Ingrown hairs can be an annoying problem for both men and women. An ingrown hair commonly occurs when a hair is cut or broken, (usually by shaving or tweezing) and curls back into the skin. When the hair reenters the skin, it can often become embedded, and will continue to grow internally, resulting in the appearance of small round bumps on the skin. Blockages in the pores can also cause ingrown hairs.
This condition primarily affects people with curly or coarse hair. For men, ingrown hairs are most common on the front of the neck and under the chin, while for women, the bikini area, the armpits, or the front of the neck are the areas of concern. For those with sensitive skin, this can be a persistent problem. Ingrown hairs are often unsightly, but it can become more than a cosmetic problem. Severe cases of ingrown hair can become infected and inflamed, causing considerable pain.