Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Prevent ingrown hairs with shaving techniques
• Method 2 of 2: Prevent ingrown hairs by using other techniques
• Tips
• Necessities

If you are reading this article, you have probably already experienced ingrown hairs (also known as razor burn, razor bumps, razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae). Ingrown hairs occur when the end of the hair shaft is shaved very low, causing the hair to curl back into the hair follicle. This triggers an inflammatory response, which includes redness, itching and / or a raised inflamed area. A broader understanding of what exactly ingrown hairs are and how to prevent them will help you avoid these annoying red bags in the future.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Prevent ingrown hairs with shaving techniques

1. Prep the hair before shaving. Hair that is dry and brittle is more difficult to shave than hair that is wet and supple. It is therefore wise to wet shave every shave, and use shaving cream as a lubricant - so that the razor can slide more easily along the hairs.
   • Shave in the shower or right after a shower to moisturize the hair. If you're going to shave your face, do it right after you get out of the shower. The warm water will soak the hair, making shaving easier if you just got out of the shower.
   • Always use a lubricant on the skin. If you use a razor, never shave without foam, lotion or cream. Such lubricants have been specially developed to make shaving easier and to prevent razor burn and ingrown hair.
2. Shave with an electric shaver. Electric shavers have a foil that creates an effective barrier between the razor and the skin, making it nearly impossible to shave the hair below the hair follicle. This also means that your shave will be less smooth, but for many people who shave every day, it is worth it. If you decide to shave with an electric razor, don't choose the lowest setting. Don't forget that you can also cut yourself with an electric razor.
3. Shave in the direction of hair growth. When it comes to reducing ingrown hairs, applying the right shaving techniques will save you one sip on a drink. Shave with the direction of hair growth. If your hair grows in one direction, shave that same direction. If you need to shave against the direction of hair growth, first run your razor along the hair in the direction of hair growth. Then lightly and gently go against the direction of hair growth.
   • This of course means that the shave will be slightly less smooth. However, the closer the shave, the greater the chance of ingrown hairs showing up as inflamed bumps on the skin.
4. Choose the right blades, clean the blade regularly and only apply light pressure. The right razor blade and the right pressure can help prevent razor burn. Below are some tips:
   • Shave with a single blade. Your razor doesn't need 70 blades to get a good shave. In fact, many people believe that a single blade is better than a multi-blade razor because a single blade actually cuts through the hairs; instead of tugging and cutting it.
   • Shave with a sharp blade. A blunt blade will not be able to cut through the hair any easier, requiring you to pass the same spot several times that you would otherwise be done with just one or two strokes. To keep the blade sharp:
     
     • After use, dip your razor in rubbing alcohol. This will clean the blade and evaporate any moisture on the blade. This moisture can cause rust if it stays on the blade.
     • Depending on which blades you use, you generally need to replace the blades after you have used them five times. If you use a scraper or disposable razors, you don't have to go into debt if you throw them away after using them five times.
   • Rinse the blade after each stroke. The more hair and skin that gets between your blades, the more likely you are to cut yourself - the more likely you are to get ingrown hairs.
   • Apply as little pressure as possible. Let the blade slide along the skin. Try not to pull or push too much. Hold the razor deftly and feel the difference on the skin.
5. Take care of the skin after shaving. You also take care of the skin before you shave, so do that afterwards too. Rinse the skin with cool water to close the pores. If you've shaved your face, apply a good aftershave balm. Preferably choose a balm that does not contain alcohol, as alcohol-based balms can cause dryness, inflammation and cell damage. Aftershave balm with witch hazel may be better for your skin.

Method 2 of 2: Prevent ingrown hairs by using other techniques

1. Apply glycolic or salicylic acid to the skin. Glycolic and salicylic acids help exfoliate the skin and prevent ingrown hairs by purifying pores. (Salicylic acid is a staple in many acne medications.)
   • You can choose a shaving cream that contains both ingredients or a moisturizer that contains them. Choose one or the other; using both is probably too much of a good thing.
   • Salicylic acid works in part by sloughing off dead skin cells. If you've never used salicylic acid before, be prepared for the mild irritation it can cause. This irritation should be manageable within a few weeks of use.
2. Exfoliate the skin before shaving. Exfoliating involves wiping the dead skin layer from the epidermis. While this is a good cosmetic use anyway, it is indispensable for a good shave without razor bumps. Use a light scrub or brush to exfoliate the skin. Do this a few minutes before you plan to shave the area. This will wipe away dead skin cells that could block pores and moisturize the hairs that you will soon be shaving away - this will give you a better shave.
3. If you have an ingrown hair, don't pull it out completely. Doing so will only increase the irritation. Moreover, it ensures that the hair will grow even deeper in the hair follicle. Rather, grab tweezers and try to pull the ingrown hair out from under the skin. Let the hair grow or cut / shave it. Be careful not to infect the hair and lead to folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle).
4. Instead of shaving or waxing, opt for chemical hair removal. Chemical depilatory creams dissolve the hair shaft, breaking down the keratin in the hair. If you decide to use a chemical depilatory, test it on a small area of ​​skin before applying elsewhere. Some creams and lotions can severely irritate the skin or even cause painful reactions.
5. Opt for semi-permanent or permanent hair removal. If you don't have hair, you can't get ingrown hairs, right? While permanent hair removal may sound ingenious, it can be incredibly expensive and can have quite a few side effects. You basically have two different options:
   • Use a cream, such as Vaniqa, for semi-permanent hair removal. These creams work by slowing hair growth, but should be used in combination with other hair removal products. Today these creams are only available by prescription.
   • Opt for laser hair removal. With laser hair removal, the hair follicles are permanently destroyed. The laser light that is aimed at the hair follicle is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. This light is then converted into heat, which causes the hair follicle to heat up and disappear. You can undergo a laser treatment at a specialist clinic, or choose products with which you can treat yourself at home.

Tips

• If you prefer shaving over the other hair removal methods, shave in the direction of hair growth (shaving your legs means downwards, not upwards).
• Exfoliate the skin well and buy a good razor!
• Multiple razors that shave hair closer to the skin are more likely to lead to ingrown hairs.
• People with naturally curly hair are more likely to experience ingrown hairs.
• Never wash your face with soap intended for your body.

Necessities

• An exfoliant with salicylic acid