The only surefire way to get rid of ingrown hairs and razor bumps is by allowing your hair to grow and stop hair removal attempts, according to MayoClinic.com. For most people, this is not an acceptable choice. You can also choose to try permanent hair removal, which is costly and sometimes painful. There are some steps you can take to allow your current razor bumps or ingrown hairs to heal, as well as techniques you can use to reduce the likelihood of razor bumps or ingrown hairs in the future.
Step 1
Visit your doctor to determine whether your razor bumps and ingrown hairs are infected. According to the National Institutes of Health's informational website, MedlinePlus, razor bump infections can be fungal or bacterial, and your doctor will be able to prescribe the proper medication if you have an infection. If your ingrown hairs and razor bumps are infected, be sure to use your medication before attempting to get rid of them.
Step 2
Make a hot compress using hot water and a washcloth and apply it to the area of your skin with razor bumps and ingrown hairs. The compress will allow any infection to drain and will soften the skin around the ingrown hairs.
Step 3
Use sterile tweezers to gently persuade hairs out from under the skin. Do not pluck out the hair or it will likely become an ingrown hair again, according to the UAB Health System.
Step 4
Take a break from hair removal for a few days to allow some of your ingrown hairs to work their way out of your skin and to reduce inflammation of razor bumps.
Step 5
Prepare to shave by taking a shower or bath. The warm water will soften hairs to prepare them for shaving.
Step 6
Apply a shaving cream or gel to the area you intend to shave. Avoid dry shaving because this can irritate your skin and cause more razor bumps.
Step 7
Shave hairs in the direction of growth using a single-blade razor. Shaving against hair growth or using a multiple-blade razor can cause hairs to be cut under the skin line, causing more ingrown hairs and razor bumps, reports MedlinePlus.
Step 8
Apply a clean washcloth soaked in cool water to the shaved area to reduce inflammation if you experience irritation after you shave, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Tips and Warnings
- Electric razors don't shave as closely as manual razors and may be a good choice if you experience chronic ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
- Don't pull skin taut when shaving since this can lead to ingrown hairs.
Things You'll Need
- Sterile tweezers
- Washcloth
- Water
- Single-blade razor
- Shaving cream or gel
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