Laser Hair Removal and Pseudofolliculitis

Laser hair removal is one of the only hair removal methods on today’s market that will permanently rid you of unwanted hair. It’s also the best way to be hair-free without any of the side effects associated with shaving, such as pseudofolliculitis— also known as chronic razor burn, barber’s itch, or razor bumps. This unsightly ailment is commonly seen on men’s beards, but can also affect women’s bikini lines and other delicate areas. Since laser hair removal permanently disables the hair follicle, it virtually eliminates the possibility of pseudofolliculitis. Read on to learn about how laser hair removal can help symptoms of pseudofolliculitis:

What is Pseudofolliculitis?

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic condition in which the skin becomes irritated due to shaving. After shaving, hair slowly begins to grow back. Hair that is curly or coarse tends to coil as it grows, and the coiled hair can get trapped inside the hair follicle. The follicle then becomes inflamed and red—many people with claim that the irritation resembles acne. And they very well may be a sort of pimple, as the infection can cause the follicle to turn into a papule or pustule. The pseudofolliculitis can be further classified as either extrafollicular or transfollicular. Extrafollicular hair is hair that has grow outside the skin and then re-entered through the follicle. Transfollicular hair never exits the skin, but coils inside the follicle instead.

Since pseudofolliculitis is caused by coiling hair, some people are more susceptible to the condition. People of African or Middle Eastern decent are likely to have this type of hair, and thus are more likely to suffer from pseudofolliculitis. In fact, a judge found Domino’s Pizza’s rule that their pizza-makers had to be beardless as a violation of civil rights because African-Americans are more likely to suffer from pseudofolliculitis from shaving than Caucasians. Pseudofolliculitis is not a joke!

Pseudofolliculitis should not be confused with razor burn. Although they are similar conditions, razor burn is characterized by milder redness. Razor burn is also considered a transient condition, whereas pseudofolliculitis is recurring. A dermatologist will be able to accurately identify your condition.

How Laser Hair Removal Stops Pseudofolliculitis

Since it’s impossible to change the texture of hair at the root, there’s only one way to stop pseudofolliculitis: stop shaving! Other hair removal methods are more effective at both removing hair and keeping ingrown hairs at bay. Waxing removes hair from the root, so that there’s less time needed between waxes. However, the hair will eventually return after waxing—and the idea that the hair will be finer and less likely to coil is a myth.

Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for pseudofolliculitis because it removes hair permanently from its origin. During treatment, a specialist will use a special device that emits flashes of light over the skin. Most laser hair removal patients don’t find the procedure painful, but the flashes of light may cause some discomfort. Over a series of sessions (about six is average), the hair will no longer grow. With no growback, ingrown hairs cannot form. Laser hair removal is particularly effective at treating pseudofolliculitis on areas prone to the condition, such as men’s beard area and women’s bikini lines.

Laser hair removal isn’t for everyone. Patients with light hair or dark skin are generally not considered ideal patients as the laser device may not be able to distinguish between the hair and skin. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate for laser hair removal is to visit a skincare expert who specializes in laser hair removal. To schedule a private consultation with a laser hair removal specialist in your area, contact our representatives today.