Chances are that if you shave you have experienced an ingrown hair. Men and women alike suffer from them and we all know they are not fun, not to mention unsightly AND painful. I’ve seen men in my chair who are afraid to shave for fear of the ingrowns! Today that worrying STOPS… Because I’ve got the ultimate guide to ingrown hairs for you: what are ingrown hairs, why we get them and most importantly, how to treat and prevent them from coming back.
Ingrown hairs are the result of the hair growing back into the skin. Why do so many men (and women) suffer with this?
Let me help shed some light on this. But first, I need to establish that knowing the correct way to shave (See: Quick & Classic Shaving & Video: How to Shave) is the #1 step to reducing ingrown hairs.
So let’s begin.
Two things you MUST stop doing!
- Shaving against the grain
- Following the trend of multiple blade razors (all have lift-cut engineering)
Why? Because both practices promote a smoother shave by cutting the hair “below“ the skin line. However, the main objective in reducing ingrown hairs is to control the hair. And, the only way to control the hair is for you to see it.
Most men that suffer with ingrown hairs have curly or wavy beards. These beards grow at an angle out of the skin anywhere from 0 – 40 degrees (very low to the surface). So your best bet is to shave in a way that will keep the hair “above” the skin line.
I recommend…
- Shaving with the grain
- Less is more…blades that is.
- Try single or double blades – more control in customizing the length of the beard.
- Consider razor blades with guards that prevent the hair from getting cut too close (ex. Bump Fighter razor blade w/ Bump Guard)
- Replace often – use same razor no more than 3 times
Or…
Try electric shaving
- Electric shavers that do no have “lift-cut engineering” (for ex. Philips Norelco CareTouch)
- Trimmers (ex. T-Outliner by Andis or Taler Trimmers by Oster)
There are quite a few post shave products on the market that are designed to assist in remedying this issue as well (i.e. 3-in-1 Post Shave, The Cool Fix & Bump Patrol). However, as I stated earlier, knowing the correct way to shave is the first step.
**And, here’s an added bonus! – There’s a right way and a wrong way to remove an ingrown hair in order for it to never return and to prevent scarring. See it here in my Tips Store!
What if a gentlemann is using and electric razor? I’m sure same rules apply but anything else that gent should know.
Thanks Michael!
The same rules definitely apply along with the focus of making sure that the hair being cut stays “above” the skin-line (https://themensroom.com/shaving/2010/keep-it-above-the-skinline/).
Best of luck!
Craig,
Thanks so much for mentioning Bump Patrol. We agree wholeheartedly that shaving against the grain goes against a man’s goal for long-term smoothness. Shaving incorrectly causes irritation, then inflammation, which can cause hair to get trapped under the skin. Keep up the good work of educating your following! — Lisa (Shavin’ Maven for Bump Patrol)
So lisa against the grain is wrong is that what youre saying? What about across the grain? Sideways? Is that just as bad? Thanks in advance.
Yes, Martin. You don’t want to tug the hair or irritate the skin. A bit self-serving here, but allow me to share Bump Patrol’s how-to video: http://www.mmproducts.com/bumppatrol/ We agree with Craig — it’s WITH the grain to avoid the pain.
Hi Craig!!
Thanks for the extremely good tips! I personally like to use pre-shave oils and finish my shave with cold water as I am finding less bumps using this method of shaving. What are you views on oils vs soaps Craig? Thanks!
Hi Dee,
Thanks for the comment! I’m all for using pre-shave oils. Even when used independently of soaps and shave creams. If it works, stick with it. Just remember to always follow with an aftershave balm.
Will do thanks Craig, thanks for the followup!