Ingrown hairs are a literal pain. If you experience them often, you may need treatments beyond at-home self-care to help.
Laser hair removal for ingrown hairs is an option many turn to for relief. Here’s everything you need to know about the process and how to get the most out of your treatment.
What Are Ingrown Hairs?
An ingrown hair curls back toward and re-enters your skin. As the tip curls back, it causes irritation and inflammation in the hair follicle, known as pseudofolliculitis. It often looks like a pimple or a raised purple or red bump, but you may be able to see the hair in it.
An ingrown hair may cause:
- Redness
- Minor swelling
- Pimples with hair inside
- Itchiness
- Pain
Ingrown hairs eventually cause pus to develop and can lead to infections. You may need antibiotic creams or pills, but frequent occurrences may require treatment with electrolysis or laser hair removal to get rid of ingrown hairs.
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs are more likely to happen with certain hair types and trimming habits, such as shaving or plucking.
Cutting or Shaving Hair
Cutting or removing hair through shaving, waxing, or plucking is a common cause of ingrown hairs. Pulling the hair out or cutting it back temporarily removes the hair but not the follicle. The hair eventually grows back and may curl inward toward the skin.
Type and Location of Hair
Ingrown hairs are common with curly hair, especially in the groin or armpit. Curly hairs in these areas often grow outward at a sharp angle, making them more likely to curve inward and re-enter the skin.
The groin and armpit areas are also often exposed to frequent shaving, which increases the chances of irritation. Men often experience ingrown hairs in their beard, especially under the chin and on the neck, known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. The hair in these areas is often tight and curly, leading to ingrown problems.
Laser Hair Removal and Ingrown Hairs
Some at-home remedies can help relieve ingrown hairs or prevent them from happening altogether, such as simply letting your hair grow out. However, using a laser to remove ingrown hairs is also an option.
Does Laser Hair Removal Remove Ingrown Hairs?
Yes. In fact, a laser can eliminate the majority of ingrown hair issues by stopping the hair from growing back in some areas. Laser treatment sends a beam of light into the follicle, which the hair absorbs. The laser destroys the hair and the follicle over time so that the ingrown hair can’t grow back.
Does Laser Hair Removal Cause Ingrown Hairs?
No, laser hair removal generally doesn’t cause ingrown hairs. The laser process targets the pigment in the hair and destroys the hair follicles, eliminating hair growth. Since the hair no longer grows, you’re unlikely to get an ingrown hair after laser hair removal.
Tips for Eliminating Ingrowns With Laser Hair Removal
Laser treatment is often recommended to help with ingrown hairs. A few tips can help you prepare for your appointment and optimize your results.
Expect Six or More Treatments
Ingrown hair laser removal usually takes around six treatment sessions to see optimal results. This is because it takes a few exposures for the follicle to fully break down and stop producing hair. You’ll need to plan for several laser hair removal appointments to get the maximum benefit.
Avoid Waxing or Plucking Before Treatment
Waxing and plucking temporarily remove the hair strand and root, which damages the follicle. Laser treatment targets both the root and the follicle. You shouldn’t wax or pluck for at least six weeks before your treatment to get the best results.
Shave 24 Hours Before Treatment
The day before your appointment, shave the area being treated. This clears the surface and helps the laser reach the hair follicle. It will also make the treatment more comfortable and prevent the laser from burning longer hairs and causing pain.
For Laser Hair Removal in Manhattan, Get Better Results With Laser by Monica
Optimal laser results depend on your technician. A trained and experienced laser specialist makes sure laser hair removal is right for your particular skin and hair.
Specialists like Monica from Laser by Monica use advanced technology and techniques to protect your skin and produce the best results. Book an appointment today and discover the benefits of permanent hair removal in Manhattan.