How to Avoid Ingrown Hairs & Razor Rash
Ingrown hairs and razor rash are common side effects of shaving. Razors cut the hair bluntly, leaving a sharp edge. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair doesn't grow out but curls and grows back into the same follicle. The follicle will then become inflamed, causing red, itchy, bumps on the skin. A patch of these bumps are commonly know as razor rash. You need to avoid ingrown hairs as much as possible as these bumps can be infected with bacteria, yeast or fungi, exacerbating the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Salicylic acid-infused soap or shampoo
- Razor
- Washcloth
- Shaving cream, gel or foam
- Baby oil or aloe vera
Instructions
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Wash the area you are about to shave with salicylic acid-infused soap or shampoo and warm water to clean and exfoliate the skin. This also helps soften the hair. If you are shaving your face, place a warm, wet washcloth on your face after thoroughly cleaning the skin.
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Dry the area to be shaved well.
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Apply a liberal amount of shaving cream, gel or foam to the area to be shaved. Using shaving cream, gel or foam further softens the hair and makes it easier to shave.
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Lather up the shaved area after shaving with more soap and rinse well. Pat skin dry and apply baby oil or aloe vera to soothe the skin.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are prone to razor rash, you may want to consider using depilatory creams rather than shaving, as the likelihood of ingrown hairs occurring from this method is less.
Avoid shaving over the same area twice as this damages the skin further and may cause it to be more prone to ingrown hairs.
