Most of us have probably found ourselves at least once using tweezers to remove that one tiny hair that ruins the look of our eyebrows or beard. In just a few seconds, the skin looks smooth again, but have you ever wondered what actually happens beneath the surface of your skin? A simulation posted by YouTuber Zackdfilms might make you think twice before reaching for those tweezers next time. The video reveals an in-depth look at the layers of skin down to the very root of the hair, showing that plucking actually pulls out the entire root. While this may seem like a good thing because it will take longer for the hair to grow back, it can have negative consequences.
The simulation reveals that this action damages the follicle, so the new hair may start growing at an angle. Anyone who has had an ingrown hair knows how uncomfortable that can be. The YouTuber explains that damaged follicles cause new hairs to emerge in the wrong direction, unable to properly break through the skin’s surface. As a result, the hair becomes trapped beneath the skin, creating a red, painful bump that is often more noticeable than the hair you originally wanted to remove. Zackdfilms clarifies that “the hair can remain trapped beneath the skin, which causes irritation and ingrowth.” You can watch video here.
The video also warns that follicles can become so damaged from frequent plucking that hairs may never grow from them again. Experts from Cleveland Clinic note that anyone who plucks hair or removes it with wax can experience problems with ingrown hairs, and they can also appear after shaving. The problem occurs when new hair fails to emerge on the surface but instead curves and grows back into the skin. Symptoms include skin irritation, small bumps with a hair in the center, pain, discoloration, and itching. The best approach is to let the hair grow out naturally without further removal. Warm compresses applied to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes can also help because they soften the skin and make it easier for the ingrown hair to emerge.
People often pluck unwanted hairs from various parts of their body including eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and other areas where they want smoother skin. The practice has been common for decades as a quick method of hair removal. However, what seems like a harmless beauty routine can lead to complications that extend beyond simple cosmetic concerns. The simulation demonstrates step by step how the entire hair shaft is extracted from deep within the skin, along with the root and bulb. This forceful removal can create small wounds within the follicle itself, leaving it vulnerable to infection and improper healing.
When the follicle heals incorrectly after plucking, it can create a pathway that directs future hair growth inward rather than outward. This misdirection is the primary cause of ingrown hairs. The new hair, unable to find its way through the skin’s surface, coils beneath the epidermis and continues growing in a curl pattern. This trapped hair causes inflammation as the body recognizes it as a foreign object. The immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the area, resulting in redness, swelling, and sometimes pus-filled bumps that resemble acne but are far more persistent.
Understanding hair follicles can help explain why plucking causes such issues. Hair follicles are complex structures embedded in the skin that extend down into the dermis layer. Each follicle contains a hair bulb at its base, which is the living part of the hair where cells divide and grow. When you pluck a hair, you remove not just the visible shaft but also disrupt the entire follicle structure. This disruption can alter the follicle’s shape and orientation, making it more difficult for subsequent hairs to grow normally. The follicle may also become inflamed or scarred, further complicating future hair growth patterns.
Medical professionals recommend several alternatives to plucking if you want to manage unwanted hair. Shaving is less traumatic to the follicle because it only cuts the hair at the skin’s surface without disturbing the root. Depilatory creams dissolve hair at or slightly below the skin’s surface using chemicals, though they can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Professional treatments like laser hair removal or electrolysis target the follicle itself to prevent future growth, offering more permanent solutions. These methods, while more expensive than simple plucking, reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and follicle damage significantly.
What are your thoughts on hair removal methods after learning what plucking does beneath the skin’s surface? Share your experiences with ingrown hairs or your preferred hair removal techniques in the comments.
