Will laser hair removal target ingrowns as well or should I consider other options? (photos)

Question

Hello. I started laser hair removal a few months ago. I’ve had two sessions and have noticed that my hair barely grows anymore but my ingrown hairs are still there. I started exfoliating with glycolic acid about 3 weeks ago and still haven’t noticed a difference. Will the ingrown hairs go away with more treatments and exfoliating or will I have to try something else? I have really thick dark hair. I feel like I’ve wasted my money.

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your ingrown hair will take time to go away. I would suggest that you finish your treatment package and keep exfoliating. You should see the ingrowns diminish by the end of your treatments.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  Yes, give it some time and you will notice as your hair is thinning out you will have less ingrowns and hyperpigmentation caused from ingrowns and shaving will also start to lighten.  Stay consistent with your laser sessions and continue to exfoliate in between them.  You will soon start to notice a difference.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Ingrown hairs are a common side effect of laser hair removal, particularly if you have thick or curly hair. Exfoliating with glycolic acid can help to reduce the frequency and severity of ingrown hairs, but it may take some time to see results.

It's also possible that the ingrown hairs may be caused by other factors, such as clothing irritation, dry skin, or shaving. Therefore, it's important to identify the underlying cause of the ingrown hairs before determining the best course of action.

In terms of your laser hair removal treatments, it's possible that additional sessions may help to reduce the frequency of ingrown hairs over time. However, it's important to note that laser hair removal is not a permanent solution and may require ongoing maintenance treatments.

If you continue to experience ingrown hairs despite exfoliation and laser hair removal, there are other treatments that may be effective, such as topical corticosteroids, retinoids, or antibiotics. In severe cases, your dermatologist may recommend manual extraction or laser treatment for the ingrown hairs themselves.

Overall, it's important to have realistic expectations about the results of laser hair removal and to work with your dermatologist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the hair removal and any associated side effects, such as ingrown hairs.

Best of luck !

PUR-FORM - Boca Raton · Answer

Hello, Yes! Laser hair removal targets the melanin in the hair shaft causing it to become less course and ultimately fall out. As long as the hair being treated is either black or brown, it will help to alleviate the occurrence of ingrown hairs as well. This is because ingrown hairs are the result of thick, coarse hair that gets impacted under the skin causing irritation. By removing the hair, you will have less ingrown hairs in that region. Hope that helps!

Will laser hair removal target ingrowns as well or should I consider other options? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Ingrown hair and laser hair removal

Answer: Ingrown hair and laser hair removal

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Will laser hair removal target ingrowns as well or should I consider other options? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Ingrown hair and laser hair removal

Answer: Ingrown hair and laser hair removal

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.