Laser Hair Removal for Ingrown Hairs: Why It Works & Who It's Best For
- Carly Spicer
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Ingrown hairs aren’t just frustrating - they can be painful, inflamed, and in some cases lead to infection, scarring, or even surgical intervention. For many people, especially those shaving regularly, ingrown hairs become a recurring cycle rather than a one-off issue.
Laser hair removal is increasingly recommended for people who suffer from persistent ingrown hairs, particularly in high-friction or frequently shaved areas such as the beard, neck, bikini line and underarms. By reducing hair growth at the follicle, laser treatment helps prevent the conditions that cause ingrown hairs to form in the first place. But why does it work so well, and who benefits most?
This guide explains how laser hair removal prevents ingrown hairs, what results to expect, and whether it’s the right option for you.
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up and out of the follicle. This triggers inflammation and can cause redness, pain, swelling, and infection.
They are most commonly caused by:
Shaving too closely
Curly or coarse hair types
Repeated irritation of the same area
Dead skin blocking the hair follicle
Waxing or plucking that distorts hair growth
Over time, repeated ingrown hairs can lead to dark marks, thickened skin, or permanent scarring — particularly on the neck, jawline, bikini area, and inner thighs.
Why Ingrown Hairs Are Common on the Beard & Neck
The beard and neck are one of the most problematic areas for ingrown hairs, especially for men who shave frequently. The hair in this area is typically:
Thicker
More deeply rooted
More likely to curl back into the skin
Shaving against the grain, daily maintenance, and friction from collars all increase the risk. In severe cases, ingrown hairs can become infected or develop into cysts that require medical removal.
This is one of the most common reasons clients seek beard and neck laser hair removal rather than continuing to shave.
How Laser Hair Removal Stops Ingrown Hairs at the Root
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle and disabling its ability to regrow. Over a course of treatments, this leads to:
Thinner, weaker regrowth
Slower hair cycles
Eventually, long-term hair reduction
Because the hair is no longer growing thickly beneath the skin, the root cause of ingrown hairs is removed, not just managed.
Unlike shaving or waxing, laser treatment:
Does not create sharp regrowth
Does not force hair to regrow at an angle
Reduces inflammation within the follicle
Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal for ingrown hairs targets the follicle itself, reducing regrowth and preventing hair from curling back into the skin over time.
Real Client Journey: Beard & Neck Laser Hair Removal
One of our clients, Jack, came to us after years of painful ingrown hairs along his neck and beard line. Despite trying different razors, exfoliation routines, and shaving techniques, the issue persisted - eventually resulting in surgical removal of an infected ingrown hair.
Jack started a course of laser hair removal focused specifically on the neck area. Within the first few sessions, he noticed:
Less irritation after shaving
No new painful ingrown hairs
Calmer, clearer skin texture
After completing his treatment course, Jack has not experienced a single recurring ingrown hair in the treated area. This is a common outcome when laser hair removal is used preventatively, rather than waiting for ingrown hairs to worsen.
If recurring ingrown hairs are affecting your skin or confidence, a personalised consultation can help determine whether laser hair removal is the right long-term solution for you.
How Many Laser Sessions Are Needed to Stop Ingrown Hairs?
Most clients ask how quickly they’ll see improvement, but the exact number of treatments depends on the area, hair density and growth cycle - which is why understanding how many laser hair removal sessions are needed is key to achieving long-term results. However, Most clients need 6–8 sessions for long-term reduction.
Areas like the beard and neck may require additional sessions due to:
Hormonal influence
Dense hair growth
Faster regrowth cycles
Spacing treatments correctly is crucial - treating hair in its active growth phase ensures the laser can effectively disable the follicle.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Sensitive or Scar-Prone Skin?
When performed using medical-grade equipment and correct settings, laser hair removal is considered safe for sensitive skin, including areas prone to ingrown hairs.
In fact, many clients choose laser specifically because it:
Reduces chronic inflammation
Prevents further trauma from shaving
Helps calm reactive skin over time
A consultation and patch test are always carried out first to ensure suitability and comfort.
When Will You See Results?
Most clients begin to notice improvements after the first few sessions, including:
Slower regrowth
Fewer ingrown hairs
Less redness and irritation
By the mid-point of a treatment course, ingrown hairs are often significantly reduced or completely absent in the treated area.
Laser Hair Removal vs Shaving & Waxing for Ingrown Hairs
Shaving and waxing treat the symptom, not the cause. While they may temporarily remove hair, they often increase the risk of ingrowns long-term.
Laser hair removal addresses the issue at follicle level, making it one of the few solutions that offers lasting relief rather than constant maintenance.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?
Laser hair removal is particularly beneficial if you:
Suffer from recurring ingrown hairs
Experience pain or infection from shaving
Have scarring or pigmentation from previous ingrowns
Want a long-term solution rather than ongoing management
Frequently Asked Questions
Can laser hair removal permanently stop ingrown hairs?
Laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth at the follicle, which prevents hairs from curling back into the skin. For most clients, this means ingrown hairs stop occurring altogether in treated areas. While hormonal changes can cause some regrowth over time, the hair that does return is typically much finer and far less likely to become ingrown.
Why is laser hair removal better than shaving for ingrown hairs?
Shaving cuts hair at the surface, creating sharp regrowth that can easily re-enter the skin and cause inflammation. Laser hair removal works beneath the surface by targeting the hair follicle itself, reducing regrowth and removing the conditions that cause ingrown hairs to form in the first place.
Is laser hair removal safe for the neck and beard area?
Yes. Laser hair removal is commonly used on the neck and beard line and is particularly effective for treating ingrown hairs in this area. Treatment settings are carefully adjusted during your consultation to suit your skin type and hair density, helping ensure safe and comfortable results.
How many laser hair removal sessions are needed to stop ingrown hairs?
Most clients require between 6 and 8 sessions for long-term hair reduction. Areas like the beard and neck may need additional treatments due to hormonal influence and faster hair growth cycles. Results improve progressively, with many clients noticing fewer ingrown hairs after the first few sessions.
When will I start seeing results?
Many clients notice reduced irritation and fewer ingrown hairs after their first few treatments. As sessions progress, regrowth becomes finer and slower, with significant improvement usually seen by the midpoint of a treatment course.
Does laser hair removal hurt, especially on sensitive areas?
Laser hair removal is generally well tolerated. Sensation is often described as a brief warmth or light snapping feeling. Sensitive areas such as the neck or bikini line may feel slightly stronger, but treatment is quick and settings can be adjusted for comfort.
Can laser hair removal help with scars from ingrown hairs?
Laser hair removal prevents new ingrown hairs from forming, which helps stop further scarring. While it does not remove existing scars, reduced inflammation and calmer skin over time can improve overall texture and appearance.
Is laser hair removal suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?
Yes. Many clients with sensitive or reactive skin choose laser hair removal because it reduces ongoing irritation caused by shaving or waxing. A consultation and patch test are always carried out to ensure treatment is suitable for your skin.
Can I shave between laser hair removal sessions?
Yes - shaving is the only recommended hair removal method between sessions. Waxing, plucking or threading should be avoided, as they remove the hair root needed for the laser to be effective.
Do ingrown hairs come back after laser hair removal?
Once a treatment course is completed, ingrown hairs rarely return in treated areas. Maintenance sessions may be recommended for some clients over time, but recurring painful ingrown hairs are typically eliminated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with painful, recurring ingrown hairs, If you’re looking for a long-term solution to ingrown hairs, choosing a clinic that specialises in laser hair removal in Newport Pagnell ensures treatment is tailored to your skin, hair type and concerns. Laser hair removal offers more than cosmetic improvement - it provides long-term skin health benefits and relief from ongoing irritation.
A personalised consultation can help determine whether laser treatment is right for your skin, hair type, and goals. Every treatment is carried out by an experienced laser specialist in Newport Pagnell, with settings adjusted following a consultation and patch test to prioritise comfort and safety.
Laser hair removal isn’t just about smoother skin for many clients, it’s the end of painful, recurring ingrown hairs and constant irritation. If you’re ready to break the cycle, you can book laser hair removal in Newport Pagnell and start your journey with confidence.
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