Ingrown hairs can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful—especially for individuals who regularly wax, shave, or undergo hair removal treatments. These curled-back or trapped hairs occur when the hair grows sideways or remains stuck under the skin instead of emerging on the surface. Fortunately, one of the simplest and most effective solutions is regular exfoliation.
At Dermalinks, our skin experts emphasise exfoliation as a foundational step for maintaining smooth, bump-free skin. Whether you struggle with ingrown hairs on your face, neck, bikini line, underarms, or legs, understanding the role of exfoliation can help you achieve better results from your grooming routine and professional treatments.
Why Ingrown Hairs Form
Ingrown hairs develop due to:
- Dead skin build-up trapping the hair
- Curly or coarse hair that naturally bends back into the skin
- Improper shaving techniques
- Clogged pores due to sweat, oil, or product residue
- Skin friction caused by tight clothing
While anyone can experience ingrown hairs, they are especially common after shaving and waxing.
This is where exfoliation becomes essential.
How Regular Exfoliation Prevents Ingrown Hairs
1) Removes Dead Skin Cells
Dead skin can accumulate quickly, blocking hair follicles and trapping new hair growth. Exfoliation dissolves or buffs away this build-up, allowing hair to grow out naturally.
At Dermalinks, treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or gentle AHAs/BHAs are used to promote fresh, smooth skin.
2) Unclogs Pores and Follicles
Whether you’re dealing with body hair or facial hair, clogged pores are one of the biggest reasons for ingrown hairs. Exfoliation cleanses the pores deeply, helping hairs break through the surface without obstruction.
3) Softens and Lifts Trapped Hair
Regular exfoliation helps lift the hair from beneath the skin’s surface. This makes it easier for hair to grow upward instead of curling inward.
Using scrubs, chemical exfoliants, or exfoliating mitts 2–3 times a week can significantly reduce ingrown hair occurrences.
4) Prepares the Skin for Shaving or Waxing
Exfoliating before hair removal:
- Helps achieve a cleaner shave
- Prevents razor bumps
- Removes debris that may cause irritation
- Allows wax to grip the hair more effectively
Dermalinks’ pre-treatment skin prep protocols include gentle exfoliation to minimise post-treatment bumps or ingrowns.
5) Encourages Faster Skin Renewal
Exfoliation speeds up the natural cell turnover process. This means your skin becomes smoother, clearer, and less prone to inflammation—the perfect environment for proper hair growth.
6) Reduces Hyperpigmentation from Old Ingrown Hairs
Dark spots from previous ingrown hairs can be stubborn. Chemical exfoliation (like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid) gradually fades pigmentation, making your skin tone more even.
Dermalinks offers personalised exfoliation plans depending on skin type, sensitivity, and hair removal methods.
Types of Exfoliations for Preventing Ingrown Hairs
A. Physical Exfoliation
Includes:
- Body scrubs
- Sugar or coffee scrubs
- Dry brushing
- Exfoliating gloves or mitts
These help slough off dead skin but should be used gently, especially in sensitive areas.
B. Chemical Exfoliation
Ideal for stubborn ingrown hairs or sensitive skin. Ingredients include:
- Salicylic acid (BHA) – excellent for oily and acne-prone skin
- Glycolic acid (AHA) – great for resurfacing
- Lactic acid – mild option for sensitive skin
Chemical exfoliants penetrate deeper into the follicles to prevent blockage.
C. Professional Exfoliation at Dermalinks
For chronic ingrown hairs or rough, textured skin, in-clinic treatments offer more dramatic results:
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser Hair Removal prep-exfoliation
- Chemical peels
- Dermaplaning (for face)
Our dermatologists at Dermalinks design customised treatment plans to target ingrown hairs safely and effectively.
Best Practices for Safe Exfoliation
- Exfoliate 2–3 times a week; avoid over-exfoliating as it can cause irritation.
- Always moisturise after exfoliation to keep skin soft and hydrated.
- Use gentle exfoliants in sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms.
- Avoid exfoliating immediately after shaving or waxing—wait 24–48 hours.
- Choose non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores.
If you have very sensitive or reactive skin, consult a dermatologist to choose the safest exfoliation method.
Why Choose Dermalinks for Ingrown Hair Treatment?
Dermalinks specialises in advanced skin and hair removal treatments tailored for both men and women. Our dermatologists combine medical-grade exfoliation, personalised skincare routines, and long-term solutions like Laser Hair Removal, which drastically reduces ingrown hairs over time.
Whether you’re dealing with mild ingrown hairs or chronic bumps and pigmentation, Dermalinks ensures smooth, healthy, and irritation-free skin using clinically proven methods.
FAQs
Q1. How often should I exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs?
Most people benefit from exfoliating 2–3 times a week, depending on their skin type and sensitivity.
Q2. Which exfoliation method is best for sensitive skin?
Chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or salicylic acid are usually gentler, while physical scrubs may be too harsh.
Q3. Can exfoliation cure ingrown hairs completely?
It greatly reduces them, but long-term prevention often requires additional treatments like Laser Hair Removal at Dermalinks.
Q4. Should I exfoliate before or after shaving?
Exfoliate before shaving to remove dead skin and prepare the skin for a smoother shave.
Q5. When should I visit Dermalinks for ingrown hair treatment?
If you experience persistent ingrown hairs, repeated bumps, dark spots, or pain, consulting a dermatologist at Dermalinks is recommended for targeted solutions.