Ingrown hair is hair that grows back into the skin instead of growing out of it after hair removal. It can lead to inflammation, irritation, and discoloration in the area.

The most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs is to follow proper shaving etiquette: using a sharp razor, shaving in the direction of the hair growth, and moisturizing after shaving. This can help stop ingrown hairs before they start developing.

1. Prepare Your Skin

Preparing your skin includes washing it with a cleanser that is noncomedogenic (unlikely to clog pores) prior to starting the hair removal process. This helps prevent ingrown hairs, as dead skin cells, bacteria, and other debris can clog up the opening of a hair follicle, encouraging hair to grow back into the skin or curl sideways.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating the skin first helps prep the skin for shaving, which you can do while cleansing.

Using a washcloth or soft-bristle skin brush, apply your cleanser and massage in a circular motion. This gentle massage helps naturally remove dead skin cells sitting on the skin’s surface, preventing any short hairs from curving back into your skin as ingrown hair.

In addition, immediately following exfoliation, your skin should be soft and damp, which helps loosen the hairs and cause them to swell, making it less likely that you’ll experience ingrown hair.

3. Select a Sharp Razor

Choose a razor with a sharp blade, especially if you have acne or other bumps on your skin. After five to seven shaves, change your blade or throw away your disposable razor to help prevent irritation. Electric razor foils and blades should be replaced per the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Always Use a Lubricant

A shaving cream or gel acts as a lubricant on the skin, allowing you to get a close shave with minimal irritation. For people with dry or sensitive skin, a shaving lubricant labeled “for sensitive skin” may be helpful.

Let the lubricant sit on your skin for a minute or two before starting the process, and reapply as needed to prevent the area from drying out. This allows for a smoother shave and can help mitigate ingrown hairs.

5. Shave in the Direction of the Growth

Experts recommend shaving in the direction of hair growth, not in the opposite direction. Shaving against the direction of growth can increase the chances of hair regrowing underneath the skin instead of out of it.

Hair can grow in multiple directions due to shaving or other hair removal methods that can sometimes alter the natural direction of hair growth. Experts say hair can be trained to grow in one direction by brushing it daily with a toothbrush or other small brush.

6. Avoid Shaving Too Closely

Getting too close to the skin with your razor can cause hair to be cut beneath the skin’s surface instead of at the surface. This allows the hair to curl back into the skin as it grows, causing ingrown hairs.

To help avoid shaving too closely, use short strokes and limit going over an area with your razor more than two times.

7. Rinse the Razor Often

Experts recommend rinsing after each swipe (or nearly each swipe) of your razor. Each time you pass over the skin, the razor will pick up more shaving lubricant, dead skin cell buildup, and other bacteria that can trigger an ingrown hair. A clean razor blade will make it less likely that shaving debris could contribute to trapping a hair follicle under the skin.

8. Avoid Stretching the Skin

Stretching, pulling, and applying too much pressure to the skin while shaving can contribute to ingrown hairs. Pulling or stretching may help you get a close shave, but it allows the tip of the hair to recoil back into the skin, creating a prime environment for ingrown hairs. If needed, lightly holding your skin taut should be enough to shave the area without excessively stretching or pulling at it.

9. Hold a Cooling Cloth to the Skin

After rinsing the shaving cream with warm water, experts recommend placing a cool, damp washcloth on your skin for about five minutes. This helps calm the skin and ensures no excess shaving lubricant is left behind, which can cause irritation and potentially ingrown hairs.

10. Moisturize After Shaving

In addition to using moisturizing shaving cream or lubricant during the actual shave, it’s important to keep the skin moisturized after removing facial hair. Experts suggest a soothing aftershave or moisturizing lotion to help prevent razor bumps or irritation that could lead to ingrown hairs.

11. Avoid Tight Clothing

Wearing tight clothing, especially for long periods, can rub against your skin, causing irritation. The friction between your skin and clothing that naturally happens as you move throughout the day makes it easy for your hair to push against the skin and potentially curl back into the hair follicle.

A Word From Verywell

Preventing ingrown hairs begins with proper exfoliation, gentle shaving, and sticking to the right skincare routine. Consistency is key to keeping the skin smooth and clear.

Consider Alternative Hair Removal Methods

If ingrown hairs become a consistent problem with shaving, there are other hair removal methods that you can choose. Some of the alternatives include:

• Waxing: Applying hot wax to the skin before briskly removing it and pulling out the hairs along with the wax
• Threading: A technique that involves quickly rolling two twisted threads of cotton over the hair to remove it
• Plucking: Using tweezers to pull out individual hairs
• Depilatories: Creams or lotions containing chemicals that dissolve unwanted hair when applied
• Electrolysis: A procedure that involves sending an electrical current through a hair follicle to damage it and permanently prevent hair regrowth
• Laser hair removal: A laser device points a beam of light onto the hair, destroying the follicle so it cannot grow back

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider if you still get ingrown hairs after changing your shaving habits. They may refer you to a dermatologist (a medical doctor specializing in conditions of the hair, skin, and nails) or recommend another hair removal option.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop an ingrown hair and also notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain, warmth, or swelling around the area
• Visible redness or discoloration
• Fever or chills

Summary

Ingrown hairs happen when hair that you’ve recently shaved starts growing back under the skin. In some cases, they can be prevented by following shaving etiquette tips like using a lubricant, rinsing your razor, and caring for your skin afterward. See a healthcare provider if you often get ingrown hairs despite improving your shaving routine or if you notice signs of an infection.