Ingrown hairs after shaving can be all too common. No matter how well-refined your shaving technique is, it’s likely that you’ve experienced an ingrown beard hair at one time. For many men, ingrown hairs seem like an unavoidable part of shaving, but for others, they can come as an unpleasant and unwelcome surprise.

Razor bumps are, of course, an especially common type of ingrown hair, and typically develop when a hair curls back in on itself after being cut below the surface of the skin. They can be itchy, uncomfortable, or even painful. And although ingrown hairs are most often encountered by men with curlier hair, they can happen to anyone.

While there are treatment options available for ingrown hairs, prevention is often better than seeking a cure. By taking a handful of precautions, most men will find that they can dramatically reduce the likelihood of encountering an ingrown hair on their face.

Your Shave Prep Routine

Your journey towards avoiding ingrown hairs should begin in the shower. Exposing your face to plenty of warm water has the advantage of opening pores and softening skin – two vital preconditions for achieving a smooth and effective shave. Soft, open skin allows the blade to travel with minimal interference, reducing the risk of shaving irritation, while ensuring that even the toughest hairs can be extracted.

For men with particularly sensitive skin, moisturising before shaving can be a good way to avoid unnecessary irritation. When shaving, each swipe of the blade deprives your skin of necessary moisture, so it’s important to make sure that your skin is properly hydrated before you begin your shave.

Exfoliate

Most men can go a long way toward stopping ingrown hairs by simply switching up their pre-shave routine. Exfoliating before shaving can help to soften your facial hair, while lifting it further above the skin. What’s more, exfoliation is an effective way to remove dead skin that can clog pores and block hair follicles.

It’s important to remember that facial hair is especially sensitive, and requires a delicate exfoliation technique. For the best results, simply massage your face in circular motions for around 30 seconds before rinsing clean.

Shave with the grain

Shaving against the grain might result in a closer shave, but it can often lead to unnecessary irritation – and even the formation of ingrown hairs. Always try to follow the direction of the hair growth (if possible), and use the minimum number of strokes necessary to achieve a clean shave.

It’s also important to go easy on your skin. Steer clear of applying too much pressure to the face when shaving. You should try to let the razor do all the work, and you can protect your skin even further by using our SkinGuard Sensitive Razor, which features extra protection in between the blade and your skin.

Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor

Use fresh blades

Nothing invites irritation quite like an old, dull blade. Regularly replacing your blades will make sure you continue to get a cleaner shave, while keeping your face clean and healthy. Sign up to Gillette’s shave club and get new razor blades delivered to your door, so you’ll have a regular supply of fresh, sharp blades.

Moisturise after shaving

Even after you’ve finished shaving, the skincare shouldn’t stop. Dry skin and razor burn can both be common after shaving, so it’s important to make sure your skin is receiving all the moisture it needs. Check out our advice for getting into the habit of a good post-shave routine.