Drawing out an ingrown hair might not be on the top of your list of enjoyable activities, but taking the time to do so could make a big difference in the comfort and aesthetic of your skin.Ingrown hairs can be pesky, but if you’re savvy to the technique, you can easily draw them out yourself in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re dealing with a whitehead, blackhead, cyst or any other form of ingrown hair, we’ll walk you through the process of how to draw out an ingrown hair.
Step 1: Cleanse and Open Your Pores
Before you even think of trying to extract an ingrown hair, the first thing you’ll want to do is give your skin a good cleanse. There are many ways to do this, however, for ingrown hair removal, we highly recommend using a cleanser that contains an exfoliating acid to soften the skin and open the pores. Cleansing your skin also helps eliminate bacteria from the area, which can prevent further infection.
Start by applying your cleanser to wet skin using gentle circular motions, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Focus extra attention on the area where the ingrown hair is located, as this will help open your pores, making it easier to get rid of it.
Step 2: Apply a Warm Compress
A warm compress can quickly draw out ingrown hairs and also soothe the irritated skin. Apply a warm compress to the affected area for up to 5 minutes. Repeat this at least two times a day. Not only will the warmth help to draw out the ingrown hair, but it can also reduce any pain and itchiness caused by the irritation.
A makeshift compress can be easily made by wetting a cloth or towel with lukewarm water. You can also buy a specifically designed hot compress or fabric eye mask from pharmacies to use.
Step 3: Exfoliate the Skin
Exfoliating the skin will help to remove the dead skin cells and encourage the hair to grow out of the pore, rather than getting trapped. To exfoliate, You should use a scrub or brush specifically designed for the face to gently massage the area. Don’t scrub too hard with the brush, as this can increase skin irritation and leave it red and inflamed.
You can also use a gentle exfoliator such as a topical acid or enzyme used to dissolve skin cells, like AHAs, BHAs, LFAs and PHAs. These should be applied according to the instructions on the packaging.
Step 4: Use a Tweezer
If you can see the ingrown hair, use a clean, disinfected tweezer to try and grab it. If it’s too short to be grabbed, try to lift the skin around the area to help the hair come out. Be sure to apply the warm compress beforehand to soften the skin and make the hair come out more easily. Once you can clearly see the hair, slowly pull it out in the direction it’s growing.
Tweezing it yourself isn’t recommended because you may cause further damage and skin irritations. After removing the hair, clean the area with some mild antiseptic or salicylic acid, and apply an anti-inflammatory cream such as hydrocortisone or aloe vera gel.
Step 5: Keep the Skin Clean and Moisturize
Keeping your skin clean and moisturized is perhaps the most important step in preventing ingrown hairs. To keep your skin clean, it’s important to avoid over-exfoliating, as this can create more irritation and lead to infection. When cleansing your skin, try to use a gentle cleanser with low levels of harsh exfoliating acids and try to avoid products that contain irritants such as fragrances and preservatives.
After cleansing, apply a lightweight moisturizer to the affected area, and make sure you’re applying on a daily basis, regardless if you have an ingrown hair or not. You should also try to keep stress levels down as this could aggravate the skin.
Seek Professional Advice
If at-home remedies don’t do the trick, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A dermatologist will be able to advise you on the best course of action and treatment and help draw out the ingrown hair. In some cases, they may use a tool known as a follicular extractor to remove the hair, and they may also prescribe a topical gel to use on the affected area.
Although the urge to pick can be strong, it’s important to remember that you should never try to pluck or cut an ingrown hair, as this can further irritate the skin and create the risk of infection. With regular cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing, you should be able to keep your skin healthy and clear and limit the chances of developing ingrown hairs.
