How to treat blocked hair follicles at home?

Author: Kayla Rau  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Self care
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. Do this several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the area drain, if needed. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.

What kills folliculitis naturally?

Essential Oils. Tea tree oil, neem oil, geranium oil, grapefruit seed oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. Tea tree oil can be added to your shampoo, lotion or body wash. Rub it gently onto the affected area and let it sit.

How do you treat trapped hair follicles?

To remove an ingrown hair, gently exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating your skin removes a dead layer of skin cells and helps release ingrown hairs. Use warm — not hot — water and small, circular motions to wash your affected areas with a washcloth, exfoliating brush or exfoliating gel or scrub.

How can I reopen my hair follicles naturally?

A healthy scalp is the foundation for hair restoration:
  1. Regular scalp exfoliation to remove buildup.
  2. Scalp massages to stimulate blood flow.
  3. Use of specialized scalp treatments to support follicle health.

What opens up hair follicles?

You can stimulate follicles that have stopped producing hair through topical application of minoxidil and finasteride, but it only works for about 10% of the population. Scalp massage, exfoliation, and application of stimulating oils like tea tree can also help.

Blocked Hair Follicle – Everything You Need To Know

Does vinegar open hair follicles?

Additionally, both Ruggeri and Hill mention that ACV can support hair growth by removing product buildup, especially from commonly used items like dry shampoo. “ACV unblocks follicles in the scalp so that strands have freedom to thrive,” Ruggeri says.

How do you get rid of blocked follicles?

Self care
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. Do this several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the area drain, if needed. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.

What does a trapped hair follicle look like?

Ingrown hairs can look like raised, itchy bumps on the skin. On white skin the bumps may look red. Redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin, but they may look a different colour to the surrounding skin. Sometimes you can see a hair trapped under the skin.

How do you get rid of hair follicles buildup?

How to Clear Hair Buildup
  1. #1 Use a Clarifying Shampoo. To start, you'll want to use a deep cleansing shampoo or clarifying shampoo designed to strip away the extra buildup on the hair and scalp. ...
  2. #2 Look for Chelating Agents. ...
  3. #3 Stay Away from Silicones and Sulfates. ...
  4. #4 Follow Up with Balancing Conditioners.

What worsens folliculitis?

Sometimes, when Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause an itchy condition that looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat.

Does apple cider vinegar get rid of folliculitis?

In one study , researchers reported that acetic acid reduced bacteria growth on burn wounds. They also found that the acid decreased bacterial growth in laboratory samples. Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath may help fight the bacteria that cause folliculitis and keep the skin on the buttocks clear.

What oil unclogs hair follicles?

Tea tree oil contains many beneficial compounds for maintaining scalp health and promoting follicle health. These compounds can help clean clogged hair follicles created by excess dirt or dead skin cells, helping them remain open so new hairs can grow in their place.

What do clogged hair follicles look like?

Blocked hair follicles start out like pimples. If they get worse, they can grow deep into the skin and look more like cysts or boils. They may also burst and leak pus or blood. They can make tunnels under your skin.

What soap is good for folliculitis?

Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful. If they are not improving or continue to appear.

What does a staph infection look like?

The symptoms of a staph infection depend on the type of infection: Skin infections can look like pimples or boils. They may be red, swollen, and painful. Sometimes there is pus or other drainage.

How do you get rid of trapped hair follicles?

Shaving or waxing against the direction of hair growth can increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs. To get rid of ingrown hairs, gently exfoliate the affected area and apply a warm compress, then use a clean needle or tweezers to free the trapped hair carefully.

How do you retrieve hair follicles?

Here's how to reactivate hair follicles and get your hair growing again.
  1. Finasteride. ...
  2. Minoxidil. ...
  3. Scalp Massage. ...
  4. Essential Oils. ...
  5. Hair Products for Hair Regrowth. ...
  6. Microneedling. ...
  7. Corticosteroid Injections. ...
  8. Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy.

How to open clogged hair follicles naturally?

Dr. Zeichner says using an exfoliating product that contains a hydroxy acid like salicylic or glycolic is, "the best way" to open up clogged hair follicles. He explains, "These acids dissolve connections between skin cells so they can be easily shed from the skin. In this way, they open up the pores."

What will dissolve sebum plugs?

Exfoliate: Use chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.

What medication is used for clogged hair follicles?

An antibiotic gel may work better than a wash if your HS is mild. Clindamycin is an antibiotic gel that's often used for HS.

What dissolves hair follicles?

Because electrolysis destroys the hair follicle, hair can never grow back. It's effective for the greatest range of skin and hair types. Electrolysis is the only method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permanently removing unwanted hair.

What happens if you leave vinegar in your hair too long?

But leaving it in too long can potentially dry out your hair or irritate your scalp. How can I reduce the smell of ACV? ACV does have a strong smell, but it usually dissipates after your hair dries. If the scent lingers longer, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the ACV rinse or rinse thoroughly with water.

What does baking soda do for your hair?

Baking Soda for Hair. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) might be a natural alternative for hair care. Possible benefits include removing excess oil and buildup, softening hair, and restoring pH (acid/base balance). However, this method comes with disadvantages, including the risk of hair damage over time.

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