Is waxing or laser better for ingrown hairs?

Author: Brenna Kulas I  |  Last update: Monday, September 29, 2025

If you're someone who regularly struggles with ingrown hairs, you may be considering more effective solutions to keep them from coming back. Laser hair removal stands out as one of the few treatments capable of completely preventing ingrown hairs in the long term.

Which hair removal method is best for ingrown hairs?

Your health care provider might recommend laser-assisted hair removal, which removes hair at a deeper level than does shaving, waxing, tweezing or electrolysis. Laser treatment slows regrowth and is a longer term solution.

Is it better to wax or laser pubic hair?

wax can be a very smooth option for hair removal and can last longer than shaving, however it is painful and expensive. laser will be a permanent option that is more expensive yet less painful and likely comes with a guarantee of effectiveness.

Will laser hair removal get rid of ingrown hairs?

The best solution to get rid of ingrown hairs, other than waiting for them to go away on their own, is to seek out laser hair removal. By killing the hair at the root, you will slowly see less and less hairs growing back, reducing the amount of ingrown hairs growing under the skin.

Is waxing better for ingrown hairs?

Unlike shaving the hair, waxing doesn't result in those extra-sharp tips that are more likely to curl back into your skin. In that way, waxing can reduce your chances of getting an ingrown hair. However, you can still get ingrowns after waxing as the hair grows back.

Permanent Hair Removal: Electrolysis vs. Laser

How to get rid of a deep ingrown hair?

Use warm — not hot — water and small, circular motions to wash your affected areas with a washcloth, exfoliating brush or exfoliating gel or scrub. You can also remove an ingrown hair that has looped or curled back into your skin by gently pulling it out with a sterile needle, pin or tweezers.

Why am I getting so many ingrown hairs after waxing?

Ingrown hairs appear when a strand of hair curls into the skin and grows in the wrong direction after waxing. Ingrown hairs can occur as a result of the hair is not completely being removed after you wax. The remaining hair reverts under the skin and starts to grow beneath the surface.

Why do I get so many ingrown hairs?

Ingrown hair occurs when a hair that's been removed starts to grow back and curves into the skin. Shaving, tweezing or waxing can cause this to happen. An ingrown hair can cause tiny, swollen bumps on the skin that may hurt. The condition most often affects Black people with curly hair who shave.

Will laser hair removal get rid of bumps?

While laser hair removal isn't a direct cure, it can assist in reducing hair growth in the affected areas, thus lessening the appearance of these bumps. By targeting and damaging the hair follicles, laser hair removal can sometimes stimulate collagen production. Collagen is essential for skin elasticity and smoothness.

How to draw out ingrown hair?

Gently using an exfoliating scrub may also help release the trapped hair. Gently massage the area: Gently massaging or rubbing the ingrown hair in a circular motion with light pressure can soften the skin and encourage the hair to pop out, while also helping prevent hairs from curving back into the skin.

What hurts more, Brazilian wax or laser?

Brazilian waxing is more likely to cause intense, short-lived pain, while laser hair removal tends to involve a milder but longer-lasting discomfort.

What lasts longer, waxing or laser?

Although laser hair removal sessions typically last longer than waxing sessions, fewer such sessions are required to obtain hair-free skin for long periods of time. Regular waxing sessions are required on an ongoing basis to maintain a hair-free appearance.

What is the best method to remove pubic hair?

You can shave it. Just be sure to use shaving cream and a sharp razor. Shaving doesn't make hair thicker or darker, though it might look that way. If you want to avoid the stubbly look you can get from shaving, you can use depilatories or wax.

How do I stop getting ingrown hairs?

You might be able to prevent ingrown hairs by:
  1. letting your hair grow longer before shaving.
  2. not shaving too close to your skin.
  3. washing your skin with warm water and a mild facial cleanser.
  4. exfoliating before you shave.
  5. using a single blade or electric razor.
  6. shaving in the direction that the hair grows.

What hair removal method does not cause ingrowns?

Waxing is one of the best ways to remove hair and prevent ingrown hair — especially in sensitive areas of the body like under arms, face and bikini line. Unlike shaving or depilatory creams, waxing removes the entire hair follicle from root to help prevent it from growing back as quickly.

How to get rid of ingrown hair cysts on pubic area?

Ingrown pubic hair cyst treatment
  1. Using a steroid cream.
  2. Applying an antibiotic cream for an infection.
  3. Undergoing a procedure to drain or remove the cyst.

Why am I getting ingrowns after laser?

However, sometimes the treatment can also disrupt the hair follicle in a certain way that causes the hair to grow back in a different direction than before. This can increase the risk of ingrown hairs, particularly in areas where the skin is already prone to them, such as the bikini or beard area.

Can I pop pimples after laser hair removal?

Dr. Soni advises against popping the pimples, as this can lead to further complications like infections, scarring, or hyperpigmentation. Popping pimples can also prolong the healing process and detract from the overall results of your laser hair removal treatment.

Will folliculitis go away with laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment for folliculitis in both men and women. However, it is important to understand what the symptoms are, the types of bacteria and how to prevent this from happening.

Should I exfoliate if I have ingrown hairs?

Stop shaving, waxing, or any hair removal methods in the area you have ingrown hairs. Don't squeeze or pluck the hair, as it can introduce an infection. Apply a warm compress and gently exfoliate the area.

What can be mistaken for ingrown hair?

Other possible skin conditions

There are many skin conditions that can easily be mistaken for ingrown hairs. These include: keratosis pilaris ('chicken skin') – a common, harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. acne.

Does the sun help ingrown hairs?

Sun exposure can inflame the skin, making it more sensitive and prone to bumps and ingrown hairs.

Is sugaring better for ingrown hairs?

Longer-Lasting Results

Over time, this leads to finer, sparser hair regrowth and further reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Consistent sugaring sessions can lead to longer-lasting smoothness and fewer hair removal headaches.

What to put on skin after waxing?

Moisturize from the day or second day after your waxing appointment so as to avoid clogging your pores or exposing skin to chemicals and fragrances. Use Antiseptic Creams or Hydrocortisone Creams. If you do this under expert guidance, you will be able to keep inflammation, itching, irritation and rashes at bay.

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