Ingrown hairs are a form of folliculitis known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps. They can form on the face after waxing, shaving or tweezing hair. Each of these methods of hair removal can leave the hair short, allowing the shaft to bend back and penetrate the skin. Though they're most commonly seen in African Americans and other individuals with curly facial hair, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, anyone can suffer from their formation. If you're prone to developing ingrown hairs on the face, you often see an improvement in your condition by modifying your method of hair removal.
Step 1
Allow the growth of your beard. This is the most effective way in which you can stop ingrown hairs on the face, maintains the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Even hairs that are currently ingrown see an improvement when allowing facial hair to grow. As the hairs grow, the ingrown tip withdraws itself from the skin. Allow three to four weeks for best results.
Step 2
Apply a pre-shave gel to the face. Gels lubricate the hair, making them more easily shorn, advises the Mayo Clinic, which lessens the chances of ingrown hairs. Massage the gel into the skin with warm water before shaving. The American Academy of Dermatology advises that you should let the gel sit for a few minutes so it can soften the hair.
Step 3
Minimize razor strokes. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends a single pass of the razor to remove hair from an area of skin. This keeps facial hair slightly longer than repeated repetitions, reducing the potential for curl-back.
Step 4
Use a single-bladed razor, urges the Mayo Clinic. Multi-blade razors cut the hairs close to the skin, encouraging curl-back and the development of razor bumps.
Step 5
Replace dull blades. Duller blades can leave the tips of the shaved hairs jagged and sharp, making it easier for them to breach the surface of the skin. Most blades have a strip that changes color to indicate when it's time to replace the blade.
Step 6
Shave in the direction of hair growth. Most hairs on the face grow in a downward direction, meaning you should guide the blade from the cheek down to the jaw line. Hairs on the neck are usually a different story. Pay attention to the direction of hair growth before shaving.
Step 7
Keep skin slack as you shave. Do not to pull or tighten the skin as you pass the blade over the skin, advises the Mayo Clinic. Tightening the skin exposes more of the hair shaft. While this may provide a closer shave, it can also encourage ingrown hairs.
Step 8
Swap out a razor blade for an electric razor. Electric razors don't shear the hairs as close to the skin as razor blades, reducing the chances of pseudofolliculitis barbae, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. If this fails to provide results, try a depilatory.
Tips and Warnings
- In chronic or severe cases of razor bumps, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends laser hair removal or electrolysis.
- According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, depilatories can irritate the skin, so test a small area of the skin before applying it to the beard.
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