Does IPL Remove Ingrown Hairs? Everything You Need to Know

Ingrown hairs are painful, unsightly, and frustrating. Whether they appear after waxing, shaving, or threading, they can cause red bumps, irritation, and even dark spots — especially on melanin-rich skin types.

If you're considering IPL hair removal, you’re probably asking:
Can IPL remove ingrown hairs permanently?
Will it stop new ones from forming?

The short answer is yes — but not instantly.

This guide explains how IPL helps treat and prevent ingrown hairs, why it’s safer for brown skin than other methods, and how to build a routine that keeps your skin smooth and bump-free.

What Are Ingrown Hairs?

An ingrown hair happens when a strand of hair curls backward or sideways into the skin after removal. This can lead to:

  • Red, inflamed bumps

  • Pain or pus-filled spots

  • Dark pigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)

  • Scarring if picked or infected

They commonly appear on:

  • Underarms

  • Bikini line

  • Beard area (for men)

  • Legs and inner thighs

Melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick III–V) is more prone to dark marks after ingrown hairs due to increased pigmentation response.

Can IPL Remove Existing Ingrown Hairs?

Not directly. IPL won’t extract a hair that’s already stuck under the skin. However, it can:

  • Shrink the follicle, stopping new hair from forming

  • Thin the hair, making it less likely to curl under

  • Reduce inflammation around the follicle with regular use

  • Prevent the same spot from recurring

Best approach:

  • Gently exfoliate or treat the area until the ingrown hair surfaces

  • Once skin heals, begin IPL to prevent recurrence

How IPL Prevents Ingrown Hairs Long-Term

1. No Follicle = No Ingrown Hair

IPL targets the root of the hair follicle, weakening or destroying it.

When there's no follicle, there’s no chance for the hair to curl back into the skin.

2. Hair Grows Back Thinner & Straighter

IPL-treated hair is finer and slower-growing, reducing the likelihood of curling.

3. Less Friction and Irritation

Thinner hair = less inflammation, which is a major trigger for ingrowns.

IPL vs Shaving vs Waxing – Which Is Best for Ingrown Hair Prevention?

Method Risk of Ingrown Hair Skin Irritation Hair-Free Duration
Shaving High (especially for curly hair) Medium 1–3 days
Waxing Medium High (pulls hair from root) 2–3 weeks
IPL Low to none (after full sessions) Low 6 months+ with maintenance

IPL is the only method that gradually eliminates the follicle, making it the most effective for long-term ingrown hair prevention.

Areas Where IPL Helps Most with Ingrown Hairs

Area Why IPL Helps
Bikini Line Curly hair, friction, and sweat cause frequent bumps
Underarms Frequent shaving = irritation
Chin/Beard Coarse facial hair often curls into skin
Inner Thighs Thick hair and tight clothing = ideal for ingrowns

🔗 Shop IPL Devices Safe for Bikini & Face

Best IPL Devices for Ingrown Hair-Prone Skin

Ulike Sapphire Air+

  • Cooling plate prevents irritation

  • Unlimited flashes for long-term use

  • Gentle mode for bikini, underarms, and jawline

  • FDA-cleared, suitable for Fitzpatrick I–V

Why it's ideal:

Safe for brown skin, excellent for preventing regrowth in areas prone to dark marks or razor bumps.

Step-by-Step Routine to Treat & Prevent Ingrown Hairs with IPL

Weekly Treatment Plan:

  1. Prep the Area

    • Shave 12–24 hours before

    • Gently exfoliate (2–3 times/week) to release trapped hairs

    • Clean and dry skin before treatment

  2. Use IPL Once a Week

    • Use gentle mode on sensitive areas

    • Treat consistently for 8–12 weeks

  3. Aftercare

    • Apply soothing serum or aloe

    • Avoid tight clothing, sweating, or friction for 24 hours

    • Use SPF on exposed skin

🔗 Explore Post-IPL Skincare

How Long Until You See Results?

Time Frame What You’ll Notice
Week 1–3 Slight thinning of hair, less itching
Week 4–6 Fewer ingrown hairs reappearing
Week 7–10 Smoother skin, lighter pigmentation
Month 3+ Little to no new ingrown hair growth

FAQs – IPL and Ingrown Hairs

Can IPL remove ingrown hair cysts or scars?
No. IPL can't remove existing cysts or deep scars, but it prevents new ones from forming and helps fade dark marks over time.

Is IPL safe for dark spots caused by ingrown hairs?
Yes, IPL helps reduce post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially with consistent sessions and proper SPF use.

Will IPL stop beard bumps in men?
Yes. Using IPL along the beard line or neck helps prevent razor bumps and keeps the area clear.

How many sessions until I stop getting ingrown hairs?
Most users report a major drop in ingrowns by week 6–8, with full prevention after 3 months.

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