Dark Spots From Ingrown Hairs on Black Skin: What Actually Works

Dark spots from ingrown hairs are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. On Black and melanin-rich skin, every ingrown hair, bump or pluck can leave a dark mark that lasts months. The marks fade only when the cause stops: no more plucking, threading, waxing or shaving over the same spot, and treatment that does not irritate the skin further.

Why Black skin leaves dark marks after ingrown hairs

Melanin-rich skin reacts to any irritation by making extra pigment. A curly or coarse hair that grows back into the skin causes inflammation, and the skin answers with a dark spot. Under the chin, on the neck, along the jawline and in the bikini area these marks can stay for a year or longer if the hairs keep coming back.

What makes it worse

• Plucking, tweezing, threading and waxing the same area again and again
• Shaving every day
• Picking at bumps
• Harsh scrubs and strong acids that burn dark skin

What works

First, the hair has to stop coming back. For Black and dark skin that means laser hair removal done with the correct wavelength and settings, and electrolysis for fine or light hairs. Second, the dark marks are treated gently, in steps, so the skin is never burned. In 40 years I have treated the hair and the discoloration together, because treating only one of them brings the problem back.

Questions women ask

How long do dark spots from ingrown hairs take to fade?

Usually several months, and faster once the ingrown hairs stop. Each new ingrown hair restarts the clock.

Can I use a lightening product?

Use products made for melanin-rich skin, as directed. The Mini Eva Skin Lightening Kit was made for this exact problem.

Is laser safe on dark skin?

Yes, when the right laser is used by someone who knows dark skin. Not every device is safe for Black skin.

Related

• Laser hair removal in Newnan, GA for Black and dark skin
• PCOS Chin and Facial Hair Removal for Dark Skin
• Laser Hair Removal in Newnan, GA for Dark and Black Skin
• How to Get Rid of Discoloration on Black Skin
• Dark Neck and Underarms in Black Women: Causes and Treatment

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