Picking at ingrown hairs is bad with a capitol B. If you get the urge to start going to town, Miles recommends applying a hot compress to the area to reduce swelling and covering the ingrown with serum or a soothing at-home remedy like toothpaste or baking soda.

How does toothpaste get rid of ingrown hairs?

Topical acne creams or ointments will help dry up any ingrown hairs that have turned into a pimple. If you don’t have acne cream, toothpaste can work as a good alternative. Opt for white paste over blue gel toothpaste. If you can, don’t cut it – allow hair to grow naturally.

What is the best treatment for ingrown hairs?

• Drugs that help remove dead skin cells. Retinoids applied to your skin, such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, others), help with clearing dead cells from your skin (exfoliation).
• Creams to reduce inflammation. Your doctor may suggest a steroid cream.
• Creams or pills to control infection.