How to treat and prevent ingrown hair at home

Skin CareHow to quickly (and painlessly) treat ingrown hairs, according to dermatologistsNo popping, picking or plucking — follow these tips instead.Updated May 18, 2026, 10:14 AM EDTZoe MalinReporterSkip to table of contentsYou can treat ingrown hair by soothing inflammation and spot-treating bumps similar to how you would acne, experts say.Selfmade; High Roller; BillieFinding an ingrown hair a few days after shaving, waxing or epilating is frustrating. It’s caused by hair curling into and getting trapped underneath the skin, and it can be itchy and painful. Thankfully, ingrown hairs, also commonly called razor bumps, are treatable at home, similar to razor burn. But don’t expect them to go away overnight. Being patient while using ingrown hair treatments is key to preventing infection and scarring later on.I spoke with four dermatologists to learn more about how to treat and prevent ingrown hairs. Using their guidance, I rounded up ingrown hair treatments and preventatives, all of which are either recommended by dermatologists or tested by NBC Select staff.Selected.Our top picksBest roll-on treatmentTopicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic$undefined$26.00AmazonLearn moreBest drawing salveHyland’s Naturals Prid Drawing Salve$8.96$10.99AmazonLearn moreBest overnight treatmentMario Badescu Drying Lotion$9.00$18.00AmazonLearn moreBest liquid exfoliantPaula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant$undefined$37.00AmazonLearn moreSee 2 MoreRelatedselectselectTested: The best shower oils of 2026, according to dermatologistsWant more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best ingrown hair treatmentsTo recommend the below ingrown hair treatments, I chose products that dermatologists recommend, we’ve used ourselves or are highly rated and meet expert guidance. Since ingrown hairs can occur in any hair-bearing area, I note whether each product is meant for your face or body. Make sure to avoid removing hair in the area wh...