Laser Hair Removal and Ingrown Hairs
Posted July 21, 2025 in Laser Hair Removal
If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, you probably have some questions as you research how it works. Does it hurt? How many sessions will I need? And for many people, one big concern may stand out: what about ingrown hairs? If you struggle with those painful, annoying bumps after shaving or waxing, the idea of ditching them for good can be a huge motivator to seek out laser hair removal. In this blog, we’ll explore laser hair removal and ingrown hairs, including what causes them and whether laser hair removal will help the problem or make it worse.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Are Ingrown Hairs?
- What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
- Are Certain People More Prone to Developing Ingrown Hairs?
- Can Laser Hair Removal Eliminate Ingrown Hairs?
- Can Laser Hair Removal Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
- Ingrown Hairs After Laser Hair Removal
- Laser Hair Removal at Aspire Medispa
What Are Ingrown Hairs?
An ingrown hair occurs when a hair grows back into your skin instead of up and out of the follicle. This often leads to a small bump that may end up red, irritated, and even painful. Sometimes, the area can become infected and filled with pus, like a pimple. Ingrown hairs are especially common in areas of the body where hair is curly or coarse, such as the bikini line, underarms, or beard area.
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs are often the result of standard hair removal methods. Shaving cuts your hair at an angle, which can make it easier for the shorn edge to grow back into your skin. Waxing or plucking pulls the hair from the root, and as the new hair grows, it may not follow the original path, especially if the follicle is inflamed or clogged. Dead skin cells, tight clothing, and improper shaving techniques can also contribute to ingrown hair issues.
Are Certain People More Prone to Developing Ingrown Hairs?
Yes. Just like with any skin concern, some people are simply more prone to ingrown hairs. If you have naturally curly or coarser hair, you’re at a higher risk of developing ingrown hairs because your hair is more likely to curl back toward the skin. People with darker skin tones may also be more prone to this condition, particularly when shaving causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or razor bumps.
Can Laser Hair Removal Eliminate Ingrown Hairs?
Laser hair removal can help eliminate ingrown hairs, which is one of the biggest benefits of the treatment. Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicle and damaging it to reduce or stop future hair growth. When fewer hairs are growing, there are fewer chances for them to become ingrown. In fact, many patients seek laser hair removal specifically because they struggle with chronic ingrown hairs. Over time, as the treated hairs thin or fall out, existing ingrown hairs often resolve on their own.
Can Laser Hair Removal Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
Absolutely. While it may not completely prevent every single ingrown hair, laser hair removal dramatically reduces your chances of developing them. Since the laser energy damages or destroys hair follicles, there’s less hair to get trapped beneath your skin. As the hair becomes finer and more sparse with each session, it’s less likely to curl back or get stuck. In areas like the bikini line or neck, where ingrowns are common and can be especially painful, this can be life-changing.
Ingrown Hairs After Laser Hair Removal
While laser hair removal significantly reduces the chances of getting ingrown hairs, some people may still experience them during the initial stages of treatment. As the treated hair begins to shed over the first few days to weeks, some follicles may become temporarily clogged. Fortunately, if this happens, it is usually mild and short-lived. Gentle exfoliation with a soft body scrub or chemical exfoliant (like salicylic acid) can help prevent this, as can keeping the area clean and moisturized.
Laser Hair Removal at Aspire Medispa
If you’re tired of dealing with unsightly or itchy razor bumps and painful ingrown hairs, laser hair removal might be more than just convenient—it could be the skin-smoothing solution you’ve been looking for. To learn more about laser hair removal in Fresno, call Aspire Medispa today at (559) 435-8477 or complete the online contact form.