Tips for removing an ingrown pubic hair include applying a warm compress and other strategies to open the pore. Shaving techniques and topical creams can also help prevent ingrown hairs.

When the tip of a pubic hair folds back into the skin at the root, an ingrown hair can result. It can lead to a painful bump where the hair may be visible underneath. The bump may be hard or soft and pus-filled. It can become itchy, inflamed, or infected.

Read on to learn more about how to get rid of ingrown hair, as well as some tips for prevention.

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Most ingrown hairs will resolve without treatment. However, if a bump becomes too itchy or painful, there are a variety of home remedies that people can use to help them heal.

Home treatments can include the following:

  • Apply a hot compress: Using heat can help the hair rise to the surface.
  • Stop hair removal until the ingrown hair has disappeared: Some hair removal methods, such as shaving, can cause further irritation and increase the likelihood of infection.
  • Wash the affected area with soap and warm water: It is important to keep the area clean to help prevent infection. Gently using an exfoliating scrub may also help release the trapped hair.
  • Gently massage the area: Gently massaging or rubbing the ingrown hair in a circular motion with light pressure can soften the skin and encourage the hair to pop out, while also helping prevent hairs from curving back into the skin.

Topical products may also be beneficial for treating ingrown hair. It is best to contact a pharmacist or doctor for advice before applying products to the pubic area. They may recommend antibiotics, antimicrobials, or steroids.

The best way to encourage ingrown hair to come out of the skin is by applying a hot compress or cloth soaked in warm water. Taking a warm bath can also help.

To remove an ingrown hair, a person should use sterilized tweezers, and only once the hair is close to the surface of the skin.

Once the hair is near the surface of the skin, grasp the ingrown hair in the center of the loop, and gently twist both ways. This should loosen the hair and encourage the tip of the hair to come out of the skin.

Alternatively, a person could try inserting the edge of the tweezers under the loop and gently pulling it upward.

Once the tip of the hair is out of the skin, use the tweezers to carefully pluck the hair and remove it.

A person should then wash the area with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Avoid touching the area until it has fully healed, as this can cause further irritation.

It is important to avoid squeezing or picking at ingrown hairs, as this can lead to infection.

The most effective way of preventing ingrown hairs is to avoid shaving. If a person does want to shave, then they can help reduce the chance of an ingrown hair by:

  • soak the skin in warm water to soften the pubic hair
  • gently exfoliating the area
  • rinsing the razor after each stroke
  • avoiding too many strokes of the razor
  • placing a cool wet towel against the skin after shaving

It is also important to avoid shaving too close, as this can make it easier for bacteria to enter the skin.

View the slideshow below for photos of ingrown hairs.

People who shave, wax, or pluck to remove pubic hair may be more prone to ingrown hairs. It can happen when the cut hair starts to grow back, but it curves inward.

People with curlier or coarser pubic hair are also more likely to experience ingrown hairs.

If the bumps look infected, a person should make an appointment with a doctor to get appropriate medical treatment.

Signs of infection include:

  • redness
  • warmth
  • swelling
  • bumps that are full of pus or extremely painful
  • bleeding

A doctor will examine the area and may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. For severe infections, they may recommend oral antibiotics.

If a person has symptoms of ingrown hair but is unsure whether a hair is causing them, it is best to contact a doctor. Some conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can cause bumps that are similar in appearance to ingrown hairs. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Learn about how to identify an ingrown pubic hair cyst.

Here are some frequently asked questions about ingrown pubic hair.

Will an ingrown pubic hair go away on its own?

Ingrown pubic hairs often resolve without treatment, so people should wait a while before tackling them. If a person shaves the area, they should avoid doing so for a few days. They could also apply a mild antiseptic onto the ingrown hair to help reduce the risk of infection.

Can I pop an ingrown pubic hair cyst?

Avoid squeezing ingrown pubic hair cysts, as it can damage the skin and increase the risk of scarring. It also increases the chance of bacteria entering the wound and causing infection.

How long does an ingrown pubic hair last?

Most ingrown hairs resolve once a person stops removing their hair, giving the damaged follicles a chance to recover. Anecdotally, ingrown hairs can last for months or years in some cases.

Ingrown hairs may resolve on their own. Various home remedies may help encourage healing, such as applying a warm compress, massaging the area, and keeping the area clean.

If the ingrown hair is near the surface of the skin, a person may be able to use sterile tweezers to gently pull the hair out.

If a person has concerns about ingrown hairs, or if they experience symptoms of an infection, it is best to contact a doctor for advice. The doctor may recommend antibiotics or other treatments.