Laser Hair Removal for Shaving Bumps

What causes shaving bumps in the skin?

Shaving bumps are due to ingrown hairs medically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. Shaving too close or in the opposite direction of the hair (against the grain) is the most common cause. It can also be caused by plucking or waxing. The hair develops a sharp tip from shaving closely and can curl back then reenter into the skin instead of out the follicle. This results in inflammatory pimples and white heads. After the swelling and redness occurs, increased pigmentation (darkening of skin) followed by scarring can occur.

Once the hair follicles are destroyed by the laser, there will be no more shaving bumps.

What to Do About Shaving Bumps

A warm wet washcloth (warm compress) can be used to relax the follicle by rubbing gently in a circular motion. Most topical antibiotic creams, retinal, and steroid creams usually do not help. Sometimes finding the end of the hair and pulling it straight gently can help to correct some of the inflammation. Pulling the hair out can make the condition worse. Most physicians will recommend discontinuation of shaving, plucking and waxing.

The Solution is Laser Hair Removal for Shaving Bumps

Laser hair removal is an option often recommended for shaving bumps. Laser hair treatments are able to treat the hair follicle at a deep level which prevents the hair from growing back. Diode lasers such as the one used at VIP Health and Laser was shown in research to improve shaving bumps significantly by 78% (1). Another study using a diode laser showed a reduction in in-grown hairs over 50% and improvement in the pre-existing darkening of skin around the hair follicles (2-3). Electrolysis is not recommended for treatment of ingrown hairs.

References on Laser Hair Removal for Shaving Bumps

1. Smith EP, Winstanley D, Ross EV. Modified superlong pulse 810 nm diode laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types V and VI. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Mar;31(3):297-301. PubMed

2. Yamauchi PS, Kelly AP, Lask GP. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae with the diode laser. J Cutan Laser Ther. 1999 Apr;1(2):109-11. PubMed

3. Kauvar AN. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis with a pulsed infrared laser. Arch Dermatol. 2000 Nov;136(11):1343-6. PubMed