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Laser hair removal is a popular method for removing unwanted hair, but can it remove ingrown hairs? An ingrown hair is a hair that has grown back into the skin after being removed, usually by shaving, waxing, or plucking. This can happen when the hair follicle becomes damaged or the hair is cut too short. Ingrown hairs can be painful and cause inflammation, itching, and redness. They can also lead to infection.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle and destroying it with heat. This prevents the hair from growing back. However, because laser hair removal only targets the hair follicle, it will not remove an ingrown hair. The only way to remove an ingrown hair is to physically remove it from the skin. This can be done with a tweezers or a sterile needle.
If you are considering laser hair removal, it is important to consult with a qualified technician. They will be able to assess your hair and skin type and determine if laser hair removal is right for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ingrown hair look like?
An ingrown hair looks like a raised, discolored spot on your skin. It’s a strand of hair that grows back into your skin after shaving, tweezing or waxing. Ingrown hairs can affect anyone, but they’re easy to treat and prevent with the right hair removal practices. How does an ingrown hair form? Ingrown hairs usually form when the follicle (the root of a hair) doesn’t retract fully after you shave, remove tweezers or wax. The friction from the blade causes the shaft of the Hair to grow downwards instead of protruding out of the skin and this can cause irritation, inflammation and an ingrown hair. How do I treat an ingrown hair? If an ingrown hair forms on the head or neck, you should see a doctor as it may be indicative of another medical problem. If the ingrown hair is minor and doesn't cause discomfort, Treatment typically includes:
What is ingrown hair and how is it treated?
Ingrown hair can be treated with hair removal cream, laser treatment or surgery by a dermatologist. Other treatments include hydrotherapy, which is soaking in a warm water bath that helps to soften the hairs and reduce inflammation; and topical medications such as azelaic acid, ketoconazole or cetaphil. When all else fails, a doctor may excise (remove) the ingrown hair with a blade or scalpel.
Why do ingrown hairs grow back?
Ingrown hairs are caused by hair being cut too close to the skin. When the hair is pulled out of the follicle, it heals into the skin more tightly than before, and this can cause inflammation in the area. The dead cells that form underneath the inflamed hair can help to create a moisturized environment for microbes to flourish, which can lead to an infection.
Can dead skin cause ingrown hairs?
Yes, dead skin can clog up a hair follicle, which forces the hair within it to grow sideways under the skin, rather than upward and outward. Sometimes, cutting naturally curly hair too closely will result in the sharpened end of the hair piercing the skin, causing an ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs aren't serious.
What does an ingrown hair bump look like on a pimple?
The bump on a pimple can be red, white, or yellow. It may also have a hair at its surface.
Sources
- https://www.myethosspa.com/how-laser-hair-removal-helps-ingrown-hairs/
- https://www.homiley.com/can-laser-hair-removal-work-on-ingrown-hairs/
- https://sarahscoop.com/how-does-laser-hair-removal-help-prevent-ingrown-hairs/
- https://beautybarnbb.com/2022/02/04/laser-hair-removal-ingrown-hairs/
- https://laserhairremovalplaces.com/laser-hair-removal-ingrown-hair/
- https://alma-lasers.com.au/blog/laser-hair-removal-for-ingrown-hair/
- https://lumenessa.com/blogs/news/laser-hair-removal-ingrown-hair-can-it-make-it-worse
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