If you shave, wax or tweeze regularly, ingrown hairs are probably a frustration you know well. Those small, red, sometimes itchy bumps can show up anywhere you remove hair, and for a lot of people, they come back again and again no matter how careful they are. If you’re tired of dealing with them, laser hair removal may be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for.
Why Ingrown Hairs Happen
Ingrown hairs develop when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising straight up through the follicle. This is especially common after shaving, since the process can leave a sharp-edged tip that is more likely to pierce the surrounding skin as it grows back. Waxing and tweezing can contribute too, since they sometimes break hairs off below the skin’s surface or disrupt the follicle, changing the way new hair grows in. People with coarse or curly hair tend to notice ingrown hairs more often, and areas that are shaved frequently, like the bikini line, underarms, legs and beard area, tend to be the biggest trouble spots.
Left alone, ingrown hairs can become irritated or infected, leading to a condition called folliculitis, which causes inflamed, sometimes painful bumps around the hair follicle. Chronic irritation from repeated hair removal can also lead to dark marks or scarring over time.
How Laser Hair Removal Addresses the Root of the Problem
Traditional hair removal methods only manage ingrown hairs temporarily, because the hair itself is still there and will eventually grow back through the same irritated follicle. With laser hair removal, however, the laser targets the pigment inside the hair follicle and disables its ability to produce new hair, rather than simply cutting or pulling hair at the surface. Over a series of sessions, treated follicles produce less hair, and eventually stop producing hair altogether in most areas.
Because the hair is not being repeatedly cut short or ripped out, there is no sharp regrowth tip to curl back into the skin. That means fewer opportunities for ingrown hairs to form in the first place. Many people notice smoother skin and far less irritation in treated areas after just a few sessions, even before treatment is complete.
What to Expect From Treatment
A typical laser hair removal plan involves multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart, since hair grows in cycles and the laser is most effective on hair that is in an active growth phase. Your provider will walk you through what to expect based on your skin tone, hair color and the areas you want treated. Most people tolerate the treatment well, and any redness or sensitivity in the treated area typically fades within a day or two.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Ingrown Hairs?
If ingrown hairs have been a recurring problem in areas you shave or wax, laser hair removal may offer the lasting relief you’ve been looking for. Our team can walk you through what treatment would look like for your skin and hair type, and help you build a plan that fits your goals.
Call our Tampa office today at 813-877-8067 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward getting smooth, carefree skin.
Author: Caroll Delo, CCE, CME
Lead aesthetician and co-owner of Simply Smooth, Caroll Delo has over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery, laser treatments, and medical grade skincare services. Her vast knowledge in cosmetic medicine helps make sure that every man and woman who enters our doors receives top-quality care and expertise.