{"id":1248377,"date":"2025-12-26T19:41:32","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T16:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1248377"},"modified":"2025-12-26T19:41:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T16:41:32","slug":"how-to-deal-with-clogged-hair-follicles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1248377","title":{"rendered":"How to Deal With Clogged Hair Follicles"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How to Deal With Clogged Hair Follicles<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Celia Shatzman<\/p>\n
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\"Celia\"Celia<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nCelia Shatzman\n<\/div>\n
\nCelia Shatzman is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers beauty, fashion, celebrities, entertainment, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, and more.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Updated on August 06, 2024 06:06PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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Stocksy<\/p>\n

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Scalp care is the new skincare\u2014which means clogged hair follicles are the new clogged pores. That’s right: The latest location to invest your beauty bucks is your scalp, which is why you\u2019ve likely noticed a whole new genre of products. From serums to scrubs to masks\u2013\u00a0all specially formulated to help us take care of our scalps, because it’s skin, after all.\n<\/p>\n

Just like the pores on your face, those on your scalp can also get clogged. And when hair follicles get clogged, it can lead to some not-so-pretty side effects including hair loss.\n<\/p>\n

Ahead, three dermatologists explain the causes of clogged hair follicles as well as ways to unclog them and rejuvenate your scalp.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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  • Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-C,\u00a0DCNP, is a dermatologist and hair expert with the Orentreich Medical Group in New York City.<\/li>\n
  • Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced\u00a0Care.<\/li>\n
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    What Are Clogged Hair Follicles? <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Clogged hair follicles are exactly what they sound like.<\/strong> \u201cThe correct term is folliculitis,\u201d says dermatologist and hair expert Jodi LoGerfo, DNP. \u201cFolliculitis is very common and\u00a0occurs when the\u00a0hair\u00a0follicles\u00a0become inflamed, usually caused by bacteria. Sometimes they can look like small pimples around the hairs.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

    Joshua Zeichner, MD, adds that clogged hair follicles become blocked, “because of cells that stick together inside. This leads to a bottleneck which traps oil and debris within the follicle.” He says this is a major contributing factor to acne, too.\n<\/p>\n

    Causes of Clogged Hair Follicles <\/span><\/h2>\n

    There are several reasons we can end up with clogged hair follicles. \u201cYou can get folliculitis when the\u00a0hair\u00a0follicles\u00a0become infected with a type of bacteria,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says. \u201cOften, it is Staphylococcus aureus (staph), but it can also be other types of bacteria as well as viruses or fungi. Occasionally, they can be caused by an ingrown\u00a0hair. Sometimes we don\u2019t know what the cause is.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

    Excess Oil <\/span><\/h3>\n

    Clogged hair follicles can also be triggered by excess oil (sebum) or excess debris, like dead skin or hair products. \u201cSurprisingly enough, it can also come from an excessively dry scalp with a thick dead skin layer of scalp,\u201d says board-certified dermatologist, Kseniya Kobets, MD. \u201cWhen itchy red bumps or pustules (or folliculitis, a.k.a. inflammation of hair follicles) appear on the scalp, it may be related to buildup of oil or hair products (like silicone or excess oils) or may even mean a true fungal infection, which should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.”\n<\/p>\n

    Hot & Humid Temperatures <\/span><\/h3>\n

    Dr. Kobets also says, “Folliculitis and dandruff can be exacerbated by hot temperatures and sweating, which promotes colonization of hair follicles by yeast such as Malassezia furfur (common cause of dandruff) or bacteria.”\n<\/p>\n

    Excess Dead Skin <\/span><\/h3>\n

    “Another reason for clogged pores can be hyperkeratosis (or excess dead skin) around hair follicles, which can still often be related to dandruff, psoriasis, scarring alopecia like lichen planopilaris, or even fungal infection,\u201d\u00a0says Dr. Kobets.\n<\/p>\n

    Who is Most Prone to Clogged Hair Follicles? <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Anyone can develop the condition, though some may be more prone to it than others.<\/strong> \u201cClogged hair follicles can happen in both oily and dry scalp, but is probably more likely in more oily skin, which promotes inflammation and growth of pathogens like yeast and bacteria,\u201d Dr. Kobets says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

    Signs and Treatment <\/span><\/h2>\n

    So, how can you tell if you have\u00a0clogged\u00a0hair\u00a0follicles? There are a few main signs to look for.\n<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe signs of folliculitis include small, inflamed bumps,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says. \u201cSometimes, the bumps can grow larger and more inflamed. They can often be pus-filled and crusty or appear as whiteheads. From time to time the skin can become very inflamed, often itching or burning. Every so often, they can become infected, requiring oral antibiotics.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

    If you have clogged hair follicles, you’re probably wondering how to clear them out\u2014and you\u2019ll want to do so, since leaving that issue unattended can lead to complications. \u201cIt is not that folliculitis is so terrible\u2014it is often not a medical emergency,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says. \u201cHowever, if not treated or if the folliculitis is picked, the areas can become larger and more infected. The skin can also become discolored and scarred, and there\u00a0can be permanent\u00a0hair\u00a0loss. Sometimes the infections can become more chronic. At times, a more serious infection, called cellulitis, which can spread to the blood and lymph nodes, can occur.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

    How to Treat Clogged Hair Follicles <\/span><\/h2>\n

    While you’ll want to treat your folliculitis, you’ll be relieved to know that there are several ways to do this<\/strong>, most of which you can do at home.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    01<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Keep It Clean <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Skipping a wash session can actually make the condition worse, while regularly sudsing up is a huge help. \u201cWash\u00a0hair\u00a0with anti-dandruff shampoo and be sure to wash your\u00a0hair\u00a0every day or every other day,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says. \u201cIf you were sweating, wash your\u00a0hair\/scalp as soon as possible.\u201d She also recommends cleansing the area with an antibacterial cleanser.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    02<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Step Up Your Shampoo <\/span><\/h2>\n

    \u201cFor someone with a more oily scalp, scales, and clogged pores, one can start with over-the-counter Nizoral (1% ketoconazole) shampoo\u2014or get the prescription strength 2% ketoconazole from your dermatologist,\u201d Dr. Kobets says. \u201cBe sure to wash only the roots of the scalp with medicated shampoo by lathering in for five minutes and washing out with another shampoo to the rest of the hair and ends […] The reason to use only on roots is that ketoconazole or salicylic acid shampoos, although great at decreasing oil and treating yeast-causing dandruff, can be drying to the rest of the hair and may make it brittle, causing it to break off. Start with once a week.”\n<\/p>\n

    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.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    03<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Soothe Inflammation <\/span><\/h2>\n

    If your scalp looks red and angry, this especially applies to you. \u201cFor the inflammation, you can take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says. \u201cUse a warm compress to help soothe inflammation. You can also apply a topical steroid cream to reduce inflammation and take an OTC antihistamine, which may help soothe itching.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    04<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Check the Label <\/span><\/h2>\n

    \u201cTry to avoid silicone or dimethicone-containing shampoos,\u201d Dr. Kobets says. To descale or exfoliate the scalp, alternate between a salicylic acid formula and your regular shampoo.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    05<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Skip Hats <\/span><\/h2>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t wear hats or helmets longer than necessary,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo advises. They can trap bacteria and oil, potentially worsening the condition.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    06<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Mix It Up <\/span><\/h2>\n

    \u201cUse a variety of different shampoos\u2014don\u2019t use the same shampoo every day; rotate them,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says. Using a medicated shampoo in more severe cases can help.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    07<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Treat Wounds <\/span><\/h2>\n

    \u201cApply antibiotic ointment to large areas and any sores that are open,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    08<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Don\u2019t Touch <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Hands off is the best policy when it comes to unclogging hair follicles, since you don\u2019t want to introduce more germs or trigger irritation. \u201cAvoid constantly touching, scratching, or rubbing the scalp,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says, \u201cas well as pulling or twisting at your\u00a0hair.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    09<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Stop Shaving Your Head <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Putting the razor down will help ease irritation. \u201cIf you are shaving your head, use a new, clean razor each time,\u201d Dr. LoGerfo says.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    How Long Does it Take to Treat?
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    It will probably take one to two months to really see significant improvement, but you should start to see a difference within a few weeks.\u00a0\u201cIf scalp symptoms of itching, pain, redness, irritation, red bumps, or pustules or scaling (dandruff) do not improve in one to two months, or if associated with progressive hair shedding, it is time to see a board-certified dermatologist,\u201d Dr. Kobets says. \u201cA dermatologist can prescribe several things, including ketoconazole shampoo to control oiliness and flaky scalp, a topical steroid solution to help with dandruff and itching and inflammation, or topical antibiotic gel for bacterial folliculitis.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

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    FAQ<\/div>\n
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      What causes cogged hair follicles?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Clogged hair follicles occur when the follicle becomes blocked or congested. Our experts say this can happen due to excess oils, hot and humid temperatures, dead skin build up, or lack of exfoliation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      How do I get rid of clogged hair follicles?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Though there are a few ways you can attempt to clear clogged hair follicles at home, Dr. Zeichner says the best way is to use a product with a hydroxy acid \u2014 like salicylic or glycolic.<\/p>\n

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      Dr. Kobets also recommends using over-the-counter or prescription strength shampoos but notes that you should only use them on the root, as they can be drying to your hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      What is folliculitis?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Folliculitis is the proper term for clogged hair follicles. It is a common occurrence that happens when follicles become inflamed or blocked and it’s usually caused by bacteria, according to Dr. LoGerfo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      Read more:<\/div>\n
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      • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Scalp Care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

        Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/how-to-unclog-hair-follicles-6930943<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        How to Deal With Clogged Hair Follicles By Celia Shatzman Celia Shatzman Celia Shatzman is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers beauty, fashion, celebrities, entertainment, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, and more. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 06, 2024 06:06PM Stocksy Scalp care is the new […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1248377","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1248377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1248377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1248377\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1248377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1248377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1248377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}