Ingrown hairs, sometimes called razor rash or razor bumps, are an annoying consequence of removing hair. An ingrown hair is one that does not grow out and away from your skin, but instead curls down to grow into the skin. If your hair is curly or coarse, you have a higher risk for having ingrown hairs. Although ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and unattractive, they are usually not cause for medical concern unless they become infected.
Step 1
Stop shaving. If you get ingrown hairs or razor rash as a result of shaving, not shaving the affected area will help prevent the problem; temporarily discontinuing shaving can give your skin time to heal. Consider allowing your hair to grow naturally or clipping or trimming it close rather than shaving.
Step 2
Soak your skin before shaving. Apply warm water to the area to be shaved using a wash cloth. When possible, shave after a shower.
Step 3
Use shaving cream or gel designed for sensitive skin; this will allow your razor to glide more easily across the surface of your skin, cutting hairs rather than pulling them. The University of Wisconsin recommends Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel.
Step 4
Use a sharp, single-edged blade when you shave. Avoid multiple blades, which are more likely to cut hair below the skin surface.
Step 5
Shave in the direction of hair growth and make one single pass.
Step 6
Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser to help prevent a buildup of dead skin cells, which can increase your chances of ingrown hairs.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider using a razor designed to prevent ingrown hairs. Some people have fewer ingrown hairs if they use an electric razor, while some have more; experiment to see what works best for you. See your doctor if you experience a lot of ingrown hairs; what you think are ingrown hairs could be another condition that would improve with medical treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Shaving cream or gel for sensitive skin
- Single-edge razor
- Gentle exfoliating cleanser
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