Shavers for Ingrown Hairs
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly known as ingrown hairs, affect shaved areas of the body including the face, neck and armpits. CNN Health says shaving hairs close to the skin surface causes the hair to curl and grow into the skin instead of exiting the follicle.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly known as ingrown hairs, affect shaved areas of the body including the face, neck and armpits. CNN Health says shaving hairs close to the skin surface causes the hair to curl and grow into the skin instead of exiting the follicle. The inflamed bumps form as a reaction to the hair trapped under the skin. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, consider a shaver that will help prevent these painful outbreaks.
Double-Edge Razor
This type of old-school razor most likely resides in your grandfather's medicine cabinet. A double-edge, or safety, razor requires the insertion of a razor blade with cutting edges along each side.
For men with extremely curly hair, double-edge razors offer one of the best solutions to avoid ingrown hairs and associated "razor bumps," according to Corey Greenberg, contributor for NBC's "Weekend Today." He also suggests using a badger hair brush to apply shaving cream. The bristles gently exfoliate the skin to reduce the instance of ingrown hairs. If you constantly suffer ingrown hairs, forgo shaving for a few days to let the bumps heal, then switch to a double-edge razor.
Single-Blade Razor
Razor systems with multiple blades may give you a close shave, but they run the risk of cutting hair off below the surface of the skin. According to CNN Health, you can reduce the instance of ingrown hairs by using a single-blade razor. Shaving in the direction of hair growth will also lessen the chance of ingrown hairs. Purchase single-blade razors in the form of replaceable cartridges or disposable razors.
Straight Razor
Another version of the single-blade razor is the old-fashioned straight razor. While the safety razor technique requires a certain amount of patience to perfect, learning to master the straight razor takes a great deal of practice, precision and a very steady hand. To avoid ingrown hairs and obtain the best shave possible, enlist a professional to sharpen the blade regularly.
Electric Shaver
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends electric razors as an easy shaving solution for ingrown hairs. Electric shavers require no special training to use and come in wet and dry versions for a quick morning shave. Foil shavers feature a series of blades that rapidly move back and forth under a layer of steel screen or foil. Rotary shavers cut hairs with multiple blade mechanisms that spin and pivot.
Men's Science suggests that electric razors do not shave hairs as closely as manual razors. This shortcoming comes as good news to ingrown hair suffers, as the lack of closeness reduces the chance of hair growing inward.