosage.

Shaving ingrown armpit hairs

To limit and control this phenomenon, you can apply the following methods:

• Before shaving: Clean the underarm area to be shaved with a soft, clean towel, then use a fine-bristled brush in a circular motion on the area to be treated. You can also use warm water or lubricating gel to soften the skin to be shaved.
• While shaving: Choose a razor with a single, sharp blade. However, avoid shaving too hard and ensure a clean, close, and deep shave. Shave in the direction of underarm hair growth. If you are using an electric razor, avoid letting the blade touch the skin surface.
• After shaving: To reduce skin irritation, you can apply a cool compress to the area. Clean the razor after shaving. If you notice ingrown hairs, you can use a small, sterilized needle to gently remove the hair. Avoid waxing, shaving, or plucking ingrown underarm hairs until the ingrown hairs gradually decrease, reducing the risk of inflammation and pain.

See more: Hair removal process at spa and some experiences to remember

Effective and safe permanent hair removal at Enbi Bao Bao Nail & Spa

Instead of shaving or plucking, which can be painful, cause infections, or lead to ingrown hairs, you can use safe hair removal methods at professional establishments. To achieve the best results with permanent hair removal, women should choose reputable, high-quality beauty salons with highly skilled professionals.

Among hair removal spas, Enbi Bao Bao Nail & Spa proudly stands as the most reputable hair removal center in Go Vap, boasting many years of experience in the beauty industry and ensuring the safest and most attentive service. The hair removal equipment and machines at Enbi Bao Bao are modern and safe, causing no pain while maximizing effectiveness.

Here, you will experience a professional underarm hair removal process, including a skin examination and treatment performed by a team of highly qualified, enthusiastic, attentive, and friendly professionals. The staff at Enbi Bao Bao Nail & Spa are always dedicated to providing meticulous service to our female customers at every step to ensure maximum satisfaction.

Conclusion

The article above from Enbi Bao Bao Nail & Spa has provided you with detailed information about ingrown armpit hair. We hope this article will be helpful for women who are still concerned about this issue. If you need hair removal, please contact us for a consultation and specific advice.

See more: Top 10 best and most reputable hair removal spas in Ho Chi Minh City