Both the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology characterize ingrown hairs as those hairs that curl back and grow into the skin. Also referred to as razor bumps, they are most commonly a result of shaving, but you may also experience this problem due to waxing, plucking and even constant friction to the skin. People with curlier hair are much more likely to suffer from ingrown hairs than others. But just because you are prone to ingrown hairs, it doesn't mean there aren't things you can do to prevent them from developing on the face.
Step 1
Grow a beard. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, letting facial hair grow is the most effective method of preventing ingrown hairs. Even after they develop, you can see an improvement in your condition by not shaving.
Step 2
Prepare your beard for shaving. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you properly prepare your beard before you shave. Moisten the skin with warm to hot water and apply a shaving gel that lubricates both the skin and the facial hair. Not only does this make the hair more pliable for shaving, but it can lift the hair away from the skin.
Step 3
Limit razor strokes. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology advises a single stroke over each area of the skin. Every time you pass a blade across your skin, you are increasing the chances of follicular irritation as well as tightening the shave. Both factors can lead to razor bumps.
Step 4
Shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving with the grain of your beard lessens the chances of ingrown hairs, asserts the American Academy of Dermatology. When you pass the blade against your stubble, you are causing a closer shave and sharpening the tip of the shaft, which can lead to ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Switch to a single blade razor. According to the Mayo Clinic, single blade razors are less likely to cause ingrown hairs than double or triple blade razors. The more blades on a razor, the tighter the shave, which can often lead to razor bumps.
Step 6
Avoid shaving each day. Much like repeated razor strokes, daily shaving can irritate the follicles and provide a closer shave, increasing the potential for ingrown hairs.
Step 7
Change the method of hair removal. Both the Mayo Clinic and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommend exchanging a bladed razor for an electric razor or a depilatory. Both methods of hair removal can lessen the chances of ingrown hairs on the face.
Step 8
Consider hair removal. When ingrown hairs become a chronic problem, laser hair removal and electrolysis can provide permanent hair removal, which stops the formation of ingrown hairs.
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