Réhabital
Ingrown Hair Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Ingrown hairs occur when a cut or regrowing hair curls back and penetrates the skin instead of growing normally outward, creating a small red bump, sometimes painful or filled with pus. This problem frequently affects shaved, waxed or regularly hair-removed areas, such as the face, underarms, bikini line and legs, and can become chronic in people with thick, curly hair. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, our aesthetics team offers SharpLight laser hair removal as a lasting solution to reduce hair regrowth at the source and significantly decrease the recurrence of ingrown hairs.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
An ingrown hair generally forms in one of two ways: either a hair cut below skin level regrows and curls sideways beneath the skin surface before breaking through, or a hair that has already emerged curls back and re-penetrates the epidermis. This is particularly common after shaving, waxing or plucking, as these methods cut the hair abruptly or weaken the follicle, increasing the risk that regrowth will deviate from its normal path. People with naturally curly or thick hair, thicker skin, or a predisposition to hair follicle hyperkeratosis are particularly at risk, as are those who use repeated, closely spaced hair removal methods without adequate exfoliation between sessions. The inflammatory reaction around an ingrown hair can cause redness, a firm small bump or a pustule, sometimes accompanied by residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation once the lesion resolves, particularly visible on darker skin. While isolated ingrown hairs often resolve on their own, chronic or recurrent cases, particularly in areas like the bikini line, neck or legs, benefit greatly from an approach aimed at reducing hair density long term rather than simply managing symptoms as they arise.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Frequent, repeated shaving
Shaving cuts hair close to the skin, which can encourage regrowth that curls beneath the skin surface before breaking through again.
Waxing or plucking
These methods remove hair at the root but can weaken the follicle, increasing the risk that regrowth deviates from its normal path.
Naturally curly or thick hair type
Curly or thick hair has a stronger natural tendency to curl back and re-penetrate the skin during regrowth.
Friction and tight clothing
Repeated friction from tight clothing on recently hair-removed areas can push growing hairs to deviate from their normal path.
Lack of regular exfoliation
A buildup of dead skin cells on the surface can clog the hair follicle and prevent the hair from breaking through normally.
Our Treatment Approach
An aesthetic consultation with Liliana Ciocoi, Elena Caliniuc or Farzaneh assesses affected areas, the frequency of ingrown hairs and the hair removal methods used so far, in order to establish a treatment plan suited to hair texture and skin phototype. SharpLight laser technology targets melanin in the hair follicle to progressively reduce its ability to produce a new hair, directly decreasing the frequency of ingrown hairs by addressing their root cause rather than their recurring symptoms. Because follicles pass through different growth phases, several sessions spaced four to six weeks apart are needed to target all active hairs and achieve a cumulative reduction in hair density in areas such as the bikini line, underarms, face or legs. Between sessions, recommendations for gentle exfoliation and soothing care with Dermalogica or MCCM Spain products help prevent follicular blockage and calm residual inflammation from existing lesions. For particularly sensitive areas or those prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, laser energy is adjusted with caution, and a personalized care plan is established to support a visible and lasting improvement in skin texture.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The initial consultation lasts about 30 minutes, including assessment of affected areas and hair removal history. Each laser session lasts 15 to 30 minutes depending on the treated area, with a feeling of mild tingling, and temporary redness may appear for a few hours after treatment.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Gently exfoliate the area two to three times a week between sessions.
- Avoid dry shaving; use a suitable gel or cream if shaving is necessary.
- Wear loose clothing over recently hair-removed or shaved areas.
- Avoid picking or scratching existing ingrown hairs to prevent infection.
- Apply a warm compress to inflamed lesions to help them resolve.
- Use soothing products recommended by your aesthetician between sessions.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
A visible reduction in ingrown hair frequency is generally observed after 3 to 4 laser sessions, with marked cumulative improvement after a complete protocol of 6 to 8 sessions depending on area and hair type. Regular exfoliation between sessions also helps reduce recurrences during the treatment period.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Book an appointment if recurring ingrown hairs affect areas like the bikini line, face, underarms or legs despite your usual hair removal methods. See a doctor if a lesion becomes very painful, markedly infected with fever or spreading, or if you suspect bacterial folliculitis requiring medical treatment.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our aesthetics team addresses the root cause of recurring ingrown hairs with SharpLight laser technology, rather than simply treating each lesion as it appears, for a lasting improvement in skin texture and comfort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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