Ingrown hairs in the armpits. This occurs when a hair fails to break through the skin’s surface and instead curls back and grows underneath. This condition is often accompanied by irritation, itching, and, in some cases, painful inflammation. What causes ingrown hairs, and what can you do to prevent ingrown hairs? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the issue.
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Causes of ingrown hairs under the arms
Improper shaving or hair removal
One of the most common causes of ingrown hairs in the underarms is improper shaving, epilating and other hair removal techniques.
Using dull blades, shaving against the direction of hair growth or inadequate skin preparation before shaving or epilation. All of these can lead to the hair changing the direction of its original growth.
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to use sharp razors, shaving creams or gels that soften the skin and hair. It is also necessary to ensure proper shaving and waxing technique.
Genetics and hormonal changes
Genetic predisposition and hormonal changes also play a role in hair ingrowth. Some people have naturally curlier or thicker hair. These then have a greater tendency to grow in.
Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, also affect hair texture and growth. In some cases, this also increases the risk of ingrowing hair.
Overweight and poor diet
Lifestyle factors such as excess weight and an unbalanced diet often lead to skin problems, including hair growth.
For example, excessive body weight can cause increased friction and sweating in the underarm area, leading to closed pores and difficulty in growing hair through the skin.
Thus, ingrown hairs can also signal lifestyle problems.
By eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, you can help promote skin health and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs!
Skin friction and irritation
Clothing that is too tight or made of materials that do not allow the skin to breathe causes friction and irritation to the skin in the underarm area.
This can ultimately lead to follicular inflammation and hair ingrowth.
It is therefore recommended to wear loose and breathable clothing when exercising or in warmer weather. This will help minimize friction and promote the health of your skin as well.
Neglected skin care
If you neglect proper skin care and do not pay enough attention to hygiene and regular removal of dead skin cells, your hair follicles will become clogged.
This makes it difficult for the hairs to pass through the skin to the surface. Regular exfoliation and keeping your underarms clean will minimize the appearance of ingrown hairs.
Symptoms of ingrown armpit hairs
Armpit hair ingrowth can cause not only physical discomfort, but also psychological discomfort.
This problem is characterised by several typical symptoms, which are important to recognise so that you can start addressing it early.
One of the first signs that may indicate an ingrown hair is itching in the armpit area. This itching starts as mild and can gradually intensify. You will feel the urge to scratch, but resist it. Scratching will make the situation worse.
Another common symptom is irritation and redness of the skin. The presence of ingrown hairs triggers a reaction from the body that manifests itself in redness and inflammation of the affected area.
This irritation is accompanied by a feeling of discomfort or even pain.
Sometimes hard or painful pimples appear in the armpit area as a direct result of ingrown hairs. The pimples tend to be sensitive to touch and cause pain when moving the hands or wearing tight clothing.
Due to redness and inflammation, ingrown hairs may appear darker and more visible. This effect is caused by increased pigment in the area of irritation, which can lead to the hairs appearing darker than usual.
Sweating in the underarm area is also a concomitant of this problem. The ingrown hairs block the adjacent sweat glands and sweat accumulates in the underarm area. This makes the problem of ingrown hairs even worse. The moist environment encourages bacterial growth and increases existing irritation.
This condition not only affects physical well-being, but often also affects self-esteem and comfort in everyday life.
People suffering from ingrown armpit hairs may feel insecure wearing revealing clothing.
They may avoid sunbathing or exercising and activities that would require them to raise their arms and expose their underarms.
It is therefore important to address this problem effectively and in a timely manner.
The most common methods of hair removal and their effect on ingrowth
There are many ways to get rid of unwanted hair. Some of the most commonly used include laser hair removal, regular shaving, waxing, using depilatory creams and sugar paste hair removal.
However, some of these methods can add to the problem of ingrown hairs instead of offering a solution.
Laser hair removal
It uses advanced technology, where laser light precisely targets and damages hair follicles, preventing them from regenerating.
This method is popular for its long-lasting effects and is by far the best solution for ingrown hairs—hair is eliminated by the laser, and its growth is stopped.
Laser hair removal for armpits is favored by both women and men for its high efficiency and safety. The laser is suitable for removing hair from virtually all parts of the body, including arms, back, or intimate areas.
Wax depilation
Waxing involves applying warm wax to the skin, which is then removed along with the hairs once it hardens.
This method can be uncomfortable (it’s quite painful) and may also leave your skin irritated. And we already know that irritated skin is a breeding ground for ingrown hairs.
Waxing of hands, legs, armpits, and other areas is popular because its results last longer than shaving. However, it won’t permanently remove hair, and the risk of ingrown hairs remains.
Depilation with sugar paste
Sugaring works similarly to waxing. It is a gentler method for both women's and men's hair removal.
It involves applying a sugar paste, which is then removed along with the hairs. While this method may be less painful than waxing, it can still irritate the skin and contribute to ingrown hairs.
Classic shaving
Shaving is a common and economical method where hair is removed using a razor.
However, improper shaving can also irritate the skin and lead to ingrown hairs.
It's important to regularly change razors and use high-quality shaving products to minimize the risk of irritation or razor burn.
Depilatory creams
Depilatory creams work on the basis of chemicals that dissolve the keratin from which the hair is formed. These creams are applied to the skin, left on and then removed along with the hair. However, they can cause irritation or allergic reactions on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Some tips on how to prevent or treat ingrown hairs
Exfoliation as a foundation
Exfoliation is a key step in preventing ingrown hairs. Removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin allows hair to grow unhindered.
Exfoliate regularly, but in moderation to avoid irritating the skin. For the underarms, exfoliation twice a week is usually recommended.
You can use gentle exfoliating creams or exfoliating brushes. Exfoliate before shaving or epilating so that hair does not grow under the renewed layer of skin.
Moisturising creams
Moisturizing is another important step in skin care and preventing ingrown hairs. Using moisturizing and soothing creams after epilation helps keep the skin supple and prevents the formation of hard layers of skin under which hair can grow.
Choose creams that contain ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, or oils with anti-inflammatory properties. Examples include coconut oil or tea tree oil, which soothe the skin and promote skin regeneration.
Conversely, avoid products containing alcohol or perfumed products.
Consider also the help of a doctor
In some cases, ingrown armpit hairs can be caused by hormonal imbalances or other health problems.
Therefore, consider consulting a dermatologist or endocrinologist who will evaluate your situation and recommend appropriate medications and hormone-regulating therapies.
However, these are rather exceptional cases – in the vast majority of cases, ingrown hairs can be prevented with proper care.
Or the only method that will solve the hair once and for all – laser epilation.
Where there is no hair, there is no problem - laser hair removal as a permanent solution to ingrowth
Permanent laser hair removal is often considered the best solution to the problem of ingrown hairs. There are several reasons for this!
Targeted destruction of hair follicles
Laser hair removal works on the principle of targeted damage to the hair follicles using a laser pulse. It is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle, which leads to its heating and subsequent destruction.
Further hair growth is thus completely stopped. This is a major advantage over traditional hair removal methods, which, although they pull out or destroy the hair, do not destroy the hair follicle.
Long-term solution
One of the main reasons why laser hair removal is considered the best choice for ingrown hairs is its long-lasting effect.
After a series of treatments, there is a permanent reduction in the number of hairs and their density. This means that even if some hairs happen to return, they will be thinner, lighter and less visible.
And also less prone to ingrowth.
Prevention of skin irritation
Traditional hair removal methods are not very accurate and often lead to unnecessary skin irritation. What this means for ingrown hairs, we already know.
Laser hair removal, on the other hand, minimises irritation because the laser targets the hair follicle directly without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding area.
This means it’s also suitable for sensitive skin and can even improve the overall appearance by reducing the redness and inflammation associated with other methods.
Suitable for different skin and hair types
Modern laser systems offer different settings and adapt to different skin types and hair colours.
This makes them an effective solution for a wide range of clients for whom some other methods may be less effective.
Time back in your hands
A long-term solution to the problem of ingrown hairs also means more time for you.
Not for constant epilation or shaving.
Our clients often appreciate just that. They don’t have to go through regular hair removal and can enjoy smooth skin without further complications.
