Also known as razor bumps, ingrown hairs are basically hairs that grow into the skin rather than out of it. It isn't uncommon for men to experience this condition along the face as a result of shaving. However, you may also develop an ingrown hair from other forms of hair removal, such as plucking or waxing. Curlier hair tends to cause this condition, so it's frequently seen in African American men, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Regardless of how or why razor bumps form, you can prevent ingrown hairs with simple self-care measures.
Step 1
Avoid shaving. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology claims that the most effectual method of treating ingrown hairs is to let facial hair grow. This can both prevent and improve ingrown hairs.
Step 2
Moisten facial hair prior to shaving. A warm, wet washcloth or a shower can moisten the beard, making the hair supple and thereby reducing the sharpness of the tip after shaving. This can minimize irritation, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs.
Step 3
Apply a shaving gel. Shaving gels can lubricate and soften the hairs on your face, as well as lift the shafts away from your skin, which makes it much easier to shave and reduces the chances of razor bumps, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Reduce repetitive shave strokes. One stroke of the razor over each section of the skin is all you should use to shave the hair on your face, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Repeated strokes afford a closer shave and can irritate the follicles, leading to ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Shave "with the grain" of your beard. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic both recommend shaving in the direction of facial hair growth. This leaves the hair a bit longer and the tip of the shaft less sharp, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs.
Step 6
Shave less often than before. Shaving each day keeps facial hair tight to the skin and may cause additional irritation, which increases the chances of curl-back, causing ingrown hairs.
Step 7
Change the type of blade you use to shave. Razors with single blades don't provide as close a shave as multibladed razors, asserts the Mayo Clinic. This reduces the likelihood of curl-back, thereby helping to prevent ingrown hairs.
Step 8
Switch to an electric razor. Much like single-bladed razors, electric razors don't provide as close a shave. When the hairs are left a bit longer, they're less likely to curl back into the skin and cause razor bumps, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic.
Step 9
Consider using a depilatory. Depilatories are simply creams that chemically remove the hair. Since the tip isn't sharpened as a result of shaving, it can't penetrate the skin as easily. However, these products can lead to burning or irritation of the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- The American Academy of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic all recommend laser hair removal for more chronic cases of ingrown hairs, which is often referred to as pseudofolliculitis barbae. Consider talking to your dermatologist about a prescription shaving cream. Prescription shaving creams are formulated to fight against razor bumps.
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