Ingrown hairs from shaving are caused by the hair growing out of the hair follicle then curving back around and growing back into the skin. Once this occurs, your body begins to treat the hair as a foreign body, and attacks it, according to SkinSight. This causes the area to become red and swollen. There may be pus around the ingrown hair as the body tries to force the hair out. You may also notice that the area is painful and itchy. It is possible to minimize your risk of getting these ingrown hairs by following a few guidelines when you shave.
Step 1
Soak the area you are going to shave in warm water for five to 10 minutes before you shave. This softens hair, which makes it less likely that you will have ingrown hairs. If you are shaving your face, head or another area where soaking isn't possible, apply a hot compress to the area.
Step 2
Put lubricating shave gel on the area you are going to shave, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Cover the entire area. This provides lubrication so the razor can glide across the area smoothly.
Step 3
Wet a single-bladed razor in warm water. Multiblade razors increase your risk of ingrown hairs because each blade pulls the hair gently for the following blade to cut, which increases the risk of ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Shave the area you put the shaving gel on. Rinse the razor after each stroke. Only use a single stroke on each strip of hair. Multiple strokes increase the risk of razor burn, as well as ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Cool the area after you shave by applying cool compresses or soaking it in cool water for three to five minutes.
Step 6
Exfoliate the areas you shaved using a towel or soft toothbrush after you shave, as well as once per day after you shave. Use circular motions. Exfoliating the area will keep dead skin from encouraging hair to curve under the skin. It will also help to keep hair from growing back into the skin. If you end up with an ingrown hair, don't exfoliate near the area, as this will irritate the area.
Tips and Warnings
- If you still get ingrown hairs despite taking these measures, try shaving with an electric shaver or using a chemical hair remover. If you get ingrown after using those methods, consult your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Warm compress
- Shave gel
- Razor
- Cool compress
- Towel
- Toothbrush
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