Hair Splinter: What It Is & How to Remove It Fast

Hair Splinter: What It Is & How to Remove It Fast. Hair splinters are the result of hair fragments penetrating into non-hair-bearing areas of skin. Once considered a rare occupational hazard, it is likely that hair splinters are underreported. Hair splinters can be asymptomatic or quite painful. If left untreated, they may lead to complications, such as pilonidal sinus and foreign body granuloma. Hair splinters have most commonly been reported in barbers, hairdressers, sheep shearers, and pet owners.

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Hair fragments are most commonly seen penetrating between fingers,1 toes,5 or in bottoms of feet.  Most patients with pedal involvement reported wearing open-toed shoes near loose hair. Removal of the hair is typically curative, but hair splinters may recur if preventative measures, such as frequent cleaning of hands and feet, removal of any loose hair, and wearing gloves and closed-toed shoes, are not implemented.

We report a case of a 44-year-old man who developed recurrent hair splinters in both feet (Figure 1) for almost a year. His hair splinters exclusively occurred on the heel and never between the toes. The hair splinters were novel to him, and the patient was at a loss to explain the phenomenon until his wife linked onset to the purchase of a new pair of fleece-lined “Cozy Crocs” (Figure 2) worn daily, without socks, to walk his dog. The sparing of the toes is not uncommon in case reports.4 In this case, it may be due to the posterior portion of the shoe being open, thus having a greater surface area for the hair to fall onto before being forced through the skin.

What are hair splinters and do they go away by themselves?

“A hair splinter is much similar to any other splinter and happens when a hair pierces/penetrates into the skin and will stay there until it’s removed,” says Andy Heasman, International Creative Director at RUSH, adding that although a hair splinter can be quite rare, it can be painful and uncomfortable, and can sometimes lead to infection, so it’s important to get it out as quickly as possible. “A hair splinter can generally happen when the hair is pulled or caught in something and pulled out from the head. They can also be more common for those with curly hair which is prone to tangles and knotting,” he tells us, and recommends using detangling sprays to avoid them. A detangling spray will keep any knots and tangles at bay, allowing you to glide through hair easily without causing any friction and breakage.

What Draws Out Hair Splinters and Are They Dangerous?

Hair Splinter: What It Is & How to Remove It Fast. As with an ordinary splinter, the best way to remove a hair splinter is with tweezers (make sure they have been disinfected before use!). However, if the hair is deeply embedded into the skin, it may need surgically removed says Andy: “It’s a good idea to try and soak the area that has the splinter in warm water before removing the splinter too, as this will help to soften the skin and make it more pliable for the splinter to be removed more easily. Be sure to not squeeze the skin or apply any firm pressure that could cause the splinter to further embed into the skin. I would then recommend cleaning the area afterwards with warm water and soap before drying and wrapping it with a bandage to keep the area clean and protected.

Identifying hair splinters:

• Hair splinters can appear as small, dark or translucent specks embedded in the skin. They may be difficult to detect at first glance, particularly if they are deeply embedded.
• Hair splinters are common on areas of the body with hair, such as the hands, feet, arms, legs, and buttocks. They can also appear on the scalp, especially when hair becomes trapped in combs, brushes, or hair accessories.
• Hair splinters can cause pain, itching, irritation, or inflammation near the point of penetration. In some cases, they are accompanied by redness, swelling, or a raised bump.

Understanding hair splinters:

• Hair splinters are composed of individual strands of hair that have broken off or become detached from the scalp or body. They can vary in length and thickness, depending on the type of hair and the circumstances surrounding their occurrence.
• Hair splinters can occur when loose hairs become trapped in fabrics, such as clothing, bedding, or carpeting, and penetrate the skin upon contact or friction. They can also occur during activities that involve handling or grooming hair, such as brushing, combing, or styling.
• Individuals with coarse or curly hair types are more prone to hair splinters due to the nature of their hair. Certain occupations or activities that involve frequent contact with fabrics or materials, such as healthcare workers, athletes, or individuals who work with textiles, may also be at increased risk.
• While hair splinters are typically minor and resolve on their own with proper extraction, they can sometimes lead to complications such as infection if not removed promptly or if the area becomes inflamed or irritated. It’s essential to handle hair splinters carefully to minimize the risk of complications.

What causes them?

Hair splinters usually involve freshly cut hair, which is often very sharp. As a result, it’s easier for recently cut hair to penetrate your skin. This is especially true if the hair is short, coarse, or thick.

Those at higher risk of developing hair splinters include:

• hairdressers
• barbers
• dog groomers
• those who handle a lot of hair

While hair splinters can happen anywhere, they tend to affect your fingers and feet. In addition to handling hair, walking barefoot, or even with socks, around a salon or other area with lots of hair on the ground can lead to a hair splinter.

How to remove a splinter

Once you’re ready, here are eight things that can help with splinter removal.

1. Tweezers 

A pair of tweezers is all you need to get a superficial splinter out, especially if part of it is sticking out of your skin. First, sterilize your tweezers by cleaning them with 70% rubbing alcohol. Let the tweezers dry completely before using them.

Next, grasp the end of the splinter with your tweezers (use a magnifying glass if you can’t see it well). Gently pull the splinter out in the same direction it entered the skin. Try not to squeeze the splinter or the skin around it. The pressure can make the splinter break into smaller pieces, making it harder to remove.

2. Needles 

If your splinter is completely embedded in your skin, you can use a small needle to help remove it. First, sterilize your needle by dipping it in 70% rubbing alcohol. Let the needle dry completely before using it. 

Next, pierce your skin right underneath one end of the splinter. Slowly coax that end out of your skin. Once part of the splinter is sticking out, use tweezers to pull it the rest of the way out.

3. Duct tape 

If you don’t have anyone to help or if tweezers and needles make you a bit nervous — you can try duct tape to remove your splinter. Take a piece of duct tape and cover your splinter. Leave the tape on for 30 minutes, then slowly remove it in the opposite direction the splinter entered the skin.

This trick works best if your splinter is near the surface of your skin or if part of it is already sticking out. 

4. Baking soda paste 

If your splinter is embedded a bit deeper (but you can still feel it), you might have trouble reaching it with a needle. You’ll want to bring it closer to the surface before you try to get it out. Baking soda paste may help.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. Apply the paste around the skin at the site of the splinter. Cover it with a bandage and leave it on for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the splinter may be closer to the surface of your skin, so you can try removing it with a needle and/or tweezers.

5. Epsom salts 

Epsom salts can be great for sore muscle relief — but did you know they might also help with splinters? Like baking soda, Epsom salts may bring a splinter closer to the surface of your skin. 

Dissolve a cup of Epsom salt into a warm bath and soak your skin for 30 minutes. Once you’ve dried off, use your needle and/or tweezers to pull the splinter out. 

6. Hydrogen peroxide 

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Pour the mixture over your splinter. Within a few minutes your splinter might come closer to the surface of your skin. Some people have good luck using a white vinegar solution. Both options may cause stinging and irritation to your skin.

7. Wax strips 

At home wax strips can help with getting a splinter out. It’s best to use this option for plant splinters like tiny cactus needles or for very thin splinters where one end is sticking out of your skin. 

It can be tricky to decide how to pull the wax strip. You want to pull in the opposite direction that the splinter entered the skin. Follow the package directions for instructions on how to heat wax and how long to wait before removing with the strip. 

8. Potatoes and banana peels 

While there’s no data to support this, the theory is that the enzymes in potato and banana peels can make the skin softer. This makes it easier to get a splinter out using a needle and/or tweezers. 

You have to keep the peel on for several hours — which can be tough to do since peels are pretty slippery. There’s also a risk that these items can have bacteria on them and increase the risk for infection.