How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs, Razor Burn and Rashes

The best way to help prevent razor burn is simply to use the Ultimate Personal Shaver. However, who are we to not help people who haven’t received this great advice yet?

The below advice is for people who are using traditional razor blades.

Razor burn is exactly what it sounds like: a burning, itching annoyance which you usually experience after shaving by using the wrong method or doing it incorrectly. The main cause of razor burn is from shaving in the opposite direction of the hair growth. When shaving, it is essential to shave with the growth of the hair, as this will prevent the pulling and damage of the hair follicle itself (which can lead to painful ingrown hairs and even worse, infections). Other causes for razor burn may include: old, dull blades, dirty blades (often experienced very quickly with disposable razors), and dry skin. Before using a razor, the skin must be properly moisturized with the regular use of hydrating lotions and by using a high moisture shaving gel.

Once you have reduced the moisture, take a quick look at the razor blade you’re about to use. Blades have to be clean and sharp in order to ensure a proper cut. For any men reading this that are about to shave their face, you know how important this is! A healthy blade should cut right through the gel/foam and hair quickly and easily. If there is any pulling or tugging, stop using the blade immediately and get a new one.

Men should also pay attention to how the hair grows on their face and neck, because you need to shave accordingly to each section. Cheeks, below the nose, chin, jaw, and neck should be examined before applying the gel/foam so you know which direction each should be shaved in.

Women are usually taught to shave their legs using the following method: get into the shower, let the warm water open the pores, put on the gel/foam and start at the ankles and shave up the leg. Although it’s all over the media and in commercials showing women shaving their legs in the same way, it’s not right. We’ve already gone over many times on this site how we feel about shaving after or during a shower, but that’s beside the point. Have you seen how the commercials make these poor people shave up against the hair growth? Ouch! 99% of the time, your hair grows downwards on the legs, and you need to be shaving with the hair in that direction. It may seem strange at first, but this will lead to the hair growing back fine (less coarse) and prevent that painful razor burn and those ingrown hairs.

As careful as we’ve suggested you be, when using a razor blade, you can never 100% protect yourself against razor burn. It will happen. “But I’ve done everything you told me to do here. Won’t that protect me?” you might ask. We say, not entirely. Let’s take a look at the facts here; you’re taking a sharp blade against your skin. The best way to combat razor burn and minimize the irritating and often painful effects of it all come in the care immediately after you shave. The best thing you can do is apply an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer. Most brands out there carry their own version, so try a couple and see which one works best with your skin type.

Rashes are the body’s way of saying that something is irritating it. We can get them from different clothing materials, being nervous, allergic reactions and improper skin care. Some common causes of rashes include (but are not limited to): allergic reactions to medicine, plants or animals, irritants such has perfumes, clothing materials and dyes, bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and exposure to the sun for extended periods of time just to name a few. Improper skin care is another major cause, which has a high probability of happening after a bad shaving experience.

When a rash occurs, you need to find out the cause of it in order to properly treat it. Please note that we aren’t doctors nor claim to be. All we can do is make recommendations, so if you are not sure what type of rash it is, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If the rash is from a dirty blade, this may be a bacterial infection, and depending on how bad the infection is, you may need to see your doctor as soon as you can. In minor cases an antibacterial cream should be applied to the infected area. If it does not heal within 3-5 days, see your doctor. Rashes can also appear with infected pores or ingrown hair. Sometimes, your skin simply may not like the act of a blade shaving off a thin layer of skin which happens when a manual razor blade is used. Sorry to be so graphic, but we must face facts that that’s what’s happening. Even if you have a nice, sharp and clean blade, your skin may be unable to handle the contact of a blade due to either extreme sensitivity or an allergy to the metal. Most will either need to find blades made for sensitive skin or go to a foiled personal shaver like the Ultimate Personal Shaver that we have available on this website.

Ingrown hairs are generally a sign of an infection in the pore or hair follicles. These usually are a result from shaving against the direction of the hair growth which pulls at the follicle causing damage. Shaving too hard and pulling at the skin too much while shaving may also cause this. It may appear to look like a pimple, but it will be inflamed, irritating and sometimes very painful to touch. For swelling and irritation, a topical antiseptic may help. If it does become infected, see your doctor as a course of antibiotics may be prescribed.

There are many alternatives to shaving with a razor: waxing, laser hair removal, creams and gels, and personal shaver systems. Each body is unique, and there is an alternative if using razors is not working for you. Make sure you take a look around our website. We offer an alternative to shaving the way you were brought up to do. It’s less painful, more efficient and more fun! We hope you have a great time shaving in a safer and more comfortable way.