How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hair

Use first aid precautions when removing an ingrown hair.

An ingrown hair can be caused by a hair being cut too short and not growing through the skin but instead curling under the skin or growing sideways. An ingrown hair can also be cause by a curly hair turning and growing back into the skin. Symptoms of an ingrown hair can range from a slightly reddened bump to a cyst-like or pus-containing lesion. Follow the instructions below to get rid of an ingrown hair before it becomes infected.

Things You'll Need

• Very warm water
• Washcloth
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Needle or tweezers
• Soap and water

Instructions

1. Identify the ingrown hair. Inspect the lesion. You may be able to see the hair just under the surface of the skin.

2. 

   Wash the affected area with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Next, wipe the skin with alcohol on a cotton ball and allow it to air dry.

3. Apply a warm compress to the area until the skin is softened. A very warm, wet washcloth can be held on the area for several minutes until you can see that the hair has been drawn nearer the surface. If after ten minutes you cannot see the hair, the lesion might be something else, and you may need to seek medical attention.

4. Clean a needle or tweezers with rubbing alcohol.

5. Gently work the hair out of the skin with the needle or tweezers. Do not cut the skin or injure the skin of the surrounding area. If the hair does not easily come out, leave it alone and seek medical attention. Do not pluck the hair from the follicle. If there is any slight infection, this could lead to further infection.

6. Cleanse the affected area again with soap and water.

7. Wipe the affected area with alcohol again to further protect against infection.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent further ingrown hairs, exfoliate the skin regularly.

• Use a moisturizer on the skin to help prevent ingrown hairs.

• If you have persistent or an excessive number of ingrown hairs, seek medical attention.

• Always disinfect the needle or tweezers before using.

• If after using a warm compress for 10 minutes you do not see the hair just under the surface of the skin, do not puncture the skin with the needle or tweezers. This lesion may actually be something else. Seek medical attention.

• If you have an excessive number of ingrown hairs, seek medical attention.

• For persistent or spreading inflammation seek medical attention.