An ingrown hair occurs when hair grows back underneath the skin after shaving or tweezing. Ingrown hairs can occur anywhere hair is removed, but they are most common on a man's chin and neck, and a woman's bikini area. Hair that is coarse and curly tends to grow back under the skin, and African-American males between the ages of 14 and 25 are most likely to get ingrown hairs, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Ingrown hairs can become infected, because bacteria may collect under the skin, making the skin tender, inflamed and red. Once the hair is infected, it's important to get rid of it to help clear up the infection.
Step 1
Soak a sharp sewing needle in a clean glass filled with hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes.
Step 2
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap. This will help prevent spreading bacteria when you remove the needle.
Step 3
Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, then apply the washcloth to the ingrown hair for 5 minutes. This will soften the skin and make the hair easier to remove.
Step 4
Carefully remove the needle from the glass with your fingers and use the sharp end to gently remove the ingrown hair from the skin. If the hair is not easily removed, do not continue to pierce your skin with the needle.
Step 5
Consult a doctor if you are unable to remove the hair on your own. A doctor can perform laser hair removal, which creates an 80 percent chance the hair will not grow back, states the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 6
Keep the area clean after removing the hair. Apply an antibiotic ointment, either prescription or over-the-counter, to the afflicted area. Consult your dermatologist about oral antibiotics for particularly severe infections, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- On the skin's surface, an infected ingrown hair may look like a pimple or scab.
- Do not scratch or pick the ingrown hair.
Things You'll Need
- Sewing needle
- Antibacterial soap
- Washcloth
- Antibiotic ointment
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