Ingrown Hair: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Infections

Table Of Content

• Soft Services Smoothing Solution
• Pulling the skin
• How long do ingrown hairs last?
• What are the different hair removal methods?

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. The product is a bit more runny than we expected but it can still be applied with a cotton pad. We recommend that you use it as an aftershave and it shouldn’t be worn outside in direct sunlight without sunscreen.

Soft Services Smoothing Solution

Fwiw, I love this one because it’s so gentle on my skin—shout out to aloe vera and vitamin E—and the gel texture easily comes off in the shower. Ingrown hair cysts happen when a hair follicle gets blocked, and the hair grows into your skin instead of out. You should never pop an ingrown hair cyst because it can cause infection and scarring. The cysts may go away on their own, but if they hurt, look red, or ooze pus, see a healthcare provider for treatment.

Pulling the skin

If you're particularly sensitive, it's best to avoid overly harsh scrubs. Abrasive scrubs like sugar and salt scrubs do exfoliate the skin but often at the expense of causing excess skin irritation, Dr. Murphy-Rose says. Use a warm washcloth to gently exfoliate and loosen dead skin. Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends doing this toward the end of your shower or bath when the skin is saturated with water. Ensure the temperature isn't too hot, and let the warm water do its thing.

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How long do ingrown hairs last?

However, this doesn’t mean you don’t want it gone, along with the pain, itchiness and redness. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. After the infection has cleared, you may have a scar or discolored skin that can last for several months.

Both can reduce irritation, tighten pores, moisturize, and help treat ingrown hairs. Witch hazel also stops bacteria from growing in hair follicles. I smooth this on once or twice a week at night, and that’s it—a one-and-done step. After you shave, apply a product made with BHAs to close the hair follicles that opened after being exposed to warm water, Weinstein says.

This can help because apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin, Engelman says. Palm adds that in severe cases, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection from arising. This means that most of the time, you don't need to worry about removing them. "I encourage patients not to pick at ingrown hairs on their own because it can cause damage, scarring, or infection, especially if sharp tools are used," says Engleman.

To prevent ingrown hairs from appearing again after tweezing, you will find beard oil to be beneficial. Beard oil works by opening up the pores and making all the bacteria and pus disappear from your skin. By washing your face with a mild cleanser and warm water every day you will remove dead cell build-ups, pore-clogging and in the bottom line ingrown facial hairs. Although any sharp facial hair can make that quick turn and begin to grow under the skin there are many things that you can do to prevent ingrown hairs from happening in the future.

What are the different hair removal methods?

When you have thick or curly hair, you can get a type of ingrown hair called pseudofolliculitis. The hair that grows back has a sharper edge, so it can more easily poke back through your skin and get trapped under the surface. Sometimes, dead skin can clog a hair follicle, which forces the hair to grow sideways under your skin rather than up and out.

Medical treatment

An ingrown hair occurs when a hair that has been shaved, waxed, or plucked begins to grow back into the skin. It’s not a good idea to pop or squeeze an ingrown hair cyst, as you can introduce bacteria that can cause an infection. By taking better care of your skin and shaving with a sharp razor you can reduce the likelihood of those little red bumps from developing in the first place. The redness and pain caused by an ingrown hair usually stop by the next day and after three days, you won’t be able to tell where the ingrown hair once was. However, if an ingrown hair cyst becomes too painful and irritates the skin on your face you should seek medical attention. They happen when the skin blocks the emergence of a hair from the follicle, or when a hair grows back into the skin.

At this point, your hair is embedded far too deep underneath the bump or cyst for you to pull it out. When it comes to razor bumps, the cause is usually improper hair removal techniques. Place a warm compress over the area where you have the ingrown hair.The heat of the compress will soften the skin and help to bring that hair closer to the surface. Quality beard oils are also made with antiseptics, such as tea tree oil that eliminate facial hair itching, burning or infection you may be feeling. People who tend to have higher levels of sex hormones usually have excessive hair growth and they see these painful bumps on the skin after shaving more frequently.

Redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin, but they may look a different colour to the surrounding skin. “I would recommend this be the first place to go for help with ingrown hairs,” says Dr. Bullard. Dermatologist Sherrie Bullard, MD, shares safe ways to get rid of ingrown hairs and how to prevent them from happening. If home remedies aren’t helping and the cyst does not appear to be healing, see a doctor.

The instructions also recommended applying a moisturizer after use too, because the ingredients can dry out your skin over time. One of the best ways to manage ingrown hairs is to choose an effective exfoliant that includes ingredients, like green tea and oat, that can soothe irritation and minimize razor bumps. After lots of trial and error, I’ve discovered that no hair-removal method can completely prevent ingrown hairs, but hair-removal creams are by far the least likely to give me bumps and inflammation.

Ingrown hair Diagnosis and treatment

Table Of Content

• Our top picks for ingrown-hair treatments in 2024:
• What causes these bumps to form?
• Dead Skin Cells
• Improve your shaving technique
• Ingrown hairs

You can prevent ingrown hairs by using gentler hair removal methods and resisting the urge to scratch or pick at them. Exfoliating scrubs can also help release trapped hairs and smooth skin. Treatments for an infected ingrown hair vary based on the type and severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider can help you decide how to address your ingrown hair directly.

Our top picks for ingrown-hair treatments in 2024:

Coming as a full kit, a 200ml hair removal cream comes coupled with a wooden spatula and a soothing cream to use afterwards. Our favourite part about it, aside from the longer-lasting results, is that the scent is much less pungent than some other options, despite still being pretty potent in its formula. It will make an infection more likely and can lead to scarring.

What causes these bumps to form?

It is a common skin condition that can affect the beard area of the face (including the neck, cheeks, and chin) as well as the legs, armpits, and pubic area. They can determine if you have an infection that needs medical treatment. Once an ingrown hair cyst has become inflamed and starts to change in size, incision and drainage performed by a healthcare professional may be required to shrink your cyst and remove the ingrown hair.

Dead Skin Cells

Ingrown hair cysts often show up where your hair is coarse or curly, like in the pubic region. You might be more likely to get ingrown hair cysts if you have coarse or curly hair. The cysts can also form where dead skin cells are blocking hair follicles.

While shaving a lot of men tend to pull or stretch the skin to get a closer shave.When released, the hair can get caught below the skin and cause ingrown hair. This being said, many men who think that they have acne, actually have a problem with ingrown hairs on their face. After all, not only the symptoms are similar but they also look alike.Even the dermatologists can find it hard to make a difference between symptoms of ingrown hair and acne. Doctors often think that ingrown hair is the result of skin infection and prescribe antibiotics when there is no need for them.

Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel Serum

I use Billie’s Ultimate Skin Solution to both treat and prevent ingrowns. I usually spray it on my underarms or legs between shaves and on ingrown hairs when they pop up. The spray contains salicylic acid and aloe vera to dissolve built-up dead cells while calming the skin, according to the brand. I find that the spray bottle makes this solution easy to apply to large and small patches of skin, and it dries quickly.

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Treatment for ingrown hair cysts varies depending on the type of cyst involved. Some cysts may need to be treated with antibiotic ointment or surgery, while others may not need any treatment at all. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are two key components in combating ingrown hairs. Whether you're applying these DIY treatments to your legs, bikini line, etc., know you're one step closer to healthy, bump-free skin. Acne medications, like prescription tretinoin, to soften the skin around the hair and prevent ingrown hairs.

Not to mention, but the opaque blue color helps hide your swollen, inflamed bump, making you less likely to try to pick at it. I was so impressed by this serum in general, but when I saw it was less than $10 and available at nearly every drugstore, I started recommending it to everyone. It uses lactic acid to gently exfoliate your skin and prevent ingrown hairs.

What are the symptoms of ingrown hair?

Coconut oil, also known as lauric acid, is derived from coconuts. The lauric acid found in coconut oil can have antimicrobial properties, which can help kill bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation. It is also known to help remove makeup, exfoliate the skin, and lock in moisture. Not only does aspirin contain salicylic acid, but honey also has antibacterial properties, which can help reduce the possibility of inflammation and infection, says Dr. Shaurya.

An ingrown hair will often resolve on its own if you allow the hair to grow back naturally. For recurrent or severe cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical tretinoin, topical steroids, or electrolysis to manage your symptoms or prevent a recurrence. Proper shaving techniques can go a long way toward preventing ingrown hairs. Razor bumps are most common in Black cisgender males and those of Asian descent, as well as people who shave. You may also be at greater risk of developing bumps with ingrown hairs if you have naturally curly hair.

Poor shaving techniques also add to the risk of ingrown facial hair. Some people pull their skin taut while shaving, but this often results in cutting the hair too short. It’s also important to shave in the direction of your hair to avoid cutting the strands too short. If you notice facial hair growing downward, shave in this direction.

There are two types of exfoliants that you can use to treat ingrown hairs. A physical exfoliant can literally scrub the area to lift dead skin cells, like the volcanic rocks found in the Manscaped Crop Exfoliator. A chemical exfoliant, like glycolic acid, is found in a majority of treatments on this list and can remove dead skin cells without any scrubbing.

If bacteria or other pathogens enter the skin, an infection can develop, leading to a painful bump. If they persist, recur, or are severe, consider speaking with a doctor. Staphylococcus (staph) infections can occur with an ingrown hair. Staph is typically present in your skin flora, but it can’t cause an infection unless it enters a break in the skin. If you can't go that long without removing your hair and other self-care techniques aren't helping, your health care provider might recommend medications, laser-assisted hair removal or both.

Beardoholic's amazing team of true industry experts shares with you the most detailed, latest and data-driven advice. Eventually that wild hair will be easier to pull from the skin. This test tells if you suffer from an infection, either bacterial or fungal.

Anything more than that will dry out the skin, causing new problems.Finally you should moisturize your face. That’s why you need to wash, exfoliate and moisturize your face on a regular basis. Inside the bumps you will notice a pustule or papule with a hair in the center.The severity of the symptoms may vary depending on your genetics, overall health and lifestyle. Lately, you’ve been noticing some strange bumps on your face that don’t look like pimples or hives.

The Fascinating History Of Black People With Naturally Blonde Hair by Yewande Ade History Street

Table Of Content

• Melanesians
• Best Blonde Hair Colors for Dark Skin Tones, According to the Pros
• TYPR1 is the gene responsible for the unique trait
• Cool ash-blond color
• Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Permanent Hair Color
• Beauty

In 2020, we saw low maintenance hair shades reign supreme, with many gravitating towards colors they could easily reproduce at home with the help of drugstore dye. But as the new year approaches, which will hopefully bring with it more access to salons, blondes have been on the rise. Skin with warm yellow or golden undertones go perfectly with shades like honey blonde, beige blonde, or golden blonde.

Melanesians

The name Melanesia was first used by Jules Dumont d’Urville in 1832 to denote an ethnic and geographical grouping of islands distinct from Polynesia and Micronesia. If you search the #blackgirlmagic hashtag on Instagram, you’ll find over 8 million affirmative photos of beautiful afros, braids, and more. With its native people otherwise called Papuans, Melanesia includes the islands of New Guinea, Vanuatu (the former New Hebrides), New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and some smaller neighbouring islands. Out of the research, it was also discovered that while all humans outside of Africa have genes passed down from the Neanderthals, Melanesians are the only known humans with a different prehistoric ancestry. In the 19th century, many of the islands were under German jurisdiction and in 1893, the UK took the southern Solomon Islands and declared the region a protectorate. The Melanesian people are native to the Solomon Islands, a cluster of islands located in the South Pacific just Northeast of Australia, Papua and Vanuatu.

Best Blonde Hair Colors for Dark Skin Tones, According to the Pros

We typically see the coiffure on fair skin women, so going blonde seems taboo for many of us. While Black women like Zoe Kravitz, Mary J Blige, and Beyoncé look flawless in their signature blonde hair, going 50 shades lighter than our natural hair color is frightening. Beautiful mommy and beauty blogger Lisa Jean-Francois shares the easiest, quickest way to experiment with blonde hair looks for dark skin—braids!

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TYPR1 is the gene responsible for the unique trait

Experimentation is key – if you’ve been wanting to try a particular blonde hair color for some time, feel free to try it out! You can always switch it up if it doesn’t gel with your skin tone or overall look. A black sapphire hue features just a touch of blue for a fresh, on-trend option.

Ally is a professional hairstylist with more than 6 years of experience, but hair has been her passion since early childhood. Here, at Hair Spies, she blogs about all things hairdressing, hair tools, and everyday hair care. The estimated incidence in African Americans is 1 case per 10,000 people, whereas in whites, it’s only 1 case per 36,000 individuals. Despite the challenges that come with albinism, many people with this disorder lead happy and successful lives. Some famous people who have albinism include singer Toni Braxton, actor Danny Glover, and model Shaun Ross. The name Melanesia was first used by Jules Dumont d’Urville in 1832 as a sign of an ethnic and geographical grouping of islands different from Polynesia and Micronesia.

"For me it's a lifestyle, not fashion," said Mepba, adding that she has kindly tried to educate white clients that the hairstyles she specializes in are "protective" for Afro-textured hair. While Mepba has had white women reach out to her that wanted hairstyles traditionally created by and for Black people, she said it makes her uncomfortable. Our vibrant community brings together seasoned hairstylists and dedicated hair care enthusiasts who eagerly share their valuable experiences. Discover expert tips, stunning hair transformations, product reviews, and so much more at Hairspies, where the magic of hair unfolds! In fact, some Melanesians have even been denied service or treated poorly because of their appearance. But they continue to proudly embrace their natural beauty, and serve as a reminder that there is no one “correct” way to be black.

Since her days with Destiny’s Child, she's rocked honeyed hues, and thereby inspired so many of us to try the shades ourselves. Known as root shadow, this trend allows for a more gradual—and therefore flattering—growing out period, says Querisma. Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins has been serving her signature asymmetrical blonde looks since the 90s when TLC took over the charts. For blonde short cuts that show off the roots, opt for a melt that’s close to your natural color, says Querisma, who adds that short blonde hair on natural textures requires special care.

Beauty

Another theory posits that blonde hair is a direct result of exposure to the sun. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that black people with blonde hair do exist, and they are not albinos. Whether they have light skin and blonde hair, or dark skin and kinky hair, Melanesians are an important part of black history and culture. 42 brown islanders and 43 blonde islanders possessed two copies of a mutant gene, which was partially responsible for their melanin-rich skin and hair, according to a subsequent comparison of the data. The gene was more prevalent in youngsters, and because it was recessive, the hair got darker as the kids grew older and became adults.

Researchers believe that when some Melanesians get older, their bright blonde hair begins to fade to a darker hue. This could explain why many adult Melanesians tend to have darker hair. We’ve seen famous celebs like Nicki Minaj and Ciara rock blonde weaves and extensions. They look good doing it too, but can Black people be born with blonde hair naturally? The Melanesian People, a black community from the Solomon Islands, have become a scientific phenomenon over the last decade due to their bright blonde hair. Here’s what we know so far about the extraordinary indigenous group.

According to geneticist David Reich, blond hair has a long history in Asia. The gene for blonde hair in Europeans most likely originated among the Ancient North Eurasians. While it is relatively rare to find black people born with blonde hair, it is not impossible. There are many famous black celebrities who have natural blonde hair, such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Lil Wayne. There are several theories as to why the original Melanesian population had this genetic mutation.

Skin with cooler pink or red undertones look great with platinum, ash, or pearl blondes. And any shade will complement neutral skin tones.” But Querisma's number one piece of advice? Bring a photo to your stylist so they can match your preferred shade. “What my guest might think of as caramel, for instance, could be completely different than what I think caramel is." And remember, to keep your blonde brilliant, you'll want to use the right shampoos. The truth is that Black people with blonde hair do exist, and they’re called Melanesians. As the name suggests, they are located in Melanesia, a group of thousands of small Solomon islands in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean.

She couldn't find many places that styled Black hair So she created her own.

Table Of Content

• Origin of the Melanesians
• HAIR COLOR IDEA #15: DARK AUBURN
• Black people with natural blonde hair – Melanesian population
• Do Black People With Blonde Hair Exist? Meet the Melanesian Population

If you want a subtle black hair color, give a soft black hue a try. This shade of black is not quite as saturated as other black hair color options, allowing it to appear more natural. If you love the idea of a contrasted, bold blonde hair color, cream blonde is the hue for you! Think platinum—but with a warm, yellow tone that resembles the cream you pour in your coffee. Created with women of color in mind, the Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Permanent Hair Color is a one-step lightener that delivers eight weeks’ worth of vibrant, fade-resistant color.

Origin of the Melanesians

If you’re thinking about dyeing your hair blonde, be sure to consult with a professional to find the right shade for you. Blonde hair can be high maintenance, so be prepared to invest time and money in keeping it looking its best. David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, who was not involved in the work, says that the study was done well.

HAIR COLOR IDEA #15: DARK AUBURN

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Now with wage labour, work among the Melanesians was often cooperative. One distinguishing feature of the people is their art which is designed for their usefulness rather than for beauty. Households vary in size and in some small societies, everyone in the group lives in a house. Apart from playing ceremonial and political roles in the region, women are often the primary caregivers to children and the primary producers of food.

Black people with natural blonde hair – Melanesian population

Melanasians typically live in homesteads and hamlets, as opposed to villages. This is a typical practice of coastal settlements, especially in the Pacific. These groups tend to have under 1,000 people in their community, and typically live in very close proximity to each-other, in case of any attacks against them. Many groups also reside far from the coast, and on mountains, ridges, and peaks which is essential for vegetation, hunting and daily island lifestyle and again helps protect them from potential island attacks.

She rose to fame via Orange is the New Black, but Laverne Cox is a true blonde bombshell on the red carpet. Here, she rocks voluminous, honeyed, soft blonde waves with subtle “root melt"—meaning her hair is darker at the roots, giving a deeper, luxurious, layered look. In 2012, researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine dove deeper into the scientific reason behind the Melanesian’s blonde hair attribute. Their skin is rich and deep and their features are large, which is a human characteristic of Black people. Have you ever heard that Black people should never color their hair blonde?

The origin of the Melanesians’ golden hair has been the subject of several theories over the years. The locals say that their blonde hair is a result of frequent sun exposure and a diet high in fish, despite the fact that some experts attribute it to a gene flow from European traders and explorers who visited in the past. Melanesians of some islands are one of the few non-European peoples, and the only dark-skinned group of people outside Australia, known to have blond hair.

As a dynamic husband and wife duo behind Curl Centric, our passion for curly hair has fueled a transformative journey. From intricate hair care routines to the simplicity and delight of embracing natural curls, Curl Centric is a beacon for the curly hair community, offering resources for hair growth, care, styling, and support. We always recommend taking a trip to a stylist to get a hair color consultation. Even if you don’t end up having the colorist do your hair, you can get some tips and suggestions for which blonde will look best on you. The claim that Black people who dye their hair blonde are trying to be White or hate themselves is based on ignorance. What used to be a “don't” is now OK as a “do.” High-contrast brown and blond is a more extreme version of the blond melt.

According to the Bustamante laboratory, research still needs to be conducted to discover more about the genetic information of the Melanesian people. In 2009, Myles returned to Melanesia with Professor Nicholas Timpson of the University of Bristol, a genetic epidemiologist. They spent several months collecting hair and saliva samples from 1209 Melanesians. In September 2010, at the Bustamante laboratory in Stanford, Eimear Kenny, a postdoctoral scholar analyzed the samples. A predominantly Christian people, the Melanesians speak over 1000 languages including Creole and several variations of Pidgin. Language variations have been used as a basis for research among the people.

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Do Black People With Blonde Hair Exist? Meet the Melanesian Population

To find more of them, you’ll have to visit a cluster of islands in the South Pacific. Lil Kim’s unforgettable video for “Crush on You” showed that brown skin was beautiful with absolutely any hair color. Throughout the years, Kimberly Denise Jones has served us blondes of all hues, sometimes with lighter highlights around the face which can help your features pop. “One of the safer ways to play with light blonde like this, is with a wig. If you have a human hair wig, your stylist can color it instead of your own hair so you don't risk damage,” recommends Querisma. Just because they have dark features, it doesn’t mean that they have to keep their hair dark.

Co-founder of Curl Centric® and Natural Hair Box, Kenneth has dedicated himself to promoting ethical and scientifically-backed hair care practices. Rigorous editorial guidelines, industry recognitions, and features in numerous media outlets evidence his expertise. Kenneth’s commitment to transparency, quality, and empowerment has positioned him as a trusted voice in the field, empowering readers to confidently embrace their natural beauty. Unfortunately, without adequate aftercare, your blonde hair won’t look good and can even become damaged. If you’re going the DIY route, you should know that your blonde results could turn out much different than you hoped for.

The majority of Black people who are naturally blonde aren’t in the United States. The aptly named Melanesians, inhabit the Solomon Islands of the South Pacific. They are believed to have migrated from Africa to Oceania approximately 50,000 years ago.

Ask for off-root highlights — as in balayage — for the most minimal upkeep. Love the idea of a vibrant red hue but want to take things down just a notch? Look no further than a dark red hair color for complementing your dark skin. Another red-brown hue, chestnut brown is a slightly lighter brunette option for those who love the idea of a brown hair color, but don’t want to go too dark with their mane. A chocolate hue is another gorgeous brown hair color idea for those with dark skin. The shade perfectly resembles your favorite sweet treat with notes of milk and dark chocolate throughout.

The islands of Melanesia are Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. The Melanesians are a people originating from people living in the Solomon Islands. Very famous for their beautiful dark skins and blond hair with the colors of gold. With over 342,000 people, the Solomon Islands are negroid and australoid. But, a new scientific study by Sean Myles will contradict all these assumptions. Most black people with albinism have naturally blonde hair, but their skin is also white.

Back when Mepba immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in 2017, she didn't see a lot of options to get her hair done in the styles she loved. Transform your strands with these highly pigmented, long-lasting and salon-quality dyes from L'Oréal Paris, Revlon and more. For him, the mutation drifted to a high frequency, as the original population of Solomon Island was very small.Pour lui, la mutation a dérivé vers une fréquence élevée, car la population d’origine de l’île Salomon était très petite.

ESalon Custom Hair Color Set takes the guesswork out of at-home hair coloring with its made-to-order custom hair-coloring system, which is made by a professional colorist to ensure the best results. After establishing your desired shade, you’re given personalized instructions and a trio of coloring essentials to achieve your new look. The Custom Hair Color Set includes your customized hair dye, one bottle of Developer and samples of the brand’s color-maintenance shampoo and conditioner. You’ll also have access to your colorist so you can reach out with questions.

This can be very damaging to their self-esteem and make them feel like they do not belong anywhere. They are often seen as outsiders in both the black and white communities. This can be isolating and make it difficult to find others who understand what they are going through. Black people with albinism can experience vision problems and sun sensitivity, and they must take extra precautions to protect their skin from the sun. Albinism is a disorder that affects the production of melanin in the skin.