Laser Hair Removal for Ingrown Hairs & Folliculitis: Does It Really Help?
Laser Hair Removal for Ingrown Hairs & Folliculitis: Does It Really Help?
If you’ve ever suffered with painful ingrown hairs, shaving rash, or recurring bumps after hair removal, you’re not alone. For many people, especially those with coarse or curly hair, these issues can become more than just cosmetic, they can affect confidence, cause scarring, and lead to skin conditions like folliculitis.
At Victoria House Clinic in Birmingham, many of our clients come to us not just to reduce hair, but to finally get relief from ingrown hairs and inflammation. The good news? Laser hair removal can be one of the most effective solutions available.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Ingrown Hairs and Folliculitis?
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outward. This often causes:
○ Red bumps
○ Itching
○ Inflammation
○ Dark marks or pigmentation (especially on deeper skin tones)
Folliculitis is a condition where hair follicles become inflamed or infected, often triggered by shaving, waxing, or clogged follicles. It can resemble acne and be quite uncomfortable, even painful.
What Can Be Mistaken for Folliculitis?
Folliculitis can sometimes look similar to other common skin conditions, which is why a proper consultation is so important. It’s often mistaken for:
✅ Acne – Both cause red bumps and can include pus, but acne originates deeper in the pore and often includes blackheads.
✅ Keratosis pilaris – A harmless condition that causes rough, bumpy skin, usually on the arms or thighs.
✅ Contact dermatitis – A reaction to shaving creams, fragrances, or laundry detergents can also resemble folliculitis.
✅ Razor burn – Often confused due to redness and small bumps after shaving, but razor burn typically subsides quickly and isn’t infected.
If you’re unsure, our practitioners at Victoria House Clinic will assess your skin thoroughly before treatment. Understanding the root cause is key to choosing the right approach.
Types of Folliculitis: Causes, Symptoms & Common Areas Affected
1. Bacterial Folliculitis
This common type of folliculitis is typically caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It appears as small, white-headed pustules (pus-filled spots) on red, inflamed skin, often with a visible hair in the centre. Bacterial folliculitis frequently affects areas like the scalp, face, arms, and legs.
2. Fungal Folliculitis (Malassezia or Pityrosporum Folliculitis)
Fungal folliculitis is caused by yeast that naturally lives on the skin, especially Malassezia. It’s more common in teenage boys and young men, and tends to flare up in warm, humid environments. Symptoms include clusters of red, itchy bumps and pustules, usually found on the back, chest, shoulders, or neck.
3. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (Razor Bumps)
Often mistaken for acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae is a type of ingrown hair irritation that occurs after shaving. It's most common in the beard area and other areas where hair is coarse or curly. Razor bumps can become inflamed, itchy, and resemble small pimples.
4. Hot Tub Folliculitis (Spa Pool Folliculitis)
This form of folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that thrives in poorly maintained hot tubs or heated pools. It typically shows up as a rash of red, itchy, or tender bumps and can affect any area of the body that was submerged.
5. Gram-Negative Folliculitis
Gram-negative folliculitis is linked to prolonged antibiotic use—especially tetracyclines used to treat acne. It results in breakouts of pustules or nodules, often on the face, as antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas begin to thrive.
6. Deep Folliculitis (Boils or Furuncles)
This more severe type involves deeper infection within the hair follicle, leading to painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin, commonly referred to as boils or furuncles. These lesions can enlarge, rupture, and drain, and often require medical attention.
7. Eosinophilic Folliculitis
Seen most often in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, eosinophilic folliculitis presents as extremely itchy, red or skin-toned bumps and pustules. These usually appear on the face, scalp, neck, and upper chest
8. Demodex Folliculitis
Caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites—microscopic organisms that live inside hair follicles—this condition leads to inflammation, itching, and acne-like breakouts, often around the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
9. Non-Infectious Folliculitis (Irritant Folliculitis)
Not all folliculitis is caused by bacteria or fungi. Irritant folliculitis can occur due to shaving, friction from tight clothing, excessive sweating, or reaction to certain skincare products. It typically looks like red or pink bumps and may feel sore or itchy.
What Is the Main Cause of Folliculitis?
The most common causes of folliculitis include:
○ Friction from tight clothing or shaving
○ Bacterial infection, often from Staphylococcus aureus
○ Ingrown hairs, particularly in people with curly or coarse hair
○ Occlusive products, like heavy oils or creams that clog pores
○ Weakened immune system or pre-existing skin conditions like eczema
Laser hair removal addresses one of the biggest culprits — the presence of coarse or tightly curled hairs that irritate the follicle. By permanently reducing the number of active hair follicles, we reduce the chances of both ingrown hairs and recurring folliculitis over time.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Help?
Laser hair removal targets the root of the hair follicle, using focused light to heat and disable it. This does two key things:
✅ Reduces the number of active hair follicles
✅ Weakens the hairs that do grow back, making them finer and softer
By reducing hair growth, there’s less chance of hair curling back into the skin, and less need for repeated shaving or waxing, two major triggers for folliculitis and ingrowns.
Why Choose Laser for Treating Ingrown Hairs?
Here’s why laser is often recommended by dermatologists and skin clinics:
▢ Long-term relief: Many clients see a huge drop in ingrown hairs after just 2–3 sessions
▢ No more shaving rash or bumps
▢ Improves texture and pigmentation from scarring or previous irritation
▢ Safe for all skin types when using the right technology
At Victoria House Clinic, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro — widely considered one of the best lasers for ingrown hairs. It’s powerful, precise, and works safely across all skin tones.
Areas We Commonly Treat for Ingrowns and Folliculitis
● Bikini line – one of the most common areas for ingrown hairs
● Beard/neck area – especially for men with curly or coarse hair
● Underarms – prone to bumps and clogged follicles
● Back or chest – where folliculitis can often flare up
● Legs – for those constantly battling shaving rash
If you’re struggling with one or more of these areas, you’re likely a great candidate for treatment.
Is It Permanent?
Laser hair removal offers permanent hair reduction, meaning most clients experience up to 90% less hair in treated areas after a full course. The hair that may grow back is often much finer and easier to manage — with fewer, if any, ingrown hairs.
Does It Hurt?
At Victoria House Clinic, comfort is a priority. The Candela GentleMax Pro uses dynamic cooling technology, and we also apply a cold air device during treatment to minimise discomfort. Most clients describe the feeling as a mild snapping sensation, far more comfortable than the aftermath of waxing or constant shaving.
What Clients Say
“I had constant ingrown hairs on my bikini line. I’ve tried everything, creams, exfoliants, waxing, nothing helped long-term. After four laser sessions, I noticed a massive difference. My skin is so much smoother.”– Sophie, 28, Sutton Coldfield
“As a skin type 6, shaving my beard always led to bumps and scarring. Laser has changed everything. No more irritation, and the pigmentation has faded too.”– Jason, 34, Birmingham
Local and Trusted Laser Hair Removal in Birmingham
Victoria House Clinic is CQC-registered and medically led. Our practitioners have years of experience treating ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and post-inflammatory pigmentation. We tailor each treatment plan to your skin type, hair texture, and goals.
Safe for all skin tones | Comfort-focused technology | Free on-site parking | Located in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
Ready to Treat Ingrown Hairs at the Root?
Book a consultation with our expert team and say goodbye to bumps, rash, and constant irritation. Let us help you feel confident in your skin again.
