Ingrown Hair Removal

An ingrown hair is a condition wherein the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle or razor bumps. They most commonly appear in areas of the skin that have been waxed or shaved, such as the legs or pubic area, but they can appear anywhere.

An ingrown hair can appear as a small, red bump or a dark spot on the skin. It may also be accompanied by inflammation, pain, and itching. Sometimes, the hair may be visibly trapped beneath the skin's surface. If an ingrown hair is left untreated, it can become infected and form a pus-filled bump or cyst. This can lead to scarring and further complications if not adequately handled. That's why it's essential to address ingrown hairs immediately and take preventive measures to avoid them.

Ingrown hairs are caused by hair curling back on itself into the skin or the buildup of dead skin where weak hair is not strong enough to push through.

It can also be due to the hair being removed incorrectly from waxing and shaving. The most common areas for ingrown hairs are the bikini, chin/beard and legs.

Laser hair removal can help with ingrown hairs by reducing the amount of hair growing and preventing the hair from curling back into the skin or building up dead skin. We also recommend regular exfoliation to help remove dead skin.

Developing ingrown hairs doesn't indicate a dangerous condition, but they can be painful. However, if the ingrown is left untreated or is damaged by removal attempts, it could create a cyst and cause hyperpigmentation on the skin surface. Laser hair removal treatment will begin drastically eliminating ingrown hairs from the first sessions.

While some ingrown hairs may resolve on their own, proper care is important to prevent infection and scarring. If an ingrown hair is causing discomfort or appears infected, it's best to seek medical advice from a dermatologist.

Laser hair removal is an excellent option for those who struggle with frequent ingrown hairs. This method uses concentrated light to target hair follicles and prevent further hair growth. With repeated sessions, laser hair removal can significantly reduce or eliminate the occurrence of ingrown hairs.

Laser hair removal is the deliberate removal of body hair and ingrown hair using laser technology. Hair generally grows all over the human body, some fine and barely noticeable, with other areas having thicker, more prominent hair.

Laser hair removal uses laser light pulses to selectively destroy hair follicles by targeting their melanin (colour). The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the laser’s light pulse, which damages the follicle enough to significantly restrict hair regrowth. The laser delivers an intense beam of light absorbed by the hair follicle whilst the surrounding tissue remains unaffected.

A few ways to get rid of ingrown hairs include exfoliating regularly and using warm compresses to soften the skin. You can also use tweezers or a sterile needle to lift the hair out of the skin gently. It's important to avoid picking at or squeezing the ingrown hair, as this can lead to further irritation and potential scarring.

However, laser hair removal may be more effective for those with chronic ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal targets the hair follicles to prevent future regrowth, which can significantly reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs.

The process usually requires multiple sessions, as hair grows in cycles, and not all hairs will be in the active growth phase at once. However, with consistent treatments, many people experience a significant reduction or even complete elimination of ingrown hairs.

The short answer is no: don't pull, pluck or forcibly remove any ingrown hairs. Usually, ingrown hairs develop a spot with pus, which indicates infection. Avoid interfering with the spot, as this may cause scarring and pigmentation and place the surrounding skin at risk of infection. It is better to avoid shaving the area and keep it clean until your next laser hair removal session.

You can also take some steps to help prevent ingrown hairs from occurring in the first place. Here are a few tips:

1. Exfoliate regularly: One of the leading causes of ingrown hairs is dead skin cells clogging up hair follicles, causing the hair to grow sideways or back into the skin. You can remove these dead skin cells by exfoliating regularly and allowing for proper hair growth.
2. Use a sharp razor: Dull razors can cause irritation and uneven cuts, leading to more chances of ingrown hairs. Make sure to use a sharp razor when shaving to minimise the risk.
3. Shave in the right direction: Always go in the direction that your hair grows instead of against it. This will help prevent the hair from being pushed back into the skin.
4. Don't shave too closely: While getting a super close shave may be tempting, it can also increase the chances of ingrown hairs. Leave some stubble to avoid irritation and allow for proper hair growth.
5. Moisturise after shaving: Dry skin can also contribute to ingrown hairs, so apply a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Laser hair removal is a long-term solution for preventing ingrown hairs. If you struggle with frequent ingrown hairs, consider this option, as it can permanently reduce hair growth and eliminate the chance of ingrown hairs.

An infected ingrown hair may appear as a red, swollen bump with a white or yellow pus-filled centre. The surrounding skin may also be warm to the touch and feel tender or painful. In more severe cases, the area may become hot to the touch and produce a foul-smelling discharge.

An ingrown pubic hair cyst can appear as a red, inflamed bump on the skin. It may also be filled with pus or fluid and feel tender. Multiple bumps may develop in some cases, potentially forming a giant cyst. It's essential to monitor any changes in size, colour, or pain level of the cyst and seek medical advice if necessary.

Ingrown hair cysts typically last from a few days to a few weeks. They may eventually resolve independently, but if they become infected or cause discomfort, they may require medical treatment.

To prevent ingrown hairs and reduce the risk of developing cysts, it's essential to properly care for your pubic hair whether you choose to shave or not. This includes using sharp and clean razors when shaving, exfoliating regularly to remove dead skin cells that can trap hair follicles, and avoiding tight clothing or fabrics that may irritate the area.

If you develop an ingrown hair cyst, resist the urge to pick or pop it, as this can lead to further infection and scarring. Instead, gently wash the area with warm water and antibacterial soap, and apply a warm compress to help reduce inflammation. Seek medical attention if the cyst does not improve or becomes increasingly painful.

One way of avoiding ingrown hairs is by not shaving at all. While there are some benefits to letting your pubic hair grow out, such as protection against friction and irritation, it can also lead to bacteria and sweat buildup in the area. This can increase the risk of infections, particularly for women with a higher chance of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Additionally, long pubic hair may be more prone to tangling and becoming matted, which can make hygiene and grooming difficult.

However, if you choose not to shave your pubic hair, keeping the area clean and dry is important to prevent bacterial growth. Regularly trimming your hair may reduce the chances of ingrown hairs by keeping them from curling back into the skin.