Shaving tips for preventing ingrown hairs?

FrankGrimes

I’m 34 and in the last year have started getting frequent ingrown hairs on my neck, pretty sore and unsightly. I need to be clean-shaven for my work and have always shaved every day. Until about 3-months ago I always shaved (using Gilette Fusion ProGlide Power blades with either gel or oil) with the grain and then against the grain as I liked the smoothness that gave. I stopped shaving against the grain about 3 months ago as I figured it may have been causing the spots/ingrown hair. Not exactly sure what the ideal direction is to shave at the bottom of the neck as every way seems to feel rough.

I’m about as time-poor as it gets and I cycle to work so I end up shaving in the shower and doing a rush job. I know it probably needs more time, but I can’t see me having enough time to use a soap and traditional blade and work up a lather etc. so don’t think that’s an option. Are there other tips anyone would recommend for eliminating these ingrown hairs, either in terms of shaving equipment, gels/oils for use during or after shaving, or creams for treating/removing ingrown hairs quickly? Was wondering if using an electric shaver on the neck and then the Gilette (or other) blade on the face (where there’s rarely much problems) would be worthwhile (logic being I doubt an electric razor would give a shave close enough that I’d be happy with)? Thanks for any suggestions.

noby

Don't rule out a DE razor so easily. You can lather up in a minute, and it will definitely help with the ingrown hairs.

I would be quicker having a shave with a DE razor than doing a half'n'half Gillette Fusion / Electric razor, like you suggest.

lizzyman

First of all, ditch the canned foam/gel stuff, it's full of chemicals that just dry out your face and don't really give any proper lubrication for the blade. Have a look at shaving.ie and get a nice tub of Proraso shaving cream or something similar and a brush to apply it with. Alternatively, try using Dove soap lathered up as a shaving cream. I did for years and it's actually pretty good.

When it comes to ingrown hairs, less blades is better. More blades cut the hair under the surface of the skin and when it grows back the hair can turn back on itself and give you ingrown hairs.

It it was me, I try things in this order.

- Throw the canned foam/gel in the bin

- Shower, wet the face and then lather up with Dove soap or a nice shaving cream and brush
- Shave with the grain all over the face only
- Flip the Fusion over and shave the neck with grain using the single blade on the back. It won't shave as close but that's kind of the the point for the moment.
- Lather up again. Shave across the grain on the face only
- Flip the Fusion over and shave the neck with the grain only using the single blade on the back.
- Rinse with cold water and put on some moisturiser.

The above worked for me for years as I have a very sensitive neck. It it works for you then great. If still having issues try out a Mach 3 or even the older Sensor Excel with the two blades. Still having problems? Try using witch hazel after shaving to calm down irritation and maybe think about trying out a DE razor.

Remember, less blades are better if you get ingrown hairs. I'd also forget about shaving against the grain for the moment. As I've often seen on shaving forums online, it's better to have a small bit of invisible stubble than a lot of visible irritation.

One last tip, shave at night and if the **** really hits the fan and your neck is in bits after shaving, apply some hydrocortisone cream very sparingly (and don't make a habit of it because it can thin the skin). The following morning the worst of the irritation should be gone.

beardybrewer

I'd echo noby's comments, I always had a hard time on my neck until I made the switch to DE a few years ago. You could always use a DE with canned shaving gel which will allow you the benefits of cheap, sharp DE blades. This has the advantage of always getting a clean, close shave and save money on cartridges (which led me to use dull blades since I was slow to replace the cartridge). However, you would be missing out on the action of the brush when lathering softening and lifting the hairs which is believed to alleviate ingrown hairs.

Either way, pay attention to the way and direction your beard grows. Take a moment the next time you have a couple days growth to study the hairs and which way they go. When you see the direction they grow you can better use the strokes to truly go WTG, XTG, ATG. My neck grows outwards away from my adam's apple. So by shaving straight down from my jaw line I'm really doing a XTG pass. Going nearly horizontal from my adam's apple outward is a WTG pass for me. Maybe thinking in this way might help.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/08/09/10-tips-for-a-better-shave-on-your-neck/

uck51js9zml2yt

Same here. No ingrown hairs since I switched to a DE blade

uncle_sam_ie

Shave the night before using a DE razor and take your time at it. You'll never get a good shave if you're in a rush. I'd also recommend a boar brush and a good shaving soap/cream. Working the lather up on your face with a brush helps a lot if you have problems with ingrown hairs.

FrankGrimes

Thanks a lot for the advice gents, exactly the kind of insights I was hoping for.

Thinking about it now, my neck problems did broadly coincide with switching to the Gilette Fusion 5 blade razor. I wouldn't have correlated number of blades with an increase in ingrown hairs, but thinking about it now it makes sense. So either a DE razor or a 2-blade cartridge will be what I'll go for.

It wouldn't have crossed my mind to shave the night before, but it could be a great move for me to ensure I get the time to do it right without rushing and to shave a few minutes off my morning routine.

So I'm gonna give a DE razor a go. I literally know nothing about it, what's the best way to get started, try out something like this luxury starter kit from shaving.ie?

Are the differences between the gear in that kit and the higher end stuff on that site primarily functional or more that some of the top end stuff looks slick but does the same job (e.g. the >€200 sets)? If there's a functional difference, I could see myself making the investment in the best kit, so would it be best to go right there rather than sink cash into a starter kit that I'll likely soon outgrow? If the functional difference is mainly in the blades and soap and it's just cosmetic differences in the more expensive razors, then I'll go with that starter pack.

Curious to know what the story is with electric razors, never used one or discussed them with anyone, but there are several models that get great reviews on Amazon, are they generally giving good feedback "for what it does" but accepting that what it does is nowhere near the smoothness of a cartridge or DE blade shave?

uncle_sam_ie

The luxury starting kit is good but, you don't have to spend a lot to get good results. For example Muhle and Edwin Jagger use the same heads so it's the handles that are the only difference really. And, with the brushes you also don't need to spend a lot of money. I own both badger and boar. One of my favorite brushes is Semogue Owners Club boar, the cheapest I own.

For the price of the luxury kit, this would be my recommendation,

http://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-34c-hd-safety-razor.html
http://www.shaving.ie/products/semogue-owners-club-2-boar-cherry.html
http://www.shaving.ie/products/taylor-of-old-bond-st-sandalwood-shaving-cream-bowl.html
http://www.shaving.ie/products/astra-superior-platinum-de-razor-blades.html (You're better off sticking with one brand and not sampling untile you get your technique down.)
http://www.shaving.ie/products/alum-sticks.html

I can recommend cheaper if you want and you'll still get good results.


It's very important to note that using a DE razor is not the same as using modern cartridge. There is a learning curve. Pressure (no pressure) and angle are the key.
Also it's important to prep your beard (hot shower before) and shave with the grain and not go against until you get the hang and feel of the razor. Have a look at this video it will help explain it,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDpmyUF5iDM


As far as the electric razors go, it might be an option for you. My dad uses an electric razor and that's what he started me on but, I never could get use to the pulling and tearing. This article might interest you though, http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/06/25/art-of-manliness-sacrilege-my-year-long-experiment-with-using-an-electric-razor/

lizzyman

To the OP, there is a new, apparently very mild DE razor targeted specifically at people who get ingrown hairs a lot called the Bevel, mantic59 uses one and gave it a pretty good review. I already have an Edwin Jagger DE89 that a lot of people say is great for beginners but I personally find it a big too aggressive for me at the moment. I have a Bevel on order so when I get it I'll try to post a quick review of it here. Their website is getbevel.com and it cost me $71 incl. shipping for the razor

lizzyman

lizzyman wrote: »

To the OP, there is a new, apparently very mild DE razor targeted specifically at people who get ingrown hairs a lot called the Bevel, mantic59 uses one and gave it a pretty good review. I already have an Edwin Jagger DE89 that a lot of people say is great for beginners but I personally find it a big too aggressive for me at the moment. I have a Bevel on order so when I get it I'll try to post a quick review of it here. Their website is getbevel.com and it cost me $71 incl. shipping for the razor

I should probably add as well - you don't need their whole five step system with their branded shaving foam and oils etc. I just ordered the razor alone. It will work with any DE blade and good quality cream and brush. Customer service seems great though, very helpful and they've offered a skype tutorial when I get the razor in case of any issues or problems with mapping beard grain etc.

FrankGrimes

lizzyman wrote: »

I should probably add as well - you don't need their whole five step system with their branded shaving foam and oils etc. I just ordered the razor alone. It will work with any DE blade and good quality cream and brush. Customer service seems great though, very helpful and they've offered a skype tutorial when I get the razor in case of any issues or problems with mapping beard grain etc.

Thanks for that. I like the sound of that Bezel. Tried ordering just the razor but couldn't see the option to select, or to deliver to Ireland. So I've dropped them an email.

FrankGrimes

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

The luxury starting kit is good but, you don't have to spend a lot to get good results. For example Muhle and Edwin Jagger use the same heads so it's the handles that are the only difference really. And, with the brushes you also don't need to spend a lot of money. I own both badger and boar. One of my favorite brushes is Semogue Owners Club boar, the cheapest I own.

For the price of the luxury kit, this would be my recommendation,

http://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-34c-hd-safety-razor.html
http://www.shaving.ie/products/semogue-owners-club-2-boar-cherry.html
http://www.shaving.ie/products/taylor-of-old-bond-st-sandalwood-shaving-cream-bowl.html
http://www.shaving.ie/products/astra-superior-platinum-de-razor-blades.html (You're better off sticking with one brand and not sampling untile you get your technique down.)
http://www.shaving.ie/products/alum-sticks.html

I can recommend cheaper if you want and you'll still get good results.


It's very important to note that using a DE razor is not the same as using modern cartridge. There is a learning curve. Pressure (no pressure) and angle are the key.
Also it's important to prep your beard (hot shower before) and shave with the grain and not go against until you get the hang and feel of the razor. Have a look at this video it will help explain it,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDpmyUF5iDM


As far as the electric razors go, it might be an option for you. My dad uses an electric razor and that's what he started me on but, I never could get use to the pulling and tearing. This article might interest you though, http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/06/25/art-of-manliness-sacrilege-my-year-long-experiment-with-using-an-electric-razor/

Much appreciated. I'm happy to invest a decent bit here to get the right long-term setup, so I'll order the Bezel but will also order some kit from Shaving.ie and what you've linked looks good. Any changes you'd make to the recommendations with a bit more budget being available?

I'm generally fairly sensitive to smell so use deodarant and moisturiser (Dermalogica Active Moist) that are scentless, and then use a good aftershave (Tom Ford Grey Vetvier) which I find helps close the pores. Are there soaps that are good and don't have much scent, or is it generally something that isn't noticed when you have washed it off?

I like the idea of shaving the night before work, but not if it means having to have a shower before going to bed as I'll be having one in the morning anyway - I'm guessing a nice hot sink of water will do grand?

Thanks for the tips, looking forward to giving this all a go!

uncle_sam_ie

The Bezel is a nice looking razor but there is no magic to it. Any of the razors made by the major manufacturers will give a good shave. Also, you could get stuck with 23% tax plus 10 euro postman fee when ordering from the states. All modern razors and made from zamak (pot metal) then plated with brass and then chrome. They will all shave perfectly fine but might not last forever. If you want a good quality razor then you have 2 options.

One is a vintage razor the second is a stainless steel razor.

Vintage razors from the mid 1940s to the mid 1960s are very well made and can be very collectable. They were made from solid brass then plated. The Gillette adjustable Fatboy is one that is very popular https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/225109065/1960-gillette-fat-boy-f4-tto-adjustable?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=gillette+razor&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_locationQuery=6255148&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery
https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/TheWoodJock?section_id=16957086&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3
Esty and Ebay are good places to find vintage razors

The second is a solid stainless steel razor like feather Feather ASD2S (mild like the Bezel) http://www.shaving.ie/products/feather-as-d2s-stainless-razor-stand.html
Or Like what I own an Above the Tie. They are machied from solid 303 stainless steel http://www.abovethetie.com/product/atlas-slant-open-comb-stainless-steel-safety-razor/
and the newcomer http://wolfmanrazors.com/ Beatifuly made razors. These will all out last you and your kids but they're expensive.



As far as the software goes. I'd recommend Niva post shaving balm. Love this stuff because it's soaks in and doesn't leave your skin greasy. For soaps, Mitchells wool fat (has a soapy smell) is very good with a great post shave feel but has problems lathering if you have hard water. http://www.shaving.ie/products/mitchells-wool-fat-shaving-soap-refill.html
But, this one is a great cream for a beginner http://www.shaving.ie/products/taylor-of-old-bond-st-natural-shaving-cream-bowl.html very easy to lather up. If you want cheap Lea would be a good choice http://www.shaving.ie/products/lea-shaving-soap-stick.html
I have some very strong scented soaps and most leave no smell after the shave so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Any of the cheaper Semogue's will do. Just remember to soak them first and note they need to be broken in.

I'm actually a cold water shaver but warm water is fine just make sure your beard is clean and hydrated before you shave.

lizzyman

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Thanks for that. I like the sound of that Bezel. Tried ordering just the razor but couldn't see the option to select, or to deliver to Ireland. So I've dropped them an email.

You'll need to call them to order I think. They don't really advertise the fact that the razor can be bought separately as their business plan seems to be built around offering the razor at a slight loss and then making their money via the monthly subscription for oil, cream and blades.

My reason for buying it was that I wanted a very mild razor like the Feather AS-D2 but I couldn't justify the €160 price tag. The Bevel cost me about €70 including delivery.

lizzyman

On the software front, the Taylor of Old Bond Street Natural is great stuff but it does have a scent. I find the label very misleading because it's advertised as 'fragrance free' and then on the front it says it uses 'natural aromatics'. Either way it shaves great but gives me a pounding headache the same way scented shaving products do. If you can use the Tom Ford aftershave I'd say you probably won't have any problems with the scent of the TOBS Natural.

You could also check out the Palmolive Shaving Stick. 65c in Tesco assuming you can find it and it's a great performer.

A very nice aftershave balm is the Thayer unscented witch hazel with aloe vera. The Nivea sensitive mentioned above is very good also.

Gran Hermano

I was plagued for decades with ingrown hairs. Stopped as soon as I switched to DE. Didn't have one in years until last month I tried a Mach 3 for a week (research!) and I got an ingrown hair.

Stick with any DE or a dual cartridge like the old Gillette Sensor (should still be available in Boots, Amazon Uk and Tesco).

If using a DE use a proper shaving soap or cream with a brush. You'll appreciate the better latter, more cushion, less irritation and better protection compared to canned stuff.

FrankGrimes

Thanks all for the advice. I've jumped in with both feet and made the investment in the Feather AS-D2S and a good range of the other bits of gear. Looking forward to getting it and starting the learning process for this stuff. Will check out the youtube video linked above, any other good learning resources for the world of DE shaving?

uncle_sam_ie

Wow, you really did jump in with two feet. Enjoy the Feather AS-D2.

Check out Badger&Blade forum for more info, http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forum.php

more good videos to look at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO2gMTNnyYk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufG1dPmVo8Q

curiosity

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Thanks all for the advice. I've jumped in with both feet and made the investment in the Feather AS-D2S and a good range of the other bits of gear. Looking forward to getting it and starting the learning process for this stuff. Will check out the youtube video linked above, any other good learning resources for the world of DE shaving?

That's jumping in with both feet! The Feather will hold it's value, should you decide DE shaving isn't for you.

I was similarly afflicted with ingrowns, until I switched to DE a few years ago. It may take you time to get the hang of it, and the ingrowns could take a while to vanish, but the single blade should help.

As for videos, Youtube is laden down with DE shave vids. I started off with this guy. Short, simple, enjoyable videos.

https://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

lizzyman

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Thanks all for the advice. I've jumped in with both feet and made the investment in the Feather AS-D2S and a good range of the other bits of gear. Looking forward to getting it and starting the learning process for this stuff. Will check out the youtube video linked above, any other good learning resources for the world of DE shaving?

Nice. The Feather will definitely hold its value if you decide that DE shaving.

You mentioned earlier in the thread that you're sensitive to fragrances (like me). Can you let me know what cream/soap you went for and how you get on with them?

lizzyman

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Thanks all for the advice. I've jumped in with both feet and made the investment in the Feather AS-D2S and a good range of the other bits of gear. Looking forward to getting it and starting the learning process for this stuff. Will check out the youtube video linked above, any other good learning resources for the world of DE shaving?

Nice. The Feather will definitely hold its value if you decide that DE shaving isnt for you.

You mentioned earlier in the thread that you're sensitive to fragrances (like me). Can you let me know what cream/soap you went for and how you get on with them?

hitemfrank

lizzyman, give this a try. It's a softish soap (somewhere between soap and cream) but I have found it to be an excellent performer.

lizzyman

hitemfrank wrote: »

lizzyman, give a try. It's a softish soap (somewhere between soap and cream) but I have found it to be an excellent performer.

Thanks. Is there any scent at all from it?

hitemfrank

Nope, none at all that I can detect.

uncle_sam_ie

BTW, here is a good review of the Feather AS-D2, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f4qafmE9-I

lizzyman

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

BTW, here is a good review of the Feather AS-D2, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f4qafmE9-I

Interesting. Might be a bit awkward holding it at 45 degrees all the time though. My Bevel arrived yesterday and I find it exceptionally mild and almost idiot proof (useful in my case!) so I'm curious now about how the OP is getting on with the Feather.

FrankGrimes

Thanks for those links, will look them up in anticipation of the razor arriving later this week. Will post back with an update on how I get on.

beardybrewer

A nice razor you got yourself there. Let's hope this doesn't turn into an addiction else you might be eyeing up one of these before too long:

uncle_sam_ie

beardybrewer wrote: »

A nice razor you got yourself there. Let's hope this doesn't turn into an addiction else you might be eyeing up one of these before too long:

Gillette Executive Rhodium. Nice razor awright , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1378QAUxTc

Gummy Panda

Hate this forum sometimes. Just bought the feather razor. Oops

uncle_sam_ie

Gummy Panda wrote: »

Hate this forum sometimes. Just bought the feather razor. Oops

Lol,
Show us some photos when you get it. You too lizzyman, I want to see the Bevel.

lizzyman

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

Lol,
Show us some photos when you get it. You too lizzyman, I want to see the Bevel.

You'll have to wait a few days uncle sam but I'll try to do a quick review post when I get back. I'm currently on holidays and having a scandalous affair with a Braun mobile shaver M90

Gran Hermano

lizzyman wrote: »

. I'm currently on holidays and having a scandalous affair with a Braun mobile shaver M90

Durrrtty...

:-)

lizzyman

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Durrrtty...

:-)

I know. At least I can shower afterwards to wash off the shame

In my defense though, I do have a vintage Schick injector waiting for me when I get back.

hitemfrank

Good man. Not enough people seem to know about injector razors. They are pretty nifty.

lizzyman

hitemfrank wrote: »

Good man. Not enough people seem to know about injector razors. They are pretty nifty.

Cheers. What is the handiest way of getting blades for them?

hitemfrank

connaughtshaving in the UK. They have fairly cheap shipping to for the blades.

FrankGrimes

Wanted to give an update on this. I'm 4 or 5 shaves in and it's definitely an experience. The Feather razor is simply stunning, a real joy to behold. Probably no reason to spend that much on it, but it is a really beautiful piece of kit.

I jumped in at the deep end and did my first shave with only cursory glance at videos. Didn't go too bad and highlighted what I needed to learn. Biggest mistake was too much water in the lather. Still finding I'm not getting quite as good a lather as in the videos, but had progress last night with Mitchells Wool fat soap mixed in a bowl with only adding a couple of drops of water at a time. Getting the real fluffy lather was a pleasure to use, really felt the difference.

Technique will take time to perfect but I haven't done too bad, only one nick last night and noticed that the alum block led to less stinging last night, which I believe is an indication that the shave went well. I've done a couple of shaves using right hand (writing hand) only and a couple where I do the right side of my face using the left hand. I'm fairly good with coordination on the left hand, so I may go with that in future, seems easier to lock out the wrist.

I'm generally finding the face fine and I do one pass down, one from the side, one pass up. The bottom of the chin and the neckline is where I find it tricky. On the neck, I do one pass down, one from the side, and maybe leave it at that, or a really light pass upwards. My neck hairs seem to grow in various directions so it's not clear what approach I should take.

I used Astra Platinum blade the first 2 times, a Feather Hi-Stainless next, and then a Polisilver Iridium last night. Had very bad irritation from the Feather blade, Polisilver last night didn't give much irritation but didn't feel like it was cutting very smoothly. I think the Astra was the best I've used so far so will stick with that for a while and try perfect my technique with it, and only reconsider blade selection after I have the technique down.

I'm shaving at night before bed and that works well as I don't rush it and have time for any cuts (got several small bleeders a couple of times, only one last night) and irritation to die down before work. I really enjoy the experience of prepping and doing the shave, and it's generally very smooth afterwards, though there is a different sensation on the face afterwards. My skin has been drinking moisturiser, have had to apply it 3 or 4 times, and I notice my upper lip feels dry and more exposed. There's a bit of tingling from the skin, but it's fine in the morning, need to perfect the technique before I'd be confident to shave right before heading out for a night out or right before work, largely to avoid that pimpled/speckled look on the lower neck. I also notice that missing any small patch is very noticeable when you put your hand on the face, likewise I'm more aware of the start of the regrowth. I wonder is that because the face is now being shaved so tight/smooth that you notice the start of the next growth with your hand more easily?

I've ordered some Proraso pre-shave balm as reviews indicate that reduces irritation and I'll keep trying post-shave balms until I get one that works. Find most too watery and just get soaked in and don't do a whole lot. A nice creamy one that doesn't have too strong a scent would be ideal (I want to keep my Tom Ford Grey Vetvier as the main noticeable scent). Reviews indicate that Proraso pre-shave balm may also work post-shave so I'll try that out.

Definitely feels like I'll be on a journey for a while trying out different creams/soaps, balms, blades, bowls and mugs etc. But so far it's been enjoyable and it feels like it'll be worth the investment of time and money and in the long-term once I settle on my preferred gear, it'll then become lower ongoing running cost than the alternative of cartridge razors. Thanks all for showing me the way!