Ingrowing hair. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an ingrowing hair covered in bacteria. An ingrown hair is a hair that curls and grows back into the skin with its tip, causing inflammation and bacterial infection. Its also known as pseudofolliculitis. Ingrown hairs are more common among people with very curly hair. Most ingrown hairs happen in the beard area on men and the bikini or groin area on women. Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. Its often caused by an infection with bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus. Magnification: x2, 000 when printed at 10cm wide.