Ingrown hair
What Causes Ingrown Hairs? A Plain Guide for Nigerian Men
An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin instead of out of it. It's especially common in men with tightly curled hair, which is why so many Nigerian men deal with them on the beard, neck and back of the head.
Published October 12, 2026 · 5 min read
The main causes
- Curly hair: tightly curled hair is more likely to bend back into the skin.
- Very close shaves: cutting hair below the skin surface leaves a sharp tip that can pierce the skin.
- Stretching the skin while shaving, which lets the cut hair retract under the surface.
- Dead skin build-up that can trap hair in the follicle.
- Friction from tight collars, caps and helmets, plus sweat in hot weather.
Habits that help prevent them
- Shave less often and leave a little stubble when you can.
- Shave with the grain, one pass, sharp clean blade.
- Gently exfoliate a few times a week — not every day, and not with harsh scrubs.
- Choose looser collars and wash caps, durags and helmet liners often.
- Moisturise with a light, non-greasy product.
What not to do
- Don't dig hairs out with pins, needles or tweezers.
- Don't use bleaching creams on the dark marks they leave.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if an ingrown hair becomes very painful, swollen, pus-filled, or if firm bumps form at the back of the head or neck — that can be a different condition that needs medical care.
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Keep reading
Watch: quick video explainers
Build a routine instead of guessing
Start with the free 7 Reasons guide, or see the complete Clear Skin Reset system.