Ingrown hairs occur when you pull skin back during shaving or tweezing. As skin tightens, the cut section grows into the surface as opposed to penetrating through the open area of a follicle. According to MayoClinic.com, hair structure plays an important role in the development of ingrown hairs. Hairs tightly curled tend to catch in skin. Chronic ingrown hairs are most common among black men between the ages of 14 to 25. Any individual who frequently shaves or tweezes may find himself with an ingrown hair resulting in localized pain, skin bulging and a mark. Skin prone to this condition may have thickening and a darkening spot known as hyperpigmentation.
Step 1
Wash hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap and dry with a clean towel.
Step 2
Clean the affected area with a mild cleanser. Wash off soap residue with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
Step 3
Hold a sewing needle under a flame for several seconds. Wipe off the carbon buildup with an alcohol wipe or sterile gauze pad. As an alternative, boil the needle in water for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Insert the sterile needle under the hair and gently lift up. This will pull the hair out of the skin and back into the follicle opening. Do not puncture the skin surface. Only attempt this if the hair is visible.
Step 5
Apply a retinoid cream to the affected area. This can be done whether or not you successfully pull out the hair. Follow your doctor's instructions for proper application of the cream. This will reduce the pigmentation and fade the mark.
Tips and Warnings
- As with most things, your best defense is prevention. Cut back on shaving or tweezing. If the condition becomes chronic, talk to your doctor about laser hair removal to eliminate the follicle. Wet hair before shaving and shave in the direction of hair growth. Avoid double-bladed razors.
- If the follicle or skin become red or swollen, or have discharge, apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to the area. If the redness spreads over the surface of skin, this may indicate a serious infection that requires medical treatment. Do not poke a needle into closed skin attempting to reach the ingrown hair. This may lead to infection. If, when trying to pull the hair tip outward, you puncture the skin, wipe the area clean and apply an antibiotic cream.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Clean towel
- Mild cleanser
- Thin needle (sewing)
- Lighter
- Alcohol wipe
- Retinoid cream
- Antibiotic cream or ointment
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