Skip to content

Ingrown Hairs and the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal


What are Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin rather than growing outward. This often happens when hair is cut or broken off unevenly with shaving or waxing, especially in areas with thick, coarse hair. Legs, underarms, and bikini lines are particularly prone to ingrown hairs. When a hair grows back improperly, it can cause a range of symptoms, such as:

  • Redness and swelling around the affected area
  • Bumps that resemble pimples or even small boils
  • Pain and tenderness, especially in severe cases
  • Itching as the skin tries to heal itself
  • Hyperpigmentation or dark spots as the skin heals

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

Several factors can contribute to ingrown hairs:

  1. Shaving: Shaving cuts the hair close to the skin, and when it starts to grow back, it may curl inward or sideways instead of out.
  2. Waxing and Tweezing: Although waxing removes hair from the root, it can irritate the hair follicle, leading to ingrowth when the hair regrows.
  3. Thick or Curly Hair: People with curly or coarse hair are more likely to experience ingrown hairs because of the natural curl pattern.
  4. Tight Clothing: Tight clothing can cause friction, which irritates the hair follicles and forces hair back into the skin.

How Laser Hair Removal Helps Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to prevent ingrown hairs because it targets the root cause—hair growth itself. Here’s how laser hair removal makes a difference:

  1. Destroys Hair at the Follicle: Laser hair removal works by sending a concentrated beam of light into the hair follicle. The pigment in the hair absorbs the light, which damages the follicle and prevents future hair growth.

  2. Smooth Skin with Minimal Irritation: Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal doesn’t cut or pull the hair, which means there’s no sharp edge left to grow back into the skin. This reduces the chance of hair regrowing incorrectly and eliminates bumps or pimples associated with ingrown hairs.

  3. Long-Term Results: After a few sessions, laser hair removal results in significantly reduced hair growth, and in many cases, permanent hair reduction. This not only means smoother skin but also a long-term solution to the problem of ingrown hairs.

Key Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Ingrown Hairs

  1. Permanent Reduction: Unlike other methods, laser hair removal offers a more permanent solution, saving you time and money in the long run.
  2. Minimizes Skin Trauma: By removing hair without physically disturbing the skin's surface, laser hair removal is gentler on the skin, reducing irritation and promoting smoother skin.
  3. Convenience: With fewer ingrown hairs and reduced hair regrowth, you’ll spend less time managing hair removal and can enjoy smooth skin for longer.