Laser Hair Removal Ingrown Hairs: How to Prevent Them

Few things interrupt the feeling of smooth, healthy skin quite like ingrown hairs. These painful bumps form when a clogged hair follicle causes a hair to grow back into the skin instead of out of it. Ingrown hairs can cause redness and swelling in areas where hair tends to be coarse or curly, like the bikini line and beard.

If you have sensitive skin, you’ve probably noticed how easily traditional hair removal methods can trigger skin irritation and ingrown hairs. Over time, that chronic inflammation can leave behind dark marks or scars, making your skin feel and appear rough or uneven.

Laser hair removal offers a long-term solution to this frustrating cycle. By targeting hair growth at its source, it reduces both the frequency and severity of ingrown hairs while improving overall skin texture. Understanding what causes ingrown hairs helps explain why laser treatments are so effective at preventing them.

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

An ingrown hair happens when a strand curls back or grows sideways into the skin rather than rising straight through the hair follicle. This often occurs after shaving or waxing, when sharp or unevenly cut hair makes it easier for new growth to pierce the surrounding skin.

Dead skin cells or oil buildup can block the hair follicle opening, trapping the hair beneath the surface. The body then reacts as if there’s something foreign under the skin, causing inflammation, tenderness, and sometimes pus-filled bumps that resemble acne.

People with coarse or curly hair are more likely to develop ingrown hairs because the curve of each strand encourages it to bend inward. Those with darker skin tones may also experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, in which an ingrown hair leaves a dark spot that lingers long after the irritation fades.

Preventing ingrown hairs starts with understanding your own unique combination of skin type and hair texture. Laser hair removal can make a huge difference in your skin's propensity towards ingrown hairs.

Traditional Hair Removal Methods and Ingrown Hairs vs Laser Hair Removal

Shaving

Shaving is quick and easy, but it’s also one of the worst hair removal methods for anyone prone to ingrown hairs. When you shave, the blade cuts the hair at an angle right at the surface of your skin. Those sharp, freshly cut ends can curl back into the skin as they grow, especially if your hair is coarse or curly. Shaving can also cause microcuts and irritation, making it even easier for hair to become trapped beneath the surface. If you’re shaving frequently, the repeated friction and pressure can lead to razor burn and chronic ingrown hairs that never seem to fully heal.

Waxing

Waxing removes the hair from the root, which sounds like it should prevent ingrown hairs, but in reality, it can make them worse for some people. When the hair follicle is irritated or inflamed after waxing, the new hair doesn’t always grow straight out. Instead, it can get trapped under a thin layer of skin or veer off course as it regrows. The result is the same painful bumps and inflammation you might get from shaving, just delayed by a few weeks. And if your skin is sensitive, the tugging motion of waxing can cause redness and skin irritation that lingers long after your appointment.

Depilatory Creams

Depilatory creams dissolve hair at or just below the skin's surface using chemical agents. They’re often seen as a gentler alternative to shaving, but they can still contribute to ingrown hairs, especially if you have sensitive skin. Because these creams don’t remove hair from the root, new growth starts within a few days, and the softened tips can curl back into the skin as they emerge. The chemicals themselves can also irritate the skin barrier, leading to redness and dryness that makes ingrown hairs more likely. While depilatory creams can be convenient for short-term smoothness, frequent use may cause buildup and skin irritation that outweigh the benefits over time.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works in a completely different way. Instead of cutting or pulling the hair, it targets the follicle itself using concentrated light energy. That light safely damages the follicle so it produces less hair over time, or stops producing hair altogether. With fewer active follicles and less hair growth overall, there’s less chance of hair getting trapped under the skin. You’ll notice fewer bumps and smoother skin texture as your laser treatments progress. Because laser hair removal eliminates the root cause of ingrown hairs, it’s one of the most effective long-term solutions for maintaining clear, even skin.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light to target the pigment, or melanin, inside each hair follicle. When this pigment absorbs the laser light, it converts into just enough heat to damage the follicle and disrupt its ability to produce new hair. The surrounding skin remains unharmed because the energy is specifically drawn to the hair's darker pigment, making the process both precise and controlled.

Each follicle goes through three distinct phases of growth: anagen (active growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). The laser is only effective during the active growth phase, when the follicle is still connected to the hair root. That’s why multiple sessions are essential. Each treatment targets a new set of follicles that have entered this phase. Most people need between twelve and sixteen treatments, spaced several weeks apart, to see a long-term reduction in hair growth and ingrown hairs.

Over time, the treated follicles either stop producing hair altogether or generate much finer, lighter strands that are barely visible on the skin’s surface. This gradual reduction makes your skin feel smoother and addresses one of the main causes of ingrown hairs. When fewer hairs grow, and the ones that remain are softer and thinner, they’re far less likely to curl inward and inflame the surrounding skin, causing ingrown hairs.

Modern laser technology also allows for customization based on your unique skin tone, hair color, and hair texture. At Simplicity Laser, trained technicians adjust laser settings to safely and effectively treat a wide range of skin types, ensuring optimal results with minimal discomfort.

Preventing Ingrown Hairs After Laser Hair Removal Treatments with Proper Aftercare

Even though laser hair removal helps prevent ingrown hairs at the source, proper aftercare ensures your skin stays healthy and irritation-free throughout treatment.

Exfoliation

After each laser treatment session, gentle exfoliation can help clear away dead skin cells that might block the follicles and cause ingrown hairs.

Skin care

Using a light, fragrance-free moisturizer keeps the skin barrier hydrated and resilient. We recommend our Restorative Gel to help skin health and recovery after treatment.

Avoid Tight Clothing

Tight clothing can irritate the skin and cause excess sweating. Avoiding tight clothing around the treated area reduces friction and allows your skin to breathe, helping prevent ingrown hairs.

Limit Sun Exposure

It’s also important to limit sun exposure while your skin heals from laser treatments. Always wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors, as treated skin can be more sensitive to UV rays.

Your laser technician will create a personalized plan based on your skin tone, hair type, and treatment area. Following that plan and attending each session consistently ensures long-term, smooth results.

Can Laser Hair Removal Eliminate Ingrown Hairs Completely?

For some people, laser hair removal doesn’t just reduce ingrown hairs; it can eliminate them. By targeting and disabling the follicles responsible for new growth, it removes the underlying cause of hair turning inward.

Many laser hair removal clients notice fewer bumps and smoother skin overall after just a few treatments. Over time, areas that once experienced frequent skin irritation, like the bikini line or underarms, often become completely clear.

While early laser hair removal systems were designed primarily for lighter skin and darker hair, today’s technology can safely treat a wide range of skin tones and hair textures. Modern lasers enable precision targeting, even on curly or coarse hair, providing long-lasting relief from chronic ingrown hairs.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Options

Laser hair removal is highly customizable. During your consultation, your provider will evaluate your skin tone, hair color, and growth pattern to determine the best laser type and settings for you.

Most treatments require a series of sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart. That’s because hair grows in cycles, and each session targets follicles that are actively producing hair at the time. The gradual approach ensures comprehensive, even results.

Common treatment areas include the legs, bikini line, underarms, chest, and face. Even smaller or more sensitive spots, like the upper lip or neckline, can be treated safely and comfortably by a trained professional.

At Simplicity Laser, our technicians specialize in treating sensitive skin and areas prone to recurring ingrown hairs. We use advanced medical-grade lasers designed to minimize discomfort while delivering smooth, lasting results.

The Long-Term Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Once your laser hair removal series is complete, you’ll notice more than just a reduction in ingrown hairs. Regrowth becomes finer, and your skin stays smoother for longer.

Many people also see improvements in overall skin tone and texture, especially if they previously struggled with discoloration from chronic irritation. With clogged hair follicles and less inflammation, your skin has a chance to heal and maintain a healthy, even glow.

Laser hair removal isn’t just a cosmetic treatment; it’s a long-term investment in your skin’s health and comfort.

What’s the Verdict?

Ingrown hairs might be common, but they don’t have to be part of your routine. When clogged hair follicles cause hair to grow back into the skin, they create a frustrating cycle of inflammation and irritation that traditional methods rarely solve.

Laser hair removal breaks that cycle by addressing the source of the problem, your hair follicles. With consistent treatments and the right aftercare, you can finally enjoy smooth, bump-free skin without the constant battle against irritation.

At Simplicity Laser, we’re here to help you achieve lasting confidence in your skin. Call today to schedule a consultation and see how laser hair removal can help you leave ingrown hairs behind for good.