You have just had a laser hair removal session and your skin looks great. Then a week later, small red bumps start appearing, ingrown hairs after laser hair removal are more common than you think.
Ingrown hairs after laser hair removal are one of the most common concerns our clients raise at Pink Laser Clinics. The good news is they are almost entirely preventable with the right aftercare routine.
In this guide, we will explain why ingrown hairs happen after laser, the three biggest mistakes people make, and a simple daily routine that keeps skin smooth and bump-free between sessions.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle with concentrated light energy. The follicle is damaged, and over the following one to three weeks, the treated hair sheds and falls out naturally. This shedding process is completely normal.
However, during this window, a few things can go wrong. Dead skin cells can build up over the follicle opening, trapping the shedding hair beneath the surface. New hairs growing in between treatment sessions may also curl back into the skin instead of growing outward, especially in areas prone to friction like the bikini line, underarms, and legs.
The result is the classic ingrown hair: a red, sometimes inflamed bump where the hair is stuck beneath the skin surface. It is not caused by the laser itself. It is caused by what happens to the skin afterwards.
This is by far the most common mistake. Many people think that because the hair is falling out on its own, they do not need to do anything. But without regular exfoliation, dead skin accumulates and blocks the follicle opening. The shedding hair has nowhere to go, so it curls back under the skin.
Starting gentle exfoliation about seven days after your laser session helps keep the skin surface clear so hairs can shed freely.
On the flip side, some people go too aggressive. Rough body scrubs, loofahs, and abrasive exfoliating mitts can irritate skin that is already sensitised from laser treatment. This creates micro-tears in the skin, which can actually increase inflammation and make ingrown hairs worse.
What you need is chemical exfoliation, not physical. Ingredients like lactic acid and urea dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells gently, without any scrubbing or friction.
Shaving within the first seven days post-laser is a recipe for ingrown hairs. The skin is still recovering, and shaving cuts the hair at an angle just below the surface, making it more likely to grow back inward. Wait at least a full week before shaving the treated area, and always shave in the direction of hair growth when you do.
Here is the aftercare routine we recommend to our laser hair removal clients at Pink Laser Clinics. It is simple, takes about two minutes a day, and makes a significant difference in preventing ingrown hairs.
This is where most ingrown hairs are prevented. Once your skin has settled, introduce a gentle chemical exfoliant into your daily routine.
At Pink Laser Clinics, the body serum we recommend for this routine is Body Smooth. It combines Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Gluconolactone, and Urea in a single formula that exfoliates gently without stripping or irritating the skin. It was specifically formulated for daily use on the body — including sensitive areas — and is suitable for all skin types. Body Smooth is also an award-winning product, recognised in the Prevention Australia Beauty Awards 2025.
Pair it with Body Soft as your follow-up moisturiser for a complete two-step evening routine that takes under two minutes.
You do not need to be a laser client to benefit from this routine. Ingrown hairs are extremely common after shaving and waxing too. The same principle applies: dead skin traps the regrowing hair, and gentle chemical exfoliation prevents the buildup.
If you regularly shave your legs, bikini area, or underarms, a daily AHA body serum will significantly reduce the bumps, redness, and irritation that come with regrowth. It also helps with related concerns like keratosis pilaris (those small rough bumps on the backs of arms and thighs), strawberry skin on legs, and general rough or uneven skin texture.
Most ingrown hairs resolve on their own with consistent exfoliation and proper aftercare. However, if you notice any of the following, it is worth speaking with your clinician:
If you are experiencing recurring ingrown hairs from shaving or waxing, laser hair removal may be the long-term solution. By reducing hair growth at the follicle, laser dramatically reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs occurring in the first place. You can learn more about our laser treatments on our Laser Hair Removal Melbourne page.
At Pink Laser Clinics, we use Fotona's AvalancheLase® technology with dual wavelengths (Alexandrite + Nd:YAG) for safe, effective laser hair removal across all skin tones. Every client receives a personalised aftercare plan — including product recommendations — to get the smoothest possible results.
Book a free consultation to discuss your treatment plan, or shop Body Smooth to start your ingrown hair prevention routine today.
