Daily shaving for men became popular during the Roman Empire when Julius Caesar's soldiers embraced the clean-faced look. Though a clean face is no longer considered a sign of social standing, many men still opt for beardless faces. Though regular shaving can simplify some parts of your daily hygiene routine, it may also increase your risk for ingrown hairs.
Identification
Ingrown hairs--officially known as pseudofolliculitis barbae--are a common problem for people who shave regularly. They occur when the sharpened ends of a shaved hair curl back into the skin, creating inflamed red bumps sometimes called razor bumps or razor burn, explains Dr. Mathew Avram, dermatologist with Massachusetts General Hospital. Men with African American, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern heritage are more likely to get ingrown hairs from shaving than others.
Causes
Ingrown hairs are more likely to occur in people who have curly hair, since their hair is more likely to twist back into the skin. Overshaving also contributes to the problem because it can result in a too-close shave--the closer your shave, the more likely you are to develop ingrown hairs. Pulling or stretching your skin when you shave also increases the risk that you'll shave too tightly and end up with ingrown hairs.
Expert Insight
If you're prone to ingrown hairs, the UAB Health System recommends using an aftershave that is specifically designed for men like you. Look for one that contains moisturizers and soothing ingredients, like propylene glycol or menthol, and no alcohol so that your face stays hydrated, reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
Prevention/Solution
To avoid ingrown hairs when you shave, Avram says you should thoroughly wet your face before you shave. Consider shaving in a warm shower. Be sure to always shave in the direction your hair grows naturally instead of against it. The UAB Health Center also recommends a single-blade rather than a multi-blade razor, since the super close shave of multi-blade razors can increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
Considerations
If ingrown hairs are a persistent problem, laser hair removal can offer long-lasting results. According to the UAB Medical Center, laser treatments can remove up to 80 percent of unwanted hair by destroying the hair bulb, but because hair grows in cycles, it make take several treatments to improve ingrown hairs.
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