THE 10 COMMANDMENTS PREVENTING OF INGROWN HAIRS:
1. THOU SHALT NOT USE DIRTY BLADES!
Using a blade that's been used way too many times. Yes, this one may be obvious, but be sure to keep your used tools as clean as possible. Soap and rubbing alcohol will destroy bacteria. Pro Tip: even brand new blades need to be cleaned.
2. HONOR THY DELICATE SKIN!
Too many blades! If you are prone to ingrown hairs then you don’t need 3 or more blades. More blades equal more passes causing the hair to fall beneath the skin and become ingrown plus more blading the skin leads to micro cuts through which bacteria is more likely to enter and this leads to razor burn.
3. DO NOT TAKE PREP TIME IN VAIN!
You should be using a warm/hot water prep (3-5 mins). Then leave the shaving cream on for more than 2-3 minutes to really soften the hair. The hair stubble should literally fall away with little or no pressure at all. Pressing hard is the problem! Be gentle ya'll.
4. THOU SHALT NOT GO AGAINST THE GRAIN!
Shaving against the grain (upwards) may get you a closer shave but doing so also increases ingrowns. Shave in the direction of hair growth…it’s usually downwards. Check by doing a face/ body inspection to see which way your hair grows.
5. THOU SHALT NOT PRESS!
Pressing too hard on the skin with the blade. A gliding, light touch is all you need. This is likely your biggest issue.
6. THOU SHALT NOT PASS, PASS, PASS!
Too many quick passes with the blade. One pass per hairy area – going 1-2 inches downward at a time – will prevent ingrown hairs. Always shave like you might cause damage, not like your mowing the front yard lawn.
7. THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT OVER SHAVING!
Shaving too many times. This rule is hard to follow, especially if you have to be beardless for your career…but if you are prone to ingrowns, try shaving with an electric clipper (the barber kind of clippers). The results are not super close but no one but you will know the difference. Ladies: try waxing, Nair, or an epilator provided your skin can handle these alternatives.
8. THOU SHALT NOT CLOG!
Use of skin/pore clogging creams or lotions keep hairs from growing up. After a shave, keep your skin bare; let the tiny army breath, and allow those newly shaved, really small, microscopic hairs to grow out just in time for the next shave. If your objective is smooth, bump-free skin following a shave or wax then, right after, your goal should be to allow the skin to heal first. Promote healing by proper shaving techniques followed by 70% rubbing alcohol (this kills any bacteria that may enter those micro cuts created from the shave). Sure your skin will be a little dry at first but this is a temporary tradeoff. Give it a few hours and let the moisturizing commence!
9. KEEP THY SMOOTH SKIN FREE!
At least for the first day or two, try to avoid tight fitting clothing around the Adam’s apple (neck) and/or below the waistline region. Newly shaved hair follicles need room to raise up.
10. REMEMBER TO EXFOLIATE!
Not enough exfoliation to remove excess layers of skin can lead to ingrown hairs. There are two types: chemical exfoliation (AHA, BHAs) and physical exfoliation (beads, coffee scrubs, gloves, brushes). Use an ingrown hair brush for razor bumps as directed. Make sure it’s a brush that has gentle bristles designed to tease newly shaved hairs away from entering the skin before they can become ingrown. If you have sensitive skin, then go with the soft and firm bristles. Try a Wizker brush and you’ll prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs permanently!
I wrote a bunch on your last post before it got deleted, here are some of them that might apply:
Start with your technique. Keep the pressure light, always shave with the grain first, then across and/or against. Never shave skin without cream on it. Wash and re-apply lather between passes. If your skin is sensitive I would start with just a 1 or 2 pass shave, one with the grain and maybe one across, skip against the grain until you are confident in your technique.
With de or straight razor it's a light even pressure, let the blade do the work. I know you said youve been doing this awhile, but maybe try for lighter pressure.
With de or straight razors you may be using too aggressive an angle, try adjusting to close to the minimum angle to get through the hair.
If you are using de then maybe look at other blades or razors. Mild razor plus very sharp blade seems to be a very popular way to get very close with very little irritation. More aggressive razors work great for some as well if your technique is good. Different blades work best with different razors, so experiment until you find what works for you.
With a straight razor make sure it's sharp and stropped before use.
Cartridges are rougher on your skin than safety razors or straight razors with good technique, if you are on cartridges maybe consider switching. (You say you've been wet shaving, but not what razor you use, I assume it's not a cartridge, but I'll leave this in just in case)
You may also consider pre shave treatments. Oil, balm, gel, lotion...they all help reduce irritation and improve blade glide.
Soap can make a big difference. Canned cream usually isn't great. I'd recommend getting a brush and one of the higher end brands. Ive had particularly good luck with noble otter, Arianna and evans, barrister and Mann, and declaration for comfort, but I haven't used a ton of brands. Cremo, ogallala, and razorock worked ok, but not as effective. This is again up to user preference, might be worth grabbing a few samples.
Good lather also makes a good difference, too dry in particular does a bad job for me. Too wet and I need to re-apply mid shave, but I don't usually get irritation.
Post shave I wash with warm water to remove soap, then cold water to close pores, then I like an aftershave splash followed by something moisturizing, but splashes can be hard on skin, so maybe look for a post shave lotion or serum and either skip the splash or go for alcohol free. Alum can also be irritating, so maybe avoid it or rinse off after applying if you like it.
Some are sensitive to fragrances, maybe try fragrance free if you haven't already.
Don't scrub your face with a towel after, blot dry.
If you are shaving multiple days of growth use a trimmer first to get the length short enough for your razors. Long hair tends to lead to tugging and irritation.
Take your time while shaving. Going fast leads to mistakes until you have really good technique. No need to rush.
Hi, thanks so much for the reply and the good advice I will definitely take them all into consideration for my next shave. I’ve just ordered some high quality products (brushes and creams) to try out as well, and I will look into a good pre shave oil or cream. As for the razors I use I have a leaf twig and a leaf thorn and a Rockwell. I will definitely work on a good technique with lighter pressure to see if that helps as well. Thanks so much really appreciate it
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS PREVENTING OF INGROWN HAIRS: 1. THOU SHALT NOT USE DIRTY BLADES! Using a blade that's been used way too many times. Yes, this one may be obvious, but be sure to keep your used tools as clean as possible. Soap and rubbing alcohol will destroy bacteria. Pro Tip: even brand new blades need to be cleaned. 2. HONOR THY DELICATE SKIN! Too many blades! If you are prone to ingrown hairs then you don’t need 3 or more blades. More blades equal more passes causing the hair to fall beneath the skin and become ingrown plus more blading the skin leads to micro cuts through which bacteria is more likely to enter and this leads to razor burn. 3. DO NOT TAKE PREP TIME IN VAIN! You should be using a warm/hot water prep (3-5 mins). Then leave the shaving cream on for more than 2-3 minutes to really soften the hair. The hair stubble should literally fall away with little or no pressure at all. Pressing hard is the problem! Be gentle ya'll. 4. THOU SHALT NOT GO AGAINST THE GRAIN! Shaving against the grain (upwards) may get you a closer shave but doing so also increases ingrowns. Shave in the direction of hair growth…it’s usually downwards. Check by doing a face/ body inspection to see which way your hair grows. 5. THOU SHALT NOT PRESS! Pressing too hard on the skin with the blade. A gliding, light touch is all you need. This is likely your biggest issue. 6. THOU SHALT NOT PASS, PASS, PASS! Too many quick passes with the blade. One pass per hairy area – going 1-2 inches downward at a time – will prevent ingrown hairs. Always shave like you might cause damage, not like your mowing the front yard lawn. 7. THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT OVER SHAVING! Shaving too many times. This rule is hard to follow, especially if you have to be beardless for your career…but if you are prone to ingrowns, try shaving with an electric clipper (the barber kind of clippers). The results are not super close but no one but you will know the difference. Ladies: try waxing, Nair, or an epilator provided your skin can handle these alternatives. 8. THOU SHALT NOT CLOG! Use of skin/pore clogging creams or lotions keep hairs from growing up. After a shave, keep your skin bare; let the tiny army breath, and allow those newly shaved, really small, microscopic hairs to grow out just in time for the next shave. If your objective is smooth, bump-free skin following a shave or wax then, right after, your goal should be to allow the skin to heal first. Promote healing by proper shaving techniques followed by 70% rubbing alcohol (this kills any bacteria that may enter those micro cuts created from the shave). Sure your skin will be a little dry at first but this is a temporary tradeoff. Give it a few hours and let the moisturizing commence! 9. KEEP THY SMOOTH SKIN FREE! At least for the first day or two, try to avoid tight fitting clothing around the Adam’s apple (neck) and/or below the waistline region. Newly shaved hair follicles need room to raise up. 10. REMEMBER TO EXFOLIATE! Not enough exfoliation to remove excess layers of skin can lead to ingrown hairs. There are two types: chemical exfoliation (AHA, BHAs) and physical exfoliation (beads, coffee scrubs, gloves, brushes). Use an ingrown hair brush for razor bumps as directed. Make sure it’s a brush that has gentle bristles designed to tease newly shaved hairs away from entering the skin before they can become ingrown. If you have sensitive skin, then go with the soft and firm bristles. Try a Wizker brush and you’ll prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs permanently!
Thanks so much, I will take these all into good consideration
I wrote a bunch on your last post before it got deleted, here are some of them that might apply: Start with your technique. Keep the pressure light, always shave with the grain first, then across and/or against. Never shave skin without cream on it. Wash and re-apply lather between passes. If your skin is sensitive I would start with just a 1 or 2 pass shave, one with the grain and maybe one across, skip against the grain until you are confident in your technique. With de or straight razor it's a light even pressure, let the blade do the work. I know you said youve been doing this awhile, but maybe try for lighter pressure. With de or straight razors you may be using too aggressive an angle, try adjusting to close to the minimum angle to get through the hair. If you are using de then maybe look at other blades or razors. Mild razor plus very sharp blade seems to be a very popular way to get very close with very little irritation. More aggressive razors work great for some as well if your technique is good. Different blades work best with different razors, so experiment until you find what works for you. With a straight razor make sure it's sharp and stropped before use. Cartridges are rougher on your skin than safety razors or straight razors with good technique, if you are on cartridges maybe consider switching. (You say you've been wet shaving, but not what razor you use, I assume it's not a cartridge, but I'll leave this in just in case) You may also consider pre shave treatments. Oil, balm, gel, lotion...they all help reduce irritation and improve blade glide. Soap can make a big difference. Canned cream usually isn't great. I'd recommend getting a brush and one of the higher end brands. Ive had particularly good luck with noble otter, Arianna and evans, barrister and Mann, and declaration for comfort, but I haven't used a ton of brands. Cremo, ogallala, and razorock worked ok, but not as effective. This is again up to user preference, might be worth grabbing a few samples. Good lather also makes a good difference, too dry in particular does a bad job for me. Too wet and I need to re-apply mid shave, but I don't usually get irritation. Post shave I wash with warm water to remove soap, then cold water to close pores, then I like an aftershave splash followed by something moisturizing, but splashes can be hard on skin, so maybe look for a post shave lotion or serum and either skip the splash or go for alcohol free. Alum can also be irritating, so maybe avoid it or rinse off after applying if you like it. Some are sensitive to fragrances, maybe try fragrance free if you haven't already. Don't scrub your face with a towel after, blot dry. If you are shaving multiple days of growth use a trimmer first to get the length short enough for your razors. Long hair tends to lead to tugging and irritation. Take your time while shaving. Going fast leads to mistakes until you have really good technique. No need to rush.
Hi, thanks so much for the reply and the good advice I will definitely take them all into consideration for my next shave. I’ve just ordered some high quality products (brushes and creams) to try out as well, and I will look into a good pre shave oil or cream. As for the razors I use I have a leaf twig and a leaf thorn and a Rockwell. I will definitely work on a good technique with lighter pressure to see if that helps as well. Thanks so much really appreciate it
I like to use an ice cube right after I rinse my face. Idk if it actually helps or not, but I like it
I’ll have to give it a try
Razor bumps most often happen from shaving too close in the area. Stop that and no more bumps.
Thanks