Alcohol and ingrown hairs are two topics that might not seem directly connected at first, but there are important medical facts that link them, especially when it comes to skin health and infection risk. Many people experience ingrown hairs after shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods, and sometimes these hairs can become infected. The question is whether drinking alcohol can make this problem worse, and if so, how.
Ingrown hairs happen when a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing out. This is common in areas where hair is thick or coarse, like the face, legs, armpits, or bikini area. When the hair gets trapped, it can irritate the skin, leading to redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. The infection is called folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicle, and it can be mild or more serious depending on the situation [3].
Alcohol itself does not directly cause ingrown hairs. However, drinking alcohol can affect the body in ways that make it easier for infections to develop, including infections in the skin around ingrown hairs. One of the main ways alcohol impacts the skin is by weakening the immune system. When the immune system is not working as well, the body is less able to fight off bacteria that can cause infections. This means that if an ingrown hair becomes irritated or slightly infected, the body might not respond as quickly or effectively, allowing the infection to get worse [1].
Alcohol also affects the skin’s ability to heal. The skin is the body’s first line of defense against infection, and when it is damaged or irritated, it needs to repair itself quickly. Alcohol can slow down this healing process by reducing blood flow to the skin and interfering with the production of new skin cells. This means that any small cut, scrape, or irritation from an ingrown hair might take longer to heal, giving bacteria more time to grow and cause infection [1].
Another important factor is that alcohol can lead to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the skin becomes dry and more prone to irritation. Dry, irritated skin is more likely to develop ingrown hairs, and it is also more vulnerable to infection. If the skin is already dry and cracked, bacteria can enter more easily, increasing the risk of infection around an ingrown hair [1].
Nutrition also plays a role. Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are essential for healthy skin and a strong immune system. When the body does not get enough of them, the skin can become weaker and more susceptible to infections, including those related to ingrown hairs [1].
It is also important to consider how people care for their skin after hair removal. Some people use alcohol-based products to clean the skin after shaving or waxing. While these products can help kill bacteria, they can also dry out the skin and make it more irritated. For people who already have ingrown hairs or sensitive skin, using alcohol-based products can make the problem worse and increase the risk of infection. It is usually better to use a gentle, moisturizing product instead of something with alcohol, especially if the skin is already irritated [3].
If an ingrown hair does become infected, the signs to watch for include increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and sometimes pus. In more serious cases, there might be fever or the infection could spread to other areas of the skin. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to see a doctor. Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics or other medical treatments, but it is best to get help early to prevent the infection from getting worse [5].
In summary, alcohol does not directly cause ingrown hairs to become infected, but it can make the body less able to fight off infections and slow down the healing process. This means that if someone drinks alcohol regularly, they might be at a higher risk of developing infections from ingrown hairs, especially if they also have other risk factors like poor nutrition, dry skin, or a weakened immune system. Taking care of the skin, staying hydrated, and getting enough nutrients can help reduce the risk of infection and keep the skin healthy [1][3][5].
Sources
[1] HairGP UK. Alcohol & Smoking: The Hair Loss Science in 2025. https://hairgp.co.uk/alcohol-smoking-the-hair-loss-science-in-2025/
[3] Elos Klinik. Hair Follicle Inflammation (Folliculitis): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods. https://elosklinik.com/en/dermatoloji/kil-koku-iltihabi-folikulit-nedenleri-belirtileri-ve-tedavi-yontemleri/
[5] AOL. 7 Symptoms Gynecologists Don’t Want You To Stress About. https://www.aol.com/articles/7-symptoms-gynecologists-dont-want-203700478.html
