Struggling with painful or recurring ingrown hairs that just won’t go away? At City Dermatology Clinic, we provide safe, effective removal and reduction treatments for ingrown hairs, helping you restore clear, healthy skin with lasting results. Our doctors offer expert care at our Harley Street and City of London clinics, using precise techniques to remove trapped hairs, calm inflammation, and prevent recurrence. Whether it’s a single persistent ingrown hair or a recurring issue after shaving or waxing, we’ll treat the cause and help your skin recover properly.
At City Dermatology Clinic, treatment is tailored to the type and severity of your ingrown hairs. During your consultation, one of our doctors will examine the affected area and determine the safest and most effective approach to clear the trapped hairs and reduce inflammation.
For isolated or infected ingrown hairs, a simple in-clinic procedure may be performed. Using sterile techniques, the doctor gently releases the trapped hair from beneath the skin and removes any debris or fluid if a small cyst or abscess has formed. This provides immediate relief and helps the skin heal properly.
For patients who experience frequent or widespread ingrown hairs, we often recommend laser hair reduction. By targeting the hair follicle directly, laser treatment helps prevent regrowth and significantly reduces the chance of future ingrown hairs – especially in areas like the beard, neck, underarms, or bikini line.
In some cases, topical or oral medication may also be prescribed to control inflammation or treat infection. Every treatment plan is designed to restore healthy, smooth skin while minimising discomfort and recurrence.
| Type of Ingrown Hair | Overview |
|---|---|
| Superficial Ingrown Hair | A hair that curls back under a thin layer of skin, creating small bumps or redness. Common after shaving or waxing. Usually mild and may clear on its own. |
| Deep Ingrown Hair | The hair grows deeper beneath the surface, often becoming sore or inflamed. May need medical extraction to prevent infection or scarring. |
| Infected Ingrown Hair | When bacteria enter the blocked follicle, the area can swell and fill with pus. Requires sterile removal and sometimes antibiotic treatment. |
| Recurrent Ingrown Hair | Ingrown hairs that keep returning due to shaving habits, friction, or naturally curly hair. Laser hair reduction can provide lasting relief. |
| Afro-Textured or Curly Hair Ingrowth | Curly or coarse hair types are more likely to re-enter the skin after shaving. Preventive care and laser treatment are often most effective. |
| Cystic Ingrown Hair | A deep lump forms when trapped hairs create a small cyst under the skin. Needs professional removal and careful aftercare to stop it recurring. |
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into the skin instead of outward through the surface. This can trigger inflammation, small bumps, and sometimes infection. The problem is especially common in areas where hair is thick or curly, or where the skin experiences regular friction.
Common causes include shaving too closely, waxing, or plucking, all of which can leave sharp hair tips trapped under the surface. Dead skin cells and blocked follicles can also prevent new hairs from emerging properly. In some cases, tight clothing or regular rubbing of the skin can worsen the irritation.
While most ingrown hairs resolve on their own, some become painful or repeatedly infected. These should be assessed and treated by a doctor to prevent scarring or long-term pigmentation changes.
Most mild ingrown hairs will clear with gentle exfoliation or by leaving the area alone. However, if the bump becomes painful, swollen, or filled with pus, it’s best to see a doctor for professional treatment. Attempting to squeeze or pick at the area can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of infection or scarring.
You should also seek medical advice if you notice multiple ingrown hairs developing in the same area, or if they continue to return despite changing your shaving or skincare routine. Chronic or infected ingrown hairs may require minor removal under sterile conditions, or further investigation to rule out cysts and other skin conditions.
At City Dermatology Clinic, our doctors can assess the cause and provide effective treatment to clear the problem safely and prevent it recurring.
All procedures are performed by qualified dermatology and minor surgery doctors with years of experience treating ingrown hairs, cysts, and related skin conditions. This ensures every removal is done safely, precisely, and with minimal risk of scarring or recurrence.
Specialist Clinics in Harley Street and the City of London
We operate from two leading medical locations, offering convenient access and discreet, professional care. Both clinics are fully equipped for same-day consultations and procedures, allowing most patients to have their ingrown hair treated in a single visit.
Safe, Doctor-Led Techniques
Our approach combines sterile medical techniques with advanced skin treatments for long-term improvement. From precise manual extraction to laser hair reduction for chronic cases, we choose the safest and most effective method for your skin type and concern.
Focus on Prevention and Results
We don’t just remove the ingrown hair, we help prevent it from coming back. Our doctors provide tailored advice on skincare, hair removal methods, and follow-up treatment options to keep your skin clear, smooth, and irritation-free.
Trusted Reputation and Patient Care
City Dermatology Clinic is known for its professional, patient-centred care. From your first consultation through to aftercare, you’ll be looked after by an experienced team who prioritise comfort, safety, and natural-looking results.
Our Team
Meet the dermatologists and minor surgery doctors who perform ingrown hair removal at City Dermatology Clinic. Whether you need a simple extraction or treatment for a deeper or infected ingrown hair, you’ll be seen by an experienced medical professional trained in both diagnosis and removal.
You’ll have the option to see either a dermatologist or a minor surgery doctor depending on the severity and location of the ingrown hair. Every procedure is carried out under sterile conditions to ensure safe, effective results and minimal risk of scarring.
Meet the dermatologists and minor surgery doctors who perform ingrown hair removal at City Dermatology Clinic. Whether you need a simple extraction or treatment for a deeper or infected ingrown hair, you’ll be seen by an experienced medical professional trained in both diagnosis and removal.
You’ll have the option to see either a dermatologist or a minor surgery doctor depending on the severity and location of the ingrown hair. Every procedure is carried out under sterile conditions to ensure safe, effective results and minimal risk of scarring.
BSc, MBChB, FRCS
MD, PhD
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MBBS, MD, MRCP
MB ChB FRCS
MBBS, MSc, FRCS
MBBS, MSc, FRCS
MA MBBS FRCS
MD, PhD, CCT
MD, MSc, FRCS, FEBOPRAS
BSc, MBChB, FRCS
MBBS, FRCS
Yes. At City Dermatology Clinic, ingrown hairs are removed using sterile, medical techniques designed to release the trapped hair and reduce inflammation without damaging the surrounding skin. This helps prevent infection and scarring.
The doctor will examine the area and gently open the surface of the skin if needed to release the trapped hair. Any fluid or debris is cleared, and the area is cleaned to encourage proper healing. The procedure is quick and usually performed under local anaesthetic if required.
Once the hair is removed, the area usually heals fully. However, new ingrown hairs can form if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. Your doctor will provide aftercare and prevention advice, including skincare, exfoliation, and laser reduction options for long-term results.
Laser hair reduction is often recommended for people who develop frequent ingrown hairs in the same area, especially on the beard, neck, underarms, or bikini line. It reduces future hair growth and helps prevent new ingrown hairs from forming.
Most patients notice improvement within a few days. If a small incision was made, mild redness or sensitivity may last for 24–48 hours. Your doctor will give you clear aftercare instructions to keep the area clean and promote fast healing.
Yes – every patient is seen by a doctor first to confirm the diagnosis and choose the most suitable treatment. In most cases, the ingrown hair can be removed during the same appointment.
