Ingrown hairs are more than just a cosmetic issue. They can be painful, inflamed, and stubborn to treat—especially for people who shave or wax frequently.

Shaving and waxing remove hair at the surface, but they often cause the hair to grow back unevenly or curl inward. This leads to redness, bumps, and ongoing skin irritation.

By safely reducing regrowth, our laser treatments help smooth the skin and stop the cycle of irritation. Each treatment plan is tailored to your hair type, skin tone, and concern areas.

Most clients come to us after trying home remedies and products that don’t deliver lasting results. Laser hair removal offers a medically informed, effective solution that finally brings relief.

What are ingrown hairs and why do they happen?

Ingrown hairs form when a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing out through the surface. This can cause inflammation, redness, and small, painful bumps that may feel itchy or tender to the touch.

In some cases, ingrown hairs can lead to scarring or infection—especially when picked or irritated repeatedly.

Here are the most common causes:

  • Shaving: Cutting hair at an angle makes it more likely to grow sideways into the skin.
  • Waxing and tweezing: These methods pull the hair from the root. When new hair grows in, it can get trapped beneath the skin’s surface.
  • Coarse or curly hair: Hair with a natural curve is more likely to bend inward and re-enter the skin.
  • Tight clothing: Friction and pressure—especially in areas like the bikini line, thighs, or underarms—can push hair back into the follicle.

Ingrown hairs often develop in areas with frequent hair removal or friction. Common trouble spots include:

  • Bikini line
  • Underarms
  • Legs
  • Face and neck (particularly in men who shave daily)
  • Chest and back

These problem areas are not only sensitive but also highly visible—making ingrown hairs a source of both discomfort and self-consciousness.

Woman undergoing laser hair removal at Celebrity Laser Skin & Care for her underarms

Why Laser Hair Removal Is the Best Solution for Ingrown Hairs

Shaving, waxing, and creams remove surface hair—but they don’t stop it from growing back the same way. For people prone to ingrown hairs, these methods often make the problem worse by cutting or pulling hair in ways that encourage it to curl inward again.

Laser hair removal works differently. It targets the source—your hair follicle—so future regrowth becomes less likely to cause irritation.

Here’s how laser helps reduce ingrown hairs:

  • It disables the follicle: Laser energy travels to the root of the hair, damaging it to slow or stop regrowth.
  • Hair grows back finer and straighter: This makes it far less likely to get trapped beneath the skin.
  • Fewer hairs = less inflammation: With reduced density, the skin stays smoother, calmer, and less prone to redness or bumps.
  • It’s gentle on sensitive areas: We safely treat delicate zones like the bikini line, underarms, face, and neck.
  • Results build over time: After several sessions, most clients experience long-term or even permanent hair reduction.

If you’ve tried exfoliants, ingrown hair serums, or endless creams without relief, laser offers a lasting, medically guided solution that finally works.

Keep Reading: Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair? 

How Laser Hair Removal Works – And Why It Helps

Laser hair removal works by sending focused light energy into the pigment of each hair. That energy converts to heat, which then disrupts the hair follicle—slowing future growth or stopping it entirely.

Here’s how the process works:

  1. Laser energy is delivered to the skin using a handheld device.
  2. Pigment in the hair absorbs the light, turning it into heat.
  3. The follicle is safely damaged, preventing it from producing new hair.
  4. Only active follicles are treated, so multiple sessions are needed to catch each one in its growth phase.

To protect the skin, a cooling ultrasound gel is applied before treatment. Most clients describe the sensation as a quick pulse of warmth—not painful, just a moment of heat.

As your treatments progress, fewer hairs grow back. Those that do are typically finer and straighter—less likely to curl under and cause irritation. Over time, laser helps break the cycle of ingrown hairs and gives your skin the chance to stay smooth, clear, and calm.

Bikini area being treated with a hair removal laser

Common Areas Treated for Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs can show up almost anywhere—but some areas are more prone than others, especially where hair is thick, coarse, or frequently removed.

Here are the most commonly treated zones:

Bikini Line

Frequent shaving or waxing can lead to painful bumps and inflammation. Laser hair removal offers a long-term way to smooth the bikini area and reduce irritation in this sensitive zone.

Underarms

Daily shaving often causes redness, stubble, or ingrown hairs. With laser treatment, the skin becomes smoother and requires far less upkeep over time.

Jawline and Neck (Men)

Razor bumps and folliculitis are common here due to frequent shaving. Laser helps reduce coarse hair and improves skin clarity with fewer breakouts or bumps.

Chin and Cheeks (Women)

Hormonal hair growth can lead to frustrating ingrowns. Facial laser hair removal targets these fine hairs gently and precisely, supporting both comfort and confidence.

Legs

As a large, frequently shaved area, legs are prone to scattered ingrowns. Laser reduces hair density and improves overall skin texture with consistent results.

Chest and Back

For men with thicker body hair, laser treatment helps minimize irritation, especially in areas that rub against clothing or trap sweat.

Each of these areas can be treated safely and effectively with our clinically approved laser platforms, designed to protect the skin while delivering real, lasting change.

What to Expect During Treatment

Every treatment at Celebrity Laser & Skin Care begins with a detailed consultation. We assess your skin tone, hair type, growth patterns, age, and hormonal background to create a personalized treatment plan.

To get the best results, follow these preparation steps:

  • Avoid tanning (natural or artificial) in the weeks before your appointment.
  • Do not wax, tweeze, thread, or use depilatory creams for at least 8 weeks prior.
  • Shave the area 24 hours before your session to ensure the laser energy reaches the follicle effectively.

During the session, our technician may mark larger treatment zones to guide the process with precision. A thin, water-based ultrasound gel is applied to cool the skin and enhance energy delivery.

The sensation is brief and often described as a quick pulse of heat—far gentler than waxing.

After your treatment:

  • Redness is common but usually fades within a few hours.
  • Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools for 24 hours.
  • Skip makeup and perfumed products on the treated area for one day (mineral makeup is fine).
  • Apply SPF 30–50 sunscreen daily for four weeks to protect healing skin.
  • Do not wax, pluck, or thread between sessions.

Our team will guide you through every step so you can stay comfortable and get the results you’re looking for.

Keep Reading: Can You Do Laser Hair Removal Over Tattoos? 

Who’s a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

In the past, laser hair removal worked best on people with lighter skin and dark hair. But with lasers, we now safely treat a wide range of Fitzpatrick skin types—from very fair to deep tones.

We also customize settings for:

  • Coarse or curly hair
  • Hormonal facial hair
  • Sensitive areas like the bikini line or jawline
  • Skin that’s prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

If you’re unsure whether laser hair removal is right for you, our free consultation will help determine the best approach for your goals.

Woman receiving facial hair laser treatment on upper lip at Celebrity Laser & Skin Care clinic

Laser Hair Removal at Celebrity Laser & Skin Care

Choosing where you get laser hair removal matters—especially if you’ve struggled with stubborn ingrown hairs, sensitive skin, or disappointing results in the past.

At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we bring together the most advanced technology, personalized treatment planning, and trusted expertise—right here in North Vancouver.

Here’s what sets our clinic apart:

Customized Care for Every Skin and Hair Type

Your treatment plan is tailored based on your skin tone, hair texture, growth patterns, and personal goals. We take the time to understand your skin, so your results are both safe and long-lasting.

Technology That Makes a Difference

We use Cutera Excel HR and Xeo platforms, featuring both Alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm wavelengths. These dual technologies allow us to treat light and dark skin types, as well as fine or coarse hair, with precision and confidence.

A Skilled, Supportive Team

All laser sessions are performed by experienced, certified technicians who specialize in advanced skin and hair removal treatments. Our team brings not just skill—but also care—to every appointment.

A Calming, Professional Environment

Our clinic was designed with your comfort in mind. From the moment you step in, you’ll feel supported in a clean, calming space that reflects both medical quality and boutique-level care.

Real Results You Can See and Feel

Our clients consistently report smoother skin, fewer bumps, and long-term relief from ingrown hairs—especially in trouble areas like the bikini line, underarms, jawline, and neck.

If you’re ready to stop the cycle of shaving, bumps, and breakouts, we’re here to help with a treatment plan that works for you.

A Celebrity Laser staffmember speaking with a client

Book a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve been dealing with persistent ingrown hairs, it might be time to try a solution that actually works.

At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care in North Vancouver, we offer complimentary consultations to help you explore your options in a pressure-free, professional setting.

During your visit, we’ll:

  • Assess your skin tone, hair type, and growth patterns
  • Explain how our Cutera Excel HR and Xeo laser systems work for your specific needs
  • Outline a treatment plan that’s personalized, realistic, and results-driven

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to laser hair removal—and we’re here to guide you through it with experience and care.

Ready to stop shaving irritation for good?

Let’s create a treatment plan that helps you achieve smoother, clearer skin—starting now. Book now!