The Mayo Clinic states that ingrown hairs are most common in black males between the ages of 14 to 25, but anyone--of any race or any gender--with tightly coiled hair can get them. The first and most crucial step toward preventing ingrown hairs and the pimples and razor bumps than can result is shaving properly and with the correct equipment. This decreases the odds that a hair will be cut in such a way that it develops sharp edges or is allowed to retract below the surface of the skin after cutting.
Step 1
Use a sharp, clean, single-blade razor.
Step 2
Wet the skin to be shaved down with warm water just before shaving. Have a good look in the mirror, taking note of which way the hair grows.
Step 3
Lather a thick, lubricating shaving gel into the hair to be shaved.
Step 4
Shave in the same direction the hair grows, rinsing the blade of your razor after every stroke. Don't pull on your skin to tighten it, and if you feel any pulling or tugging as you shave, discard the current razor in favor of a new, sharp one (if it's a disposable) or sharpen the blade on your razor.
Step 5
Apply a moisturizing lotion to the just-shaved area. You can also apply cool compresses--a cool, moist cloth--to help prevent any swelling or inflammation.
Tips and Warnings
- If using an electric razor, avoid the closest shave setting--it's more likely to cause ingrown hairs.
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