Ingrown hairs on the face are caused by the hair curving around and entering the skin after shaving. Ingrown hair causes pain, itching and red bumps that may contain pus in the area around the ingrown hair. According to the Mayo Clinic, the face is one of the most common spots for men to get ingrown hair and black men ages 14 to 25 comprise the group that is most likely to suffer from ingrown hairs. It is possible, however, to minimize the risk of developing ingrown facial hairs.
Step 1
Apply a hot, wet compress to your face for 5 to 10 minutes prior to shaving to soften the facial hair. African American hair is coarse and curly, which contributes to ingrown hair. Softening the hair helps to combat those factors. Simply place a towel that is soaked in the hottest water you can stand onto your face.
Step 2
Use shaving gel to shave instead of shaving cream. Shaving gel usually provides a smoother shave than shaving cream and minimizes irritation that may lead to ingrown hairs.
Step 3
Shave with a single-blade razor. Ideally, you should use a new razor each time you shave your face. Use only a single stroke that goes with the grain of the hair on each section of your face. Using multiple strokes on each section increases the likelihood of developing ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Resist the urge to pull your skin while shaving. This pushes the hair shaft up a little further than normal out of the skin. When you shave it, the hair is going to retract back into the skin, which increases the chance it will become ingrown.
Step 5
Apply a cold compress to your face after shaving. Place a towel in cold water and apply it to your face for three to five minutes.
Step 6
Exfoliate your skin using a small brush or towel after shaving, states Epigee. You can also do this daily. When you exfoliate, dead skin cells are removed and hairs are teased away from the skin, which will keep them from becoming ingrown.
Tips and Warnings
- Using an electric razor or clippers to remove facial hair is another option. If you opt to do this, don't use the setting closest to your skin. You can also use a chemical hair remover; however, these may cause pronounced skin irritation. If you have ingrown facial hair, allow the hairs to fully heal before you try to remove them. This may take three to four weeks, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Shaving gel
- Razor
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