Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs form when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of out of the follicle. The body treats it as a foreign object, causing a red, sometimes painful bump. People with curly or coarse hair are most affected, and the beard area, bikini line and legs are common sites.
Short-term relief
Stop shaving or waxing the area for a few weeks if you can. Warm compresses soften the skin, and a leave-on salicylic acid product helps clear the plug over the trapped hair. Do not dig hairs out with tweezers or needles, which causes infection and dark marks.
If you must shave, use a single-blade razor, shave in the direction of growth, and do not pull skin taut. A sharp blade and shaving gel matter more than any aftershave product.
The long-term fix
Ingrown hairs cannot form if there is no hair to grow in. Laser hair removal is recommended in dermatology guidance for recurrent pseudofolliculitis barbae because it thins and reduces the hair permanently, and it can be used safely on darker skin types with the right device and settings. Most people notice fewer bumps after two to three sessions.
Read more
Ingredient guides relevant to ingrown hairs:
Common questions
- Is laser hair removal safe on darker skin?
- Yes, with a diode or Nd:YAG laser operated at the right settings and after a patch test. We patch test every new client and use a device suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types I to V.
- Will the dark marks from old ingrown hairs fade?
- Usually yes over several months once new bumps stop forming. Azelaic acid and daily SPF speed this up.
- How many laser sessions are needed?
- Most areas need six to eight sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart for lasting reduction, with occasional top-ups afterwards.
Stop ingrown hairs at the source
Book a free laser patch test at our Windsor clinic. Every new client is assessed and patch tested before treatment.
This page is educational and does not replace an individual assessment. If your skin is painful, rapidly changing, or affecting your wellbeing, speak to a pharmacist or GP.