If you’re one of the millions of people who remove their facial or body hair, there’s a good chance that you’ve found yourself wondering how to get rid of ingrown hairs on more than one occasion. These small reddish bumps tend to crop up after shaving, waxing, or plucking your hair and often linger for several days or more. While they’re not typically cause for concern, ingrown hairs can be itchy or uncomfortable. In some cases, they may even leave lasting dark spots in their wake. Fortunately, you don’t have to forgo hair removal entirely to keep your skin feeling smooth and comfortable. Ahead, we’ll explain more about what ingrown hairs are, why they develop, and what you can do about them. Plus, we’ll offer tips on how to avoid ingrown hairs when you shave, wax, sugar, or pluck.