Pulling out hair follicles is possible, but there are risks involved. The hair follicle is the part of the hair that sits below the surface of the skin. It contains the root of the hair strand and the sebaceous gland that produces oil for the hair. Pulling out hair follicles completely disrupts the normal hair growth cycle and can cause permanent damage if not done properly.
What happens when you pull out a hair follicle?
When you pull out a hair follicle, you are removing the entire hair strand along with the follicle structure under the skin that the hair grows from. Some key effects include:
- The current hair strand will be extracted and will no longer grow.
- Damage can occur to the sebaceous gland connected to the follicle.
- Scarring can occur around the empty follicle.
- If the follicle stem cells are damaged, new hair may not regrow.
Normal hair pulling like combing or brushing doesn’t remove the entire follicle. However, methods like waxing, tweezing, threading and epilation creams can rip out the entire hair follicle when removing hair. Proper technique is important to minimize damage.
Why would someone want to pull out hair follicles completely?
There are a few reasons people may intentionally try to pull out hair follicles:
- For permanent hair removal – When the hair follicle stem cells are damaged, hair cannot regrow. This is the premise behind laser hair removal treatments.
- For DNA sampling – Forensic investigators may pull out hair follicles to obtain DNA evidence from the follicle cells.
- For hair transplantation – Hair follicles may be removed from one part of the scalp and then surgically implanted into balding areas of the scalp.
- For disease diagnosis – Doctors can examine hair follicles under a microscope to look for signs of infection or other conditions.
Most cases of intentional hair follicle removal are done by trained cosmetic professionals. However, some people may try to remove hair at home out of curiosity or for self-treatment, often using unsuitable methods that can cause harm.
What are the risks of pulling out hair follicles?
Removing hair follicles yourself can be risky if proper care is not taken:
- Infection – An open follicle site provides an entry point for bacteria, which could cause local skin infections or follicle cysts.
- Scarring – All follicles have some attached connective tissue. Forcibly ripping out follicles can damage surrounding skin and cause scarring.
- Poor hair regrowth – Hair may regrow abnormally if the follicle stem cells are damaged. New hairs can emerge thin and white.
- No hair regrowth – Permanent bald patches can occur if follicle stem cells are completely destroyed and the area scars over.
- Pain and redness – There are many nerve endings around each follicle. Forcible removal will be painful and can irritate the skin.
Uncontrolled follicle removal can potentially lead to bald spots, infection, and permanent scarring if extensive damage occurs. Home attempts often end painfully.
What methods can remove hair follicles?
Hair follicles can be removed through various methods, both temporary and permanent:
Temporary Hair Removal Methods
- Waxing – Hot or cold wax is applied to adheres to hairs and pulls them out when the wax is removed.
- Sugaring – A sugar paste adheres to hairs in a similar manner to waxing for hair removal.
- Tweezing – Using fine tweezers to grasp and pluck out individual hairs.
- Threading – A twisted cotton thread is rolled across skin to trap and pull out hair strands.
These methods can remove the hair follicle temporarily. Hair will often regrow, but repeated treatments can damage follicles over time.
Permanent Hair Removal Methods
- Electrolysis – A fine electric current applied to each follicle destroys it.
- Laser treatments – Laser light targets melanin and destroys follicle cells to stop regeneration.
- Intense pulsed light – Broad spectrum light heats and damages follicles to prevent regrowth.
These methods aim to permanently stop hair regrowth by targeting the follicle cells with damaging light or heat energy. Several repeated treatments are needed for full results.
Can you remove hair follicles at home?
It’s generally not recommended to try removing hair follicles completely at home. Methods like waxing, tweezing, threading and epilating creams are the safest home options. But they still pose risks if overdone:
- Waxing the same area too frequently can irritate skin and damage follicles over time.
- Tweezing requires precision to grasp the hair properly and not tear at skin.
- Threading works best on ideal hair types and angles; forcing it can lead to follicle damage.
- Using harsh chemical epilating creams too often inflames skin and impairs follicle health.
For minimal damage:
- Avoid taking medications like accutane that thin the skin when using these methods
- Allow time between treatments for skin to heal fully
- Apply antiseptic and soothing creams after hair removal
- See a dermatologist if any sign of infection, cysts or scarring appear
Permanent hair removal requires destroying the follicles using devices and methods not suitable for at-home use by untrained individuals. Laser treatments, electrolysis, chemical peels and other medical grade follicle removal techniques should only be performed by licensed, experienced aestheticians and dermatologists.
Conclusion
While hair follicles can be pulled out completely, this risks pain, infection, scarring and permanent bald patches if not done properly. It’s best to avoid forcibly extracting hair follicles yourself. Seek professional services for permanent hair removal. For temporary removal, use safe home methods sparingly and with care to avoid long-term follicle damage.
| Method | Removes Follicle? | Regrowth? |
|---|---|---|
| Waxing | Yes | Yes |
| Tweezing | Yes | Yes |
| Threading | Yes | Yes |
| Laser Treatment | Yes | No |
| Electrolysis | Yes | No |