Shaving, tweezing, waxing and even electrolysis can all easily cause ingrown hairs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Slicing off tiny hairs leaves them sharp and pointed so that it's easy for them to burrow back into your skin, causing painful bumps and inflammation. Whether they're on your face, your bikini line or your legs, ingrown hairs can be hard to get rid of for some people.
Exfoliator
Using an exfoliator before you shave helps rub away dead skin cells that could trap hair and cause it to grow inward, explains Real Beauty magazine. Use a gentle scrub such as a sugar scrub or a chemical exfoliator with glycolic acid, recommends Paula Begoun, author of the book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," on the Paula's Choice website. Even a plain loofah will do in a pinch, says Rene Andersen, owner of Lulur Day Spa in Los Angeles, in Cosmopolitan magazine.
Shaving Gel
Using a moisturizing shaving gel reduces your risk for getting ingrown hairs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Begoun says to opt for a shaving gel that contains emollients and no added fragrance or alcohol--when in doubt, opt for one that says it's for "sensitive skin" or "dry skin" on the label. Lather up to shave after you've soaked your skin in warm water for 10 minutes or so, long enough for your pores to open up and your hairs to soften.
Hair Inhibitor
Hair inhibitors can reduce how thick, long and dense your hair growth is--and therefore how likely you are to get ingrown hairs. Real Beauty magazine recommends looking for a hair inhibitors that contains the ingredient capislow and applying them right after you shave for best results. Though hair inhibitors won't make hair go away completely, they can make troublesome hairs easier to deal with.
Moisturizer
Soothe and hydrate your skin post-shaving to reduce risk of ingrown hairs, recommends Begoun. Gently rub alcohol-free moisturizer onto your freshly shaved skin. If you're shaving in the morning, opt for a moisturizer that contains sunscreen to protect your skin, which will be more sensitive after shaving. If you know you're prone to ingrown hairs, look for a moisturizer that contains salicylic acid, an ingredient that cleans out pores and fights infection, recommends Andersen.
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