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Ingrown hairs can happen anywhere hair grows on the body. It occurs when a hair follicle curls beneath the surface of the skin. The area often becomes inflamed and red, causing pain. Ingrown hairs typically follow from shaving. Shaving cuts the shaft of the hair. This unevenness coupled with sharpness can make the hair curl back into the skin. Armpits are an especially sensitive area of the body where ingrown hairs are common. Use these steps as ways to counteract ingrown armpit hair.



  1. 1
    Employ proper shaving techniques.
    • Use shaving gel versus shaving foam. Shaving foams tend to cause underarm dryness, which can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs when shaving. Choose special shaving gels made for those with sensitive skin. They are usually well lubricated.
    • Wet your armpit thoroughly before shaving. Wet armpit hair, and wet hair in general, cuts much more easily than dry hair. When the hair is dry, it is much stronger, so when you are shaving dry hair, the razor tugs harder at the hair, causing it to break improperly. It is best to allow your underarms to soak for at least 5 minutes before shaving.
    • Shave with the grain. While many might prefer shaving against the grain to achieve more smoothness, shaving with the grain of your hair cuts the hair straight and leaves it long enough so it isn't trapped beneath the skin.
    • Do not stretch the skin taut when shaving. This will reveal more of the hair from under the skin and cause you to cut too short.
    • Apply light pressure. Shaving too hard can cut your skin, causing the area to inflame and hairs to be caught under the inflammation.
    • Run your razor over an area only once. Repeated strokes can aggravate the skin.
  2. 2
    Choose a high-quality razor and replace the blades often.
    • Using an electric razor can prevent ingrown armpit hairs because it does not cut as deeply as disposable razors.
    • Purchase multi use, changeable razors with at least 3 blades and a rotating head. Disposable 1 or 2 blade razors tug at the skin and wear out quickly. Old razor blades are notorious for creating ingrown hairs.
  3. 3
    Exfoliate your skin regularly.
    • Scrub your armpits with an exfoliating pad or glove covered with water and an exfoliating soap. This will remove the dirt and oil on the surface of your armpit skin that prevents hairs from emerging.
    • Consider buying special solutions that contain salicylic acid. These solutions, which often come in cream form, prevent razor burn as well as ingrown hairs.
  4. 4
    Maintain personal hygiene and moisturize the area often.
    • Regular washing will keep dirt and oil off the area. As dirt and oil builds up, the chances of producing an ingrown hair increases.
    • Using a moisturizer can help smooth your underarms, which makes for a quick and easy shave.
  5. 5
    Decrease how frequently you shave.


  • In many cases, shaving itself causes ingrown hair. A different method may be needed to get rid of hair in that area. Waxing and epilating are both good options, although more painful than shaving.
  • A dermatologist can treat a chronic ingrown hair problem with creams and, in severe cases, electrolysis.
  • Choosing not to shave at all is the best method of ingrown underarm hair prevention.


  • Avoid moisturizers that will clog your pores. This will lead to more rather than fewer ingrown hairs.
  • Do not attempt to pluck out ingrown armpit hairs. Using tweezers can release the hair from under the skin, but removing the hair completely can cause further irritation and even infection.
  • Avoid waxing to remove your armpit hair. This causes the hair to be broken off below the skin, which traps it.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Electric razor
  • A multi-blade razor
  • Shaving gel
  • Exfoliating soap
  • Scrub brush or pad
  • Salicylic acid solution
  • Moisturizer

Article Info

Categories: Hair Removal

In other languages:

Español: prevenir el vello encarnado en las axilas, Italiano: Prevenire i Peli Incarniti Sotto alle Ascelle, Русский: предотвратить вросшие волосы на подмышках, Português: Prevenir Pelos Encravados Debaixo do Braço

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