Laser hair removal is a great way to remove unwanted hair, but it can also lead to ingrown hairs. The problem is that ingrown hairs are caused by the hair being pulled back into the skin when it tries to grow out.
In order to avoid ingrown hairs, you should keep the area clean and dry. You should also exfoliate regularly and moisturize regularly. If you do get an ingrown hair, you should try not to pick at it or squeeze it because this could cause infection or scarring. If you can’t resist picking at them or squeezing them, then cover them with a bandage until they heal completely.
Read on to learn more about Ingrown After Laser Hair Removal, Folliculitis After Laser Hair Removal and Why Didn’t My Hair Fall Out After Laser Hair Removal?
Ingrown After Laser Hair Removal
Several years ago I decided to stop shaving my legs and switched to waxing. I was sick of ingrown hairs and the little red bumps that formed on my lower legs from an old school razor. (Note to readers: If this is already too much information, this article is probably not for you.) Waxing your legs, I soon learned, is wonderful—for three days. Then the hair begins to creep back in and you are stuck with it for at least two weeks, three if you want it to be even more efficient. At the end of last summer, I put my furry foot down. No more of this back-and-forth business, I decided. It was time to look into a more permanent option.
I remembered first hearing about laser hair removal years ago when people were first talking about it and thinking, “Eek, that sounds risky, I’m going to wait and see if this goes the way of the LaserDisc or the DVD.” Basically I wanted to make sure it was legit and worth the time, pain, and cost.
The way laser hair removal works, I soon discovered from a quick bit of precautionary research, is that pulses of highly concentrated light are emitted from the laser into the hair follicles. The pigment in the follicles absorbs the light and that destroys the hair. When I read that 90 percent of laser hair removal patients who are good candidates for the procedure report permanent hair loss after an average of three to six sessions, I was sold. “Chewbacca be gone,” I vowed to myself. “Next year, I am getting my legs lasered.”
My interest was particularly piqued by the spate of at-home laser treatments recently on the market. Could it be that easy? An investigation into the leading brands revealed some intriguing contenders, from the Tria 4X (an FDA-cleared device that claims to deliver more than triple the hair-eliminating energy of its DIY peers) to the IluminageTOUCH (which is approved to safetly treat a wider of skin tones than traditional lasers). But while the convenience of zapping away on my couch while watching Law & Order: SVU was seductive, none seemed quite right. I can barely operate my electric kettle—should I really be handling a laser?
Board-certified dermatologist Jessica Weiser, M.D., who I eventually approached, is also dubious about the at-home models. “I advise caution because they’re supposed to be much less intense than in office lasers but in the wrong hands you can probably do some serious damage if you’re double- or- triple pulsing areas that you shouldn’t be,” she tells me. “Typically people at home tend to be aggressive with themselves because they think that they can get a faster, better result without realizing potential consequences.”
I opt instead for the New York Dermatology Group, where Weiser specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. When I call for an appointment, I learned that in order to have bikini-worthy legs by Memorial Day I would need to start the laser process in peak tights-and-boots weather. Soon, I’m headed down to their Flatiron offices for my first of six appointments—six, explains Dr. Weiser, to accommodate the hair’s growth cycles. “Hairs have a growth phase and also a resting and a falling-out phase,” she says. “Some of the hairs are not there right now because they are in the rest phase and not every hair will respond to the pulses.” Hence the need for multiple sessions, spaced about one month apart, the typical length of a hair-growth cycle.
I arrive at their office, a wide-open space with pale pine floors, and am shown to Dr. Weiser’s patient room, where she promptly asks if my legs are shaven.
“No!” I reply proudly, excited to show her that I wax instead.
“Hmm,” Dr. Weiser frowns. “I need the legs to be clean-shaven for the laser so we’ll have to shave them now,” she continues, explaining that for next six months of my laser treatment, I’ll need to exclusively shave my legs.
I am next instructed to put on a pair of bottle-green goggles while Dr. Weiser rubs ultrasound gel on my calves. Before we begin, she shares with me the one description of laser hair removal I have heard before: “It feels like a rubber band being flicked against your skin multiple times.”
Either I am wrong, or my pain threshold is incredibly low, because I find laser hair removal excruciatingly uncomfortable. In fact, I start to think, I would take a flick of a rubber band any day over the repeated burning zap of the laser. After the first few zaps, I squirm so much Dr. Weiser has to stop. It feels like someone is taking a lit match to my leg and holding it up close. The darker the hair, she explains, the coarser it is; therefore more energy is emitted onto that follicle, causing greater discomfort. When those hairs are zapped, it feels like a bee sting—and you just have to hope there aren’t too many.
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The whole process is a bit like whack-a-mole; it seems there’s always another hair to quash. But Dr. Weiser is calm and methodical, her laser moving up and down the leg in straight lines. The noise of the pulses is like the beat of a metronome or a very fast elevator that beeps at every floor. (On my second visit, I remove my silk blouse in order to avoid unnecessary dry cleaning.) But with each subsequent visit, it gets progressively easier, partly because I am becoming more used to the process and partly because there is less hair to zap.
Clearly I’m not alone in this. Nearly half a million laser treatments were performed by dermatological surgeons in 2011 (the last year that collected data is available) according to the American Society for Dermatological Surgery, so it must be worth the minor suffering. Most people who get laser treatments are focusing on smaller areas of hair—underarm, upper lip, bikini line. These areas also happen to be much more sensitive: The very idea of getting my bikini line. These areas also happen to be much more sensitive. The lower leg, on the other hand, is one of the largest areas that they laser and it takes about 25 minutes altogether for both legs upon each visit.
By my third appointment I begin to see a real difference. The laser picks up a lot more “energy” as Dr. Weiser says, and I find the whole experience far less painful. For several days following each treatment, I have a series of small red bumps on my legs and this actually elates me because I know it means that the laser has picked up that follicle and when the redness dies down that spot will be hair-free for life—a delightful thought as summer, and a season of confidently wearing my favorite Isabel Marant silk-chiffon miniskirt, begins.
Folliculitis After Laser Hair Removal
Have you ever noticed red (sometimes painful) bumps on the skin, usually a few days after shaving? If you answered yes, you’ve most likely experienced ‘folliculitis’! Folliculitis is a skin condition caused by an inflammation of the hair follicle. It’s often confused with ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris, however differs in cause & biology.
The most common areas to experience folliculitis is on the underarms, legs, pubic area, and arms. This is because the hair is generally thicker and therefore causes more irritation when the hair is removed. It’s a common occurance in both men & women, at any age. ‘Shaving bumps’ on the face, neck, and scalp are similar in appearance, however are referred to as ‘Pseudofolliculitis‘.
Folliculitis isn’t dangerous. However it can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing – especially if it’s on your arms or legs! Regardless of its appearance, we recommend treating it ASAP to prevent it from spreading and developing into a more severe infection.
Why am I getting folliculitis?
Folliculitis is caused by bacteria entering damaged follicles. Therefore it usually occurs after hair removal procedures. Regardless of whether you are waxing, shaving, or epilating, you’re still damaging the follicle. Consequently, you are still at risk of getting this bothersome condition.
Whilst not as common, it can also be caused by the friction of your clothing. If the friction is strong enough to damage your hair follicles, it can then cause the infection.
This skin condition is not usually contagious, however some forms of it can be. So we recommend avoiding skin to skin contact or sharing towels until it has completely cleared.
Try not to worry – mild cases will alleviate on their own!
How can I treat it?
There’s no such thing as ‘folliculitis removal’, however it will generally clear by itself (assuming you have a mild case). However if it’s developed into a severe condition, we recommend visiting your GP who will prescribe you with relevant medication.
To speed up recovery of mild cases and to prevent future folliculitis, Laser Hair Removal is the answer!
How?
The laser beam generated by the Candela GentleLase travels to the infected follicle, destroying the bacteria causing the skin condition. By destroying the bacteria, your symptoms should relieve within just a few days post-treatment!
Will it come back after laser hair removal treatments?
You’re likely to experience folliculitis even after laser treatments, if you do not complete your course of treatments. Laser hair removal (LHR) works by damaging your hair follicle until it is damaged enough to stop hair production. Although you’ll notice thinner regrowth after your first few treatments, it will return to its original state if left untreated.
The recommended course of treatments for each folliculitis-prone areas are:
- Pubic hair folliculitis (including folliculitis on anus) – 9-12 treatments
- Underarm folliculitis – 9-12 treatments
- Folliculitis on arms or legs – 6-9 treatments
- Folliculitis on face, neck, or cranium (scalp) – 20+ treatments
In your LHR consultation, your skin therapist will assess your suitability for treatment and explain the treatment process. If you’re not suitable for LHR, your therapist will provide alternative hair removal procedures and preventive measures.
How else can I prevent folliculitis?
Whilst this condition is sometimes inevitable, there are some things that you can do to prevent future folliculitis infections:
- Don’t touch the area after your hair removal procedure with unclean hands. As folliculitis is a bacterial infection, it’s very important to keep your skin as clean as possible.
- Shower after the gym. Sweat build up may cause folliculitis if your sweat sits on the skin for too long.
- Avoid tight clothing. As mentioned above, the irritation of your tight clothing may damage your hair follicles.
- Shave less. Shaving is a common irritant to the skin, even if you don’t suffer from folliculitis. The less you shave, the better.
- Wash your clothes and bath towels frequently. Wearing clean clothes and using clean bath towels will help prevent any damaged follicles become infected.
- Use an antibacterial soap. Particularly within two weeks after any hair removal procedure (including shaving).
- Laser Hair Removal. Laser is the only hair removal method that will not only prevent but also treat folliculitis.
Where do I start?
If you’ve followed our recommendations and are still suffering from folliculitis, it’s time to have a chat with us!
Our skin therapists are available for skin consultations Tuesday-Saturday. In the consultation, we will assess your skin and discuss your current skin and hair regime. We will then be able to advise product and treatment recommendations to further assist your condition.
Hair didnt fall out after laser
Many people expect to see their hair fall out instantly following a laser hair removal session. But this is an untruth: unwanted hair will not fall out automatically the following morning after the laser hair removal treatment.
Why isn’t hair falling out following the laser removal process? In one treatment, the laser may only treat about 15% of the hair removed by itself, later on, approximately five days after the procedure. This process depends on the individual and their age and skin type hormones, as well as the natural processes for hair growth.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Before you can figure out the reason hair doesn’t fall out following laser hair removal, it’s essential to look at three major cycles of hair growth hair follicles experience:
Anagen: is also known as the growth cycle, and it’s the best phase that the laser treatment can be effective. Anagen is the stage when hair appears on the skin’s surface, which lets the laser stay in place and transfer heat down the hair strand and to the hair follicle.
Catagen: The catagen phase in the cycle of hair, happens the one that occurs before the hair is shed naturally and not due to the laser. In this stage, laser hair removal will not be as successful as hair is already dead and pushed out of the hair follicle.
Telogen: is the stage in which hair is not growing or developing beneath the skin. Also known as the resting phase, Telogen is not suitable for laser hair removal as there isn’t any hair showing on the skin’s surface.
Why Didn’t My Hair Fall Out After Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that permits patients to temporarily put off the necessity to shave, wax or pluck unwanted hairs. The procedure makes use of strong light from the laser device to focus on the pigmentation in dark hair and lets the skin absorb the heat to kill hair follicles. However, it’s not permanent, and a new hair follicle will eventually grow.
After one session of laser treatment, your hair’s bulb is expected to break out over a seven to 30-day time span. At this point, bumps and redness could occur as your body pulls dead hair out of your hair follicle. Ingrown hairs could get stuck beneath the skin. People may believe that it’s hair growth, but it’s your body pushing hair upwards to the surface and pulling the hair away from your skin to remove it.
Some patients may be concerned because not all hairs within the treatment region were shed following the treatment. It is crucial to remember that every hair follicle may not necessarily have the same growth cycle as the hairs surrounding it. Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage. However, only about 15 percent of the hair will be present in this phase at the time of one laser session. That means that only 15 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed, and those hairs will fall off five to 14 days following treatment.
The growth cycle is the reason why it could take between 6 and 8 sessions before the hair follicles have been destroyed. Each treatment area has its own unique growth cycle, and hair growth in the upper lip can be four weeks, and the cycle for the legs can take between 8 and 10 weeks. A cosmetic surgeon would spread the time within your treatment schedule by six weeks to keep up the growth of hair.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Laser Hair Removal
If you’re concerned about your hair not dropping out, do not be worried. The rate of loss and regrowth is mainly dependent on the person; skin types, hormones, hair type, skin color, and treatment areas are just a few of the many circumstances that impact the process. While you wait, you should know the do’s and don’ts to be aware of:
Do not remove hair after the Laser Treatment
The most important thing to remember is to remain patient. Do not tweeze, wax, pick up, pluck, thread, or squeeze hair from your skin because this can eliminate the hair follicles targeted with the laser and cause skin irritation. It’s better to keep them in place until they are gone; when you go through the laser hair removal procedure, the dark and thick hairs will become thinner and easier to get rid of.
Exfoliate Frequently.
While you shouldn’t be able to pull hair out forcefully, you’re free to cut or scrub the hair in order to speed up the shed process. Rub the treatment area with a circular motion with a loofah or gentle washcloth for removing dead hair.
Don’t Miss the Next Treatment.
While unwanted hair may appear to be gone, however, they could have entered their telogen stage and hidden under the skin. Be sure to follow your treatment program and return to the clinic at the scheduled time. In the long run, waiting too long between hair cycles can result in you missing the growth of your hair.
Do Hydrate Your Skin.
Keep your skin soft, healthy, and relaxed after a laser hair treatment. You can expect your skin to be irritated and sunburnt, so apply a cooling gel of aloe vera to avoid skin irritation. A few ice cubes or ice packs in your bag can help manage swelling, redness, and other undesirable reactions.
Say Goodbye to Unwanted Body Hair With NuWays MD
As a Boca Raton leading center for laser hair removal, NuWays MD is committed to helping patients get rid of unwanted body hair safely and efficiently. For more details regarding our hair removal procedure, make an appointment with us.