An ingrown hair occurs when a hair becomes trapped under the skin. These often occur as a result of shaving and are sometimes referred to as a shaving bump. The ingrown hair can be seen as a small red bump that often has pus in it. The area around the hair becomes red and irritated, causing an unattractive bump. Ingrown hairs can be removed at home in most cases, though at times, a hair too deep or one that is highly infected may need to be treated by a dermatologist or other physician.
Step 1
Exfoliate your entire face with a facial product and facial sponge. You want to soften the skin and bring the ingrown hair a little closer to the surface for easier removal.
Step 2
Place a warm, wet compress on the area of the ingrown hair. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3
Use a magnifying glass to observe the depth of the hair. If the hair is not visible, try using the warm compress for another 10 minutes. If the hair still cannot be seen it may be very deep and require treatment by a dermatologist.
Step 4
Disinfect a pair of tweezers or a needle in rubbing alcohol for 5 minutes if you have identified an ingrown hair that is shallow enough for removal (lying just under the skin).
Step 5
Insert sharp point of tweezers or needle into the skin directly above the ingrown hair. Gently maneuver the hair out of the skin if possible. Do not dig with your instrument but instead guide the hair up out of the shaving bump to free it.
Step 6
Pull the hair free with your tweezers. Use a firm grip to remove it as completely as possible. Re-sterilize your tweezers before putting them away.
Step 7
Treat the area with hydrogen peroxide to clean it. Allow it to dry. Watch for signs of infection, including redness and swelling. Dab a small amount of topical antibiotic cream on the area if any signs are noticed. See a physician if the signs persist.
Tips and Warnings
- Exfoliate your face often to keep the pores unclogged and help prevent the development of ingrown hairs.
- See a physician if the area from which you removed the hair reddens or swells noticeably in the days following. Consult a dermatologist if you have ingrown hairs frequently or if they are widespread.
Things You'll Need
- Facial exfoliant
- Facial sponge
- Warm compress
- Magnifying glass
- Rubbing alcohol
- Tweezers
- Needle (optional)
- Hydrogen peroxide
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