Have an ingrown hair on your penis? What you need to know.

This may sound like a very specific challenge, but it's surprisingly common. Anytime we remove body hair there is a risk that razor bumps and ingrown hairs will occur. In this article we will go over: 1) the common causes of ingrown hairs; and 2) how to mitigate ingrown hairs on the shaft of your penis 3) what steps to take if you believe your have an STI 

Best ways to mitigate ingrown hairs on your penis 

Not only are ingrown hairs uncomfortable and at times painful, they can also get infected and cause dark spots (click here to learn more about post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). That’s why it’s important to take steps to mitigate ingrown hairs as much as possible. Below you’ll find 3 amazing steps that will noticeably reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. 

1. Reduce shaving and start trimming 
2. Exfoliate regularly 
3. Moisturize on a daily basis 

Start trimming your pubic hair instead of shaving

Trimmers completely avoid the risk of ingrown hairs because they don’t the hair down to the skin’s surface. The Francesca Trimmer is made up of a comb and blade that work together to trim the hair: the comb lifts the strands upright so that the blade can trim all the hair at the same length. The comb acts as a protective barrier between the blade and the skin. The comb prevents the blade from reaching the skin and cutting the hair down to the surface of the skin. This minimizes the risk of ingrown hairs, razor burn, nics and cuts, and irritated skin. 

Click here to learn all about grooming with an electric trimmer and to find the difference between razors and trimmers.

Start exfoliating your pubic area and around your penis shaft

Exfoliation will unclog the pores and soften the skin and hair before hair removal. Unclogging the pores is necessary for the hair strand to grow through the skin with ease. Softening the skin will allow the razor to glide over the skin as opposed to pulling and tugging. Finally, the softer the hair, the easier it is for the razor to lift the strand and deliver a clean cut. 

The Bushbalm™ ultra-hydrating exfoliating scrubs satisfy both of these steps with just one swipe.  Each scrub is infused with nourishing oils and rejuvenating ingredients that coat the skin and hair while gently cleaning out the pores on the penis. 

Click here to learn more about Bushbalm™ ultra-hydrating exfoliating scrubs.

Start using a moisturizing pubic oil to prevent ingrown hairs from forming

It is necessary to go in with a treatment oil after hair removal. An effective treatment oil will soothe the skin and heal any skin irritations. Bushbalm’s treatment oils are packed with  Jojoba and Copaiba oils which will naturally soften the skin and hydrate the pores.  Each formula is also infused with Tea Tree Oil - a natural healer with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties.  The tea tree oil works to combat bacteria and keep the area clean.

In the event that an ingrown hair squeaks its way through, we’ve got a blog explaining ways to treat razor bumps.

Common causes of ingrown hairs on the base of your penis shaft

Hair removal 

Shaving is by far the most common cause of ingrown hairs we see on the penis shaft. When we shave, the first blade of the razor will lift up the hair strand so the next blade can slice it off. If we shave too close to the skin, by applying too much pressure or pulling the skin tight, the second blade will cut the hair below the skin line and give the hair strand a sharp edge. When it is time for the hair to grow, the sharp tip and awkward position of the cut will cause the hair strand to curl back into the skin and remain trapped beneath the skin’s surface. This leads to an ingrown hair on your penis. 

Click here to learn about shaving techniques to avoid ingrown hairs.

Lack of exfoliation

If you lack a regular routine of moisturizing and exfoliation you are more prone to ingrown hairs on your penis. Lack of exfoliation translates into clogged pores. If the pore is clogged, the hair strand will struggle to pierce through the skin leading to an ingrown hair on your penis. Utilizing a light body wash or light exfoliating scrub can be more than enough to deep clean the pores and let the skin breathe.

Tight Clothing

Putting on tight clothing (especially tight underwear) after shaving increases the risk of ingrown hairs. The fabric traps the hair that is beginning to grow back an forces it to grow sideways. Try to let your skin breathe after shaving and avoid tight clothing.

Examples of Ingrown Hairs

If you have an ingrown hair on your penis should you be worried? 

This is a common feeling, so don't be alarmed. If you are experiencing other irritation you should consult a medical professional. The safest route is to get tested for various STI's. If you are certain it is an ingrown hair below we will outline some steps you can take to mitigate common ingrown hairs. 

Recommended Products For Ingrown Hairs  

At Bushbalm we specialize in razor bumps, ingrown hairs, scarring and more. Shop our lines below for products that can help with ingrown hairs on your penis, face or anywhere. 

The Ingrown Hair Collection 

Our Nude Ingrown Hair Collection is formulated naturally to soften the appearance of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. 

The Scented Ingrown Hair Collection

This collection is formulated with a soft tangerine scent to help relieve and soften the appearance of ingrown hairs. 

The Francesca Pubic Hair Trimmer

Our signature pubic hair trimmer is designed to make trimming your penis easy and knick free.