At our CQC-registered dermatology clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team and experienced laser and electrolysis practitioners help patients understand why ingrown hairs keep coming back and how to manage them. We welcome patients from across Kent, including Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover and Deal, for assessment and a plan that suits your skin and hair type.
About the Condition
An ingrown hair happens when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising out of it. The body reacts to the trapped hair, which can cause a small, raised bump.
Common features include:
- Small, raised bumps, sometimes red or inflamed
- A visible hair trapped just beneath the skin surface
- Itching or tenderness in the affected area
- Recurrent bumps in the same area after shaving or waxing
- Occasionally, an infected or pus-filled spot
Ingrown hairs are common on the face, neck, underarms and bikini area, and are more likely in people with curly or coarse hair. Repeated shaving, waxing and plucking can make them worse, because each time the hair regrows it has another chance to turn back into the skin.
Most ingrown hairs settle on their own. When they are persistent, they can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions such as folliculitis or acne, so an accurate assessment is worthwhile. If you also have unwanted facial hair, our page on excess facial hair explains the possible causes.
How We Treat It
A single ingrown hair can often be managed with gentle exfoliation and good skin care. Recurrent ingrown hairs are usually addressed by reducing how often the hair needs to be removed, and this is where our team can help.
We begin with a consultation and patch test, where we look at your skin, your hair type and the areas affected, and explain which option suits you. Both laser hair removal and electrolysis reduce hair regrowth over a course of treatment, which in turn lowers the chance of new ingrown hairs forming in the treated area. Individual results vary, and hair grows in cycles, so a full course is needed.
Our laser treatments are delivered under the oversight of Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock, Consultant Dermatologist and the clinic’s Laser Protection Supervisor. If your skin is also prone to bumps and roughness elsewhere, our team can advise on keratosis pilaris and skin care.
When to See a Specialist
Most ingrown hairs settle on their own or with simple home care. It is worth booking an assessment if ingrown hairs are a persistent, recurring problem despite good skin care, if they leave marks or scarring, or if you would like to reduce how often you shave or wax.
Please seek prompt medical advice if an area becomes increasingly painful or swollen, or shows signs of infection such as pus, spreading redness or heat, or if you feel unwell. Any lump or bump that does not go away, bleeds or changes should be checked by a clinician.
Further reading: NHS – Ingrown hairs · DermNet – Pseudofolliculitis barbae · British Association of Dermatologists
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs happen when a hair grows back into the skin rather than upward and out. They are more common after shaving, waxing or plucking, and in people with curlier hair.
Can ingrown hairs be prevented?
Gentle exfoliation, avoiding overly close shaving and reducing the frequency of hair removal can all help. Longer term, laser hair removal or electrolysis can reduce regrowth in areas prone to ingrown hairs.
Is laser hair removal or electrolysis better for ingrown hairs?
Both can help by reducing regrowth over time. Laser hair removal suits darker, coarser hair, while electrolysis works on all hair colours and is well suited to smaller, more stubborn areas.
When should I be concerned about an ingrown hair?
If the area becomes increasingly painful or swollen, or shows signs of infection such as pus or spreading redness, have it assessed rather than left untreated.
How long before I see improvement?
Many people notice fewer ingrown hairs after a few sessions, though a full course gives the fullest improvement, since hair grows in cycles. Your practitioner will explain what to expect for your skin.
Should I stop shaving or waxing before treatment?
Your practitioner will give you specific advice at your consultation and patch test, as preparation differs between laser hair removal and electrolysis.
Get your concern assessed
First step
Consultation and Patch Test, £50
Appointment
30 minutes
Availability
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks
Treatments for ingrown hairs
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