A Man Shaving His Beard

How to avoid and remove ingrown hairs

No matter how good your shaving skills are, you’re probably going to get ingrown hairs from time to time. The fact is, after hair is cut below the skin, it can curl back on itself, forming those itchy, uncomfortable razor bumps. These bumps can be more common for men with curlier hair, but they can show up on anyone.

A guide for removing ingrown hairs

Some ingrown hairs will eventually clear up on their own, and by picking or messing with these bumps, you might delay the healing process. However, there are steps to take to deal with stubborn ingrown facial hair.

STEP 1: Warm it up

Run a cloth or paper towel under some warm water and press it on the bumpy area.

STEP 2: Pull the hair

At this point, you should be able to see the hair at the surface of the skin. Use a clean pair of tweezers to gently pull the ingrown hair. Don’t dig into your skin or try to completely pluck out the hair—simply guide the hair out of the bump.

STEP 3: Wash your skin

Lightly wash your face and make sure the area around the ingrown hair is nice and clean.

STEP 4: Use a topical cream

To help with healing and reduce redness, try a cream like Hydrocortisone or retinol. Talk to a pharmacist for advice or call your doctor if you have specific questions or concerns.

While there are other ways to treat ingrown hairs, the best approach is to stop them from happening in the first place. A few smart steps before, during, and after your shave can help protect your face from those pesky bumps.

Your shave prep routine

To stop ingrown hairs before they start, start in the shower. Wash your face with warm water to help hydrate your hair and soften your skin. This will help your razor blades shave without interference and minimize the risk of skin irritation while taking out the toughest hairs. The process of shaving can also dry out your skin and cause irritation, so try moisturizing before shaving, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating before you shave is a great way to avoid ingrown hairs. How? When you shave, dead skin can clog pores and block hair follicles—gross. Exfoliating helps get rid of the gunk and impurities on your skin. It can also help soften your facial hair for a cleaner cut. For the best outcome, take some scrub and massage your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds before rinsing clean. That’s it!

Shave with the grain

For a closer shave, a lot of men shave against the grain. But this technique can cause irritation and ingrown hairs—not good. Instead, try to shave in the same direction your hair grows, and use as few strokes as possible for a clean shave.

Another tip: Go easy on your skin, and don’t press too hard on your face when shaving. Let your razor do all the work and protect your skin even more by using the SkinGuard Sensitive Razor.

Use fresh blades

An old, dull blade is an ingrown hair’s best friend. Make sure to regularly replace your blades so you can make sure your razor will be clean and ready to do its job. For a regular supply of fresh, sharp blades, join Gillette’s shave club.

Moisturize after shaving

Moisturize Your Skin After Shaving To Avoid Razor Burn
Skincare doesn’t stop after you’re done shaving. By skipping the moisturizing step, you’re asking for dry skin and razor burn. Now is a good time to get in the habit of moisturizing. You can also check out more about the perfect post-shave routine.

Was this article helpful?

Related Products