Ingrown hairs are an inevitable part of shaving. They are the inflamed and unsightly small or large red bumps that occur when hair curls back into your skin. Not to be mistaken for razor burn, but both are a sign that it’s time to switch up your shaving routine. You may experience more ingrown hairs when you are just learning to shave but as you master your technique you should experience fewer ingrown hairs.
Let It Grow
If you have an ingrown hair, skip shaving until it works itself out. If a cyst forms avoid the temptation to pop it as it will increase your risk of infection and scarring. If you have curly hair you are more prone to ingrown hairs and may suffer from a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae, so sporting a beard may be the easiest way to avoid the pain and discomfort of ingrown hairs. If you have straighter beard hair the tips below are for you.
Wash And Exfoliate
Don’t skip washing your face in the shower as the oil, dirt, and grime left behind aren’t hygienic. Bar soap will dry out the more sensitive skin on your face which can also increase your risk for ingrown hairs. At Uncle Jimmy’s we make things easy with our all-in-one Hair, Beard, & Body Wash. It cleanses and conditions your hair and skin. On days you shave, add one more quick step of gentle exfoliation to remove the dead skin on your face that increases the risk of both razor bumps and ingrown hair.
Heat Up Your Face
If you have ever had a professional shave at a barbershop, they always place a warm towel around your face before shaving, and it’s not just because it feels good. The heat opens your pores allowing you to shave close and shave with less likelihood of ingrown hairs. Just run a clean hand towel under hot water, ring out and place on the area you will be shaving for at least 30 seconds.
Rethink Your Razor
Handheld razors give a closer shave, meaning you are more likely to get ingrown hairs. Electronic razors don’t shave as close so if you are prone to ingrown hair it might be worth switching. Whether handheld or electric ensure your razor is clean and the blade or razor head is sharp.
Shave With The Grain
You may have been taught otherwise but shaving with the grain gives a cleaner and closer shave. It also reduces your risk for ingrown hairs. We know, this can be a bit tricky because the hair on your face grows in different directions, and it’s trickier to determine the grain if you have curly hair. Finally, use as few strokes to shave as possible to minimize irritation.
Finish Up With A Beard Oil
You must moisturize your skin and facial hair immediately after shaving. Use a Beard Oil for a close shave, scruff, goatee, or short beard. Use Beard Balm for longer beards, but if you are prone to ingrown hair use oil after cleaning up the close shave areas of your neck and face that keep your longer beard shaped to perfection.
Don’t Go It Alone
If you are prone to ingrown hairs or have a super infected ingrown hair, it’s time to see a professional. A dermatologist can help with pseudofolliculitis barbae, chronic ingrown hairs, or an ingrown hair that won’t heal. If you are transitioning from a medium or long beard to a close shave, head to the barber for at least the first shave.
We hope these tips help you achieve a comfortable and bump-free shave!
WRITE FOR US
Think you've got a fresh perspective that will challenge our readers to engage and educate themselves on how to attain a healthier self, beard, hair, and skin included? We're always looking for authors who can deliver quality articles and blog posts. Thousands of men and women will read your work, and you will level up in the process.
