I get asked this question a lot, and for good reason! Men of color are always in search of finding a solution to the ever growing problem of ingrown hairs and darkened complexions from shaving. So the question is definitely warranted!
Is there a perfect product that will make these woes disappear? Unfortunately, no.
But the answer isn’t in the product, it’s in the education. Of course no one wants to hear that because we’re all looking for the “quick fix”, but it’s true. You can use the best unscented shaving cream, razor and non-alcoholic after shave balm, and still find yourself suffering with ingrown hairs.
Most men with darker skin complexions typically have curlier hair than their lighter skinned counterparts. The curlier the beard, the more issues one will have with how the hair reacts to it being cut short (i.e. curling into or under the skin). So shaving with a razor without truly knowing the growth pattern, or even using a multiple blade razor are two quick examples of things that can easily be the source of the problem. The same applies with using alcohol heavy aftershaves and ingrown hair treatment products; these items can oftentimes aid in darkening the shaved area.
Here are a few articles I’ve written that can help you to better understand your beard…
- Know your beard!
- Ingrown hairs? Here’s why.
- Keep it “above” the skinline.
- Is shaving making the skin on your face darker?
Very wise advice Craig!
It really ALWAYS comes down to correct shaving technique – although quality products will always help!
Craig,
I get asked these questions daily as i own an online shaving store. I think I will need to add a link to these articles. Thanks for shedding some light on the matter. The more information we have the better it is for all the new shavers just getting into Wet Shaving.
Phil
The Classic Edge Shaving Store.
My pleasure Phil, thanks for reading!
These are questions I ask myself daily. Should I keep using an electric trimmers or blade razor. I glad you shared some light on this Craig. I really needed the education.
Great advice, as Master Barber and shave specialist, I’ve spent the last 5 years focusing on the complexities of African American and/or people of African descent’s skin and the problems many of us face when it comes to shaving. After being told by an elder 90+ year old gentleman that he has been wet shaving since he was a young man and that was the only way shaves were done back then. Then going further to say that they were taught by their fathers how to properly shave with the “safety razor” but often treated with a straight razor shave from the community barber. During my stint with a well-known national shaving store/barber spa, I was able to not only see the truth in what mentioned about proper shaving, but I was able to educate & translate this to the many clients. And this is the REAL reason of why it is often said that “shaving is one the lost arts”, but I’m here to all that follow this blog, it is not lost at all, just overlooked for past 30 years or so due to what Craig referred to as those looking for “quick fix” and commercialization, so it will take some time to get the next generation of barbers properly educated and trained on how to properly shave & groom the new modern man!
I wish there were some magic product that would fix this issue but as you mentioned above I do not believe that to be the solution. Although I am not saying that products do not matter like most things in life that require skill it comes down to technique.
I also think using a badger brush to apply the cream is very important. It help left the hairs and remove dead skin,also before applying aftershave a really cold rinse closes the pore and keeps hairs from turning back into skin