Shave Properly

According to our experts, the first step to treating ingrown hairs on the scalp is through prevention. It’s important to use proper shaving techniques, including shaving in the direction of the hair growth, cleansing the skin, and wetting the hairs before shaving to make them softer, says Garshick.

Cleanse with Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant and your best friend when it comes to getting rid of ingrown hairs; it helps to remove skin cells and buildup. Try a salicylic acid shampoo, like Drybar’s Crown Tonic Pre-Shampoo Scalp-Balancing Cleanser, which comes recommended by Garshick. By exfoliating and eliminating excess oil, the cleanser maintains the overall health of the scalp.

Use a Scalp Scrub

According to Fahs and Garshick, exfoliants like scalp scrubs are helpful in treating existing ingrown hairs on the scalp and preventing future ones from forming. Garshick recommends Sukin Natural Balance Scalp Scrub while Nioxin likes Scalp Recovery Purifying Exfoliator. “Use this scrub before shampooing and massage directly onto the scalp, follow with shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner,” instructs Fahs.

Try a Scalp Serum

Depending on the severity of your ingrown hair, you may need to apply a leave-on product like a scalp serum. Certain serums work to reduce inflammation while simultaneously gently removing skin cells around the blocked hair follicle to release the trapped hair, explains Nathan. She advises looking for products containing skin-soothing zinc, like Vegamour’s GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum.

Alternatively, Garshick recommends using scalp serums with salicylic acid, like First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Scalp Serum. “While marketed for dandruff, this salicylic acid serum can also help with ingrown hairs as the salicylic acid helps to exfoliate to prevent clogged pores and buildup,” she notes.

Stop Wearing Hats

Although you may be inclined to cover your ingrown hair with a hat, doing so could make matters worse. According to Nathan, friction and occlusion from tight hats or helmets may contribute to ingrown hairs—not to mention, discomfort on the inflamed area—by preventing the hair from emerging from the skin.

Avoid Scratching or Picking at Your Scalp

The temptation to pick at ingrown hairs is strong, but Nathan advises against doing so. “If you do get ingrown hairs on the scalp, avoid picking them as this can lead to more inflammation and possible scarring or hair loss,” she cautions.

Get a Prescription-Strength Treatment

When is an ingrown hair on the scalp worthy of a dermatologist visit? According to Fahs, if you see pus or discolored fluid, it’s best to have your scalp evaluated by a dermatologist, as you may need topical or oral antibiotics to treat a hair follicle infection called “folliculitis.”

Consider an In-Office Treatment

Dermatologists also have other tools available that may help get rid of the swelling faster, which is important when it’s in a noticeable location like the scalp. In some cases, they can administer cortisone injections to treat the problem quickly, says Garshick.