Ingrown hairs

[ashm24]

Hi,

Does anyone know how to get rid of ingrown facial hair ?

I've tried:-

-Tend skin (worked a bit at first)
-electric razor (Braun)
-single blade razors
-double-blade razors (sensor excel)
-triple blade razors (mach 3 face cutter, wilkinson swords)
-loofah sponge
-tea tree oil
-badger brush for making foam
-hair scissor trimming
-Nair cream
-Dalacin T topical antibiotic
-shaving oil
-tweezer plucking
-electric clippers (make face red raw)


None of the above worked :(

The bulk of my ingrowns are on my cheeks. If I let my beard grow my pores get clogged and my face go's red, and itchy. So it's ingrown's red face or a red face with a beard.

I think the problem could be due to female hormones in the water messing up skin!

I know the US military is working hard on a treatment for this.... http://www.afrl.af.mil/technologymilestones/2004/tech_trans/04-osr-04.pdf

Seems the recommendations is not to shave for 3-4 weeks

Kind regards,

Ashley.

[ada8356]

Ashley,

You might have to give a few more details...

How are you currently shaving? It you are using a 2 or 3 blade razor, the 'lift and cut' action might be compounding your problem.

It could be that a single blade safety razor with a single pass (with the grain of the hair) could significantly reduce your in-grown hair problem.

One tip that I have read that made sense, was to never tweezer the in-grown hair since this will probably cause it to grow back still in-grown... but to rather lift it out of the skin with the tweerzers and then cut the hair with scissors or a razor.

[HlSheppard]

Hi Ashley -

I'm STILL singin' the praises of PFB Vanish. It's worked for me better than anything else (including most of the ones you've tried, too).

Maybe it's just my chemistry or skin or ?? But I don't know if I'll ever stop using this stuff....

http://www.menessentials.com/oxid.php/sid/5f4a07aa69b964c062d27348615833b4/cl/details/cnid/4a142fa35bb2f41e4.39679776/anid/4a142fa31b0813ae6.61958255

[jmhUT]

Ashley,
You may want to just go see a dermatologist. They really can work wonders with problem skin these days. If you're getting hit either way I doubt your shaving technique is the culprit (at least the main culprit). A good dermatologist can fix you right up.
Cheers,
Jeff

[htownmmm]

Welcome Ashley.

Sorry to hear about your problem- I too lived in the "face of pain" for many years. I had to stop using multi blade razors and the electrics because they just won't help a face prone to ingrowns.

Tea tree oil will correct the problem, but will not prevent it. I used to see a dermatologist about my "bumps"- they would inject 'roids' directly into them to reduce the swelling.:eek: ( Hopefully, this will be your last resort :001_smile )


Anyway, I did not get any improvement until I made the switch to using witch hazel to clean my face twice a day(morning and night) and consistently using the safety razor and blades.

Using too many products @ one time is self defeating- you may not be doing this, but how will u know what works if u don't give it an extended chance?

Electrics worked somewhat, but they always left my face with road rash and tiny, hard ingrown bumps.

Give the DE another try and at least give it a month to allow your face time to adjust. Limit the amount of items you use- that way you can change them one at a time if something is not working.

We are here to help, so post your shave routine and we will attempt to offer you 'pointers' that will put you on the road to shaving bliss.


Marty

[stropmegently]

I have found that the best cure for the problems I had, significant ingrowns as I could only shave ever other day at best and had to combine the electric with the dreaded M3, was to shave less aggressively. I have found that quality prep, taking my time and using a DE have cured them 100% but at a small cost. I do not get as smooth of a shave as I DO NOT GO AGAINST THE GRAIN IN MY TROUBLE AREAS!!!! For example, I do not go ATG on my neck, unless I want to pay for it the next several days. I have tried several times, no pressure on the razor and still, no go. But, I can shave daily, no weepers, no pain, no stinging and no problems (including acne). I recommend getting less aggressive, no going against the grain and seeing how you do. Some can appear to shave against the grain at some future point, but I can't at this point.

Let us know how you do.

Darren

[guenron]

Several years (40?) ago I had ingrowns on my neck that were excruciatingly painful. Though both Marty and Darren are offering sound advice, I do not know whether I grew out of the ingrown era or just shaved with saner technique. I found that using the sharpest blades possible, a single with the grain pass in those areas, coupled with no canned foam or goo made a big difference. I also stopped using alcohol-based aftershaves too. Who knows?:001_unsur
I can remember occassions when I would sterilize a fine sewing needle with a match and go digging to retrieve the errant whisker. I could not even feel the pain induced by this technique over that of the inflamed bump (Bump Hell! More like a MOUNTAIN!):cursing: At any rate, this would occassionally provide relief until the damned whisker grew back into the skin again.
Suddenly one day, as if by magic, my whiskers started to grow the straight and narrow pathway of no ingrowns. I wish I could tell you how to achieve this as it was truly a blessing.:thumbup:

[ashm24]

Hi,


I use a badger brush with some shaving soap, and froth up to get a good prep' . I have tried witch-hazel with crushed aspirin (DIY tendskin). Actually I wouldn't try the aspirin anymore as I don't think there are any medical studies on aspirin on the face! Worked fine but the stuff smelt bad !

Face breakdown:-

-shaving up under chin (from chest to chin) will always give me ingrown hairs without fail. I have learned to shave down under the chin (leaving the hairs longer but less ingrowns).

-Shaving down on the lip is fine

-Cheeks, sides of chin, and bit where lip stubble joins chin are a real problem. I get a very patchy shave there, and my beard grain direction is all over the place. Many websites speak of training your beard to grow in a direction. I assume the follicules guide the hair in my case all over the place. Maybe this is the problem.

Do you shave downwards / sideways / up / backwards (towards back of head) on your cheeks?

Currently I shave downwards on my cheeks and it always gives a patchy shave thus forcing me into repeated strokes.

Hayfever tablets also reduced the redness / itching on my skin (I assume it's the anti-histamine) but they had side effects.


Kind regards,

Ashley.

[JMT]

Hi,


I use a badger brush with some shaving soap, and froth up to get a good prep' . I have tried witch-hazel with crushed aspirin (DIY tendskin). Actually I wouldn't try the aspirin anymore as I don't think there are any medical studies on aspirin on the face! Worked fine but the stuff smelt bad !

Face breakdown:-

-shaving up under chin (from chest to chin) will always give me ingrown hairs without fail. I have learned to shave down under the chin (leaving the hairs longer but less ingrowns).

-Shaving down on the lip is fine

-Cheeks, sides of chin, and bit where lip stubble joins chin are a real problem. I get a very patchy shave there, and my beard grain direction is all over the place. Many websites speak of training your beard to grow in a direction. I assume the follicules guide the hair in my case all over the place. Maybe this is the problem.

Do you shave downwards / sideways / up / backwards (towards back of head) on your cheeks?

Currently I shave downwards on my cheeks and it always gives a patchy shave thus forcing me into repeated strokes.

Hayfever tablets also reduced the redness / itching on my skin (I assume it's the anti-histamine) but they had side effects.


Kind regards,

Ashley.


Shaving up from under the chin might be part of the problem. I would think that for most people this would be an against the grain shave. I would try shaving down instead of up.

For your cheeks the fact that you do several repeated strokes may be part of the issue. I might be wrong but shaving many times in the same direction might be kind of like beating a dead horse. Try shaving down your cheeks, only one stroke, and only where there is lather. Try this for a few days and see what happens. Then after a few days if there is improvement try this after the initial top to bottom pass. Wet your face, relather and try to shave across the grain, from your ear toward the center of your face.

I think part of your problem on your cheeks may be simple irritation from overshaving the area.

Tha fact that antihistimines help alleviate the problem make me think you are allergic to something in your routine, maybe even something not shaving related, soap, face wash, detergent on your pillow? I do not know.

If none of the advice given here helps I would definitely see a doctor.

[ashm24]

Hi,

The doc' just gives me dalacin T!!!!

OK I shaved my shoulders, and I got ingrowns there. I freed 5 ingrowns this morning from yesterdays shave. Razor shaving too close for my hair / skin type?

I currently use Mach 3 but I'm fed up with the clogging, ingrowns, dull blades, expense. I've never been happy with the Mach 3 (every shop razor I have tried -BIC's , mach 3, sensor excel, wilkinson sword quattro gave me ingrowns).

I have been looking at these Merkur razors on the net because of their adjustable blade models. How 'adjustable' are these razors? Amazon just refers to six settings. Would a razor like this reduce ingrowns ?



Kind regards,

Ashley.

[boboakalfb]

The lift and cut of the current multi blade razors is not helping you out at all...you do mention trying single blade razors...how did that work for you? Give a DE/Injector a shot...you really have nothing to lose...and I suspect will help you out...

[htownmmm]

Ashley,

My PFB brotha, you have got to stop using the multiblade. They truly do what they say-Lift the hair and then cut it beneath the skin.

Once that sharpened hair gets under your skin, it curls and grows right back into your lower layers of skin( that which is most tender,i.e., not exposed to air).

Free up the ingrowns, let your face rest, do not shave if at all possible until you get a safety razor and blades.


Marty

[ouch]

I'm a firm believer in amputation.:tongue_sm

[ashm24]

The lift and cut of the current multi blade razors is not helping you out at all...you do mention trying single blade razors...how did that work for you? Give a DE/Injector a shot...you really have nothing to lose...and I suspect will help you out...

Well the only single blade I can get is the BIC disposable which was sharp but in a pack of ten would contain a few dull blades. I have some on my desk in front of me. I could never get the angle right with these things leading to some very nasty cuts. http://razorland55.free.fr/Video/bic.bmp Looking at them the blade angle seems too steep.(shaving back of hand takes skin off)

[ada8356]

Well the only single blade I can get is the BIC disposable which was sharp but in a pack of ten would contain a few dull blades. I have some on my desk in front of me. I could never get the angle right with these things leading to some very nasty cuts. http://razorland55.free.fr/Video/bic.bmp

Oh no! That's not what you want... there's no telling how bad those blades are.

You want something like the Merkur HD (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/284057.htm) with some good quality blades (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/196010.htm).

[Ashe]

Ditch the disposables and cartridges for your Mach 3 and try a Merkur Classic razor as proposed in this thread.

The following rather cheap setup will do wonders for you:
- Merkur HD or Classic with some Derby blades (I propose you to order the blade sampler pack from LetterK to try out different brands)
- Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush
- Proraso shaving cream

You will have all this for less than US$ 100 and it will complete change your shaving experiences. Make sure you prep well before a shave and create some good lather.

The majority (if not all) of your problems will be gone in a weeks time.

[boboakalfb]

Just do yourself a favor and buy a fixed head Merkur...HD...Classic...Long Handle...1904...and some blades...don't look back...I would suggest a sampler pack from John (Letterk) on this forum so that you can give the different blades a shot.

Looks like Benjamin beat me to the punch...

[Ashe]

Bob, the good thing is that all of us typically advise the same items meaning alot of truth should be in there.

It wouldn't be easy for newbies if every member had a different proposal on fixing his/her problems now would it? :001_smile

[Joedy]

...How 'adjustable' are these razors? Amazon just refers to six settings. Would a razor like this reduce ingrowns ?


Kind regards,

Ashley.

They're adjustable in the sense that the safety bar can move up or down. The razor itself doesn't expose anymore cutting edge by the adjusting motion.

Opening the safety bar will allow you to steepen the cutting angle, increasing the shave quality while increasing the risk for razor burn and cuts.

You're really jumping the gun by not purchasing a DE and a few blades.

What you've already spent on products could have bought you a whole set of DE razors, creams, and brushes.

Yes, I am prone to ingrown hairs and painful boils. I've live through years of them.

Since DE shaving for the last month, I've had exactly two ingrowns and both of them were nipped while in the process of forming a bump, preventing the bigger bump and the likely resulting boil.

With the M3, I was getting them everyweek.

I can't tell you how nice it is to shave in the morning, have a BBS face and not have any pain or aggravation. I wish I knew about DE shaving years ago.


I highly recommend the Slant. It's light weight so you won't be as inclined to use much pressure. It slices the whiskers at it cuts, which reduces irritation and since it is so efficient, two passes is usually enough to get rid of stubble.

Try Derby blades - Merkurs and Feathers really tear my face up.

Get a brush (any brush to start with) and get a quality cream.

Give it a month. Your face will need to get acclimated to the change.

Avoid tempation to keep changing variables. If you continue to do this, you'll never discover what works best for your face.

-joedy

[Ashe]

Avoid tempation to keep changing variables. If you continue to do this, you'll never discover what works best for your face.
This is excellent advice!

[boboakalfb]

Bob, the good thing is that all of us typically advise the same items meaning alot of truth should be in there.

It wouldn't be easy for newbies if every member had a different proposal on fixing his/her problems now would it? :001_smile
Agreed...and one day he will be giving similar advice to a noob... :wink2:

[ashm24]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. The razor burn from trying that disposable on my hand is starting to show. I'm just looking here http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/Double_Edge_Safety_Razors.html

Kind regards,

Ashley.

[fatt_tony]

Berfore I got my Merkur Hd, I was using a Mach III. It would leave parts of my neck looking and feeling like I shaved with fireants. But with the Merkur Hd I have never had that problem again. IMO this is one of the best razor for the money, for a beginner or someone that has been shaveing since the first DE razor was invented. lol

[Ashe]

Excellent Ashley!

I have a Merkur HD and a Long Handle cause a) the HD is widely praised for newbies and b) I have rather big hands and wanted to make the switch from a long handle Mach 3 to a DE easier. Up until now I have only used the Long Handle because I first want to learn the proper technique and move up from there.

I also advise you to take the EJ Best Badger brush (http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/English_Shaving_Brush_-_Medium_Best.html#a533) and its matching stand. I took the black one and it's looking fabulous. It's also soft on the face but not too soft either, makes a good starting point.

It's good to see you're going for it! You won't regret the steps you're about to take!

[guenron]

Ash,
If you are located in the states, I would recommend this for an inexpensive starter brush (http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/shaving-brush-acc130147.html)that will serve you well.

[ashm24]

Hi,

My DE razor arrived today with blades. Will nab my dad's brush and soap.

I'm out tonight so I will have to wear the stubble rather than try it out tonight. I may try shaving my hand tonight.

lather well
no pressure
30 degree angle



Kind regards,

Ashley.

[Jim]

Good luck- post up your results!

[ashm24]

Good luck- post up your results!

OK didn't go out in the end so tried the old DE thing. Hmm... first thing was I shaved my lip thinking has this thing worked. Then shaved my cheeks..

What is this strange sound ? (never had this sound with M3) Nice sound but still doesn't feel like anyting is being cut ! Shaving doesn't hurt like with the M3. After shaving my face feels different to after a M3 shave. A few knicks but less than with the M3. M3 gave deep cuts! My only problems was that my lather kinda crapped out halfway through the shave!

As for the ingrowns I will have to wait and see.


Kind regards,

Ashley.

[guenron]

Hello Ashley,
Perhaps while resolving your lather issues there is something else to keep in mind. The longer a good moist lather is on you face, the longer it has an opportunity to soften your whiskers. Many gents find it beneficial to shave there cheeks before shaving their moustache and chin to benefit from the softening effect of the lather.
Congratulations on taking the first step!

[JMT]

OK didn't go out in the end so tried the old DE thing. Hmm... first thing was I shaved my lip thinking has this thing worked. Then shaved my cheeks..

What is this strange sound ? (never had this sound with M3) Nice sound but still doesn't feel like anyting is being cut !

My only problems was that my lather kinda crapped out halfway through the shave!

As for the ingrowns I will have to wait and see.


Kind regards,

Ashley.


As for the feeling of nothing being cut but being able to hear it...It feels nice doesn't it.

Regarding your lather problem, what were you using? Soap , Cream, what kind?

[htownmmm]

My only problems was that my lather kinda crapped out halfway through the shave!


Ashley.

It has begun!< Shang Tsung's voice>

That sound you heard was the razor reducing your beard growth to stubble. continue to listen for that sound while shaving-its one of the ways you can tell if your angle is right(or at least in the ballpark).

Check out Mantic's(Mark) video on building a lather- it will help.

Hopefully, no ingrowns will show up-from your post,it appears you took your time and things went well. Never be afraid to use more soap or cream; your lather(lubricant) on your face is very important. In fact, do not shave any portion that does not have lather on it.

Looking forward to hearing how your shaves go in the future!

Marty

[crackstar]

Benjamin, in general, I think shaving too close every day is a major cause of ingrown hairs. Also, too much pressure can contribute to them as well as cause nicks or cuts. I shave as close as possible once a week only, the rest of the time, one pass N-S on both cheeks, and one N-S pass and one light S-N pass along my neck is plenty good enough. If I use my straight, one pass N-S is easily enough for me, even though my beard's heavy.

Jeff

[Steelforge]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. The razor burn from trying that disposable on my hand is starting to show. I'm just looking here http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/Double_Edge_Safety_Razors.html

Kind regards,

Ashley.

Hi Ashley,

I'm a relative newbie to this but I just wanted to say I can highly recommend the website you listed above. I ordered a Merkur Futur (and several other things) from them on thursday and they arrived the next day - very good service. In fact I just ordered another few items from them today. :rolleyes:

The Merkur Futur is adjustable with levels from 1 (least aggressive) to 6 (most aggressive). I've only used it twice so far (yesterday and today) but I can say it's great. I have it set on 1 at the moment after trying 3.5 yesterday which was far too brutal for me at the moment! 1 seems ok to learn with, though you still have to be careful.

They seem pricey but if you buy one you'll see why. It's beautifully made and is just really nice to hold/use. :)

[Nick75]

http://razorland55.free.fr/Video/bic.bmp

This has to be the worst razor ever... Just one look at it and you immediately think of the words 'cheap' and 'dangerous' lol

Totally in agreement with Iwan though about the Gentlemans shop...I ordered a few things from there last month and they arrived really quickly and very well packaged. Would heartily recommend their services :thumbup1:

[ashm24]

This has to be the worst razor ever... Just one look at it and you immediately think of the words 'cheap' and 'dangerous' lol

Totally in agreement with Iwan though about the Gentlemans shop...I ordered a few things from there last month and they arrived really quickly and very well packaged. Would heartily recommend their services :thumbup1:

Yeah the BIC was the only single blade I could get in the supermarket. I once dismantled a Mach 3 and changed it into a single blader. Worst razor for ingrowns was that Wilkinson Sword that adjusted to the contours of your face.:mad:

I find the stubble grow out from DE shave nicer than the mach 3 grow out. Currently in stubble phase waiting for Monday morning!



Thanks,

Ash.

[JMT]

I find the stubble grow out from DE shave nicer than the mach 3 grow out. Currently in stubble phase waiting for Monday morning!



Thanks,

Ash.


Can I assume from your post that so far there are no Ingrown hairs to report folowing your first DE shave?

[ashm24]

Can I assume from your post that so far there are no Ingrown hairs to report folowing your first DE shave?

Hi,

No ingrowns and no bumps yet caused by the DE. I have used it three days in a row to get used to the new technique. I shaved tonight because I won't have time on Monday morning.

BTW I'm shaving to a 5'o clock shadow on beard, and close on upper lip.


Thanks,

Ashley.

[moses]

Good to hear. If you continue not to get ingrowns, perhaps it is time to try gradually going closer. From the reports of other, and my own experience (although ingrowns and bumps were only ever a problem for me with against the grain shaving with a M3), the DE has a good chance of letting you go to a smooth, or almost smooth shave safely. Good luck.

[ashm24]

Hi,

Ok it was the day of a meeting today so I thought I would test a different DE blade. I put the 'Asda' Personna blade in. This blade was so much different to the Merkur blade with the razor. The Personna felt blunt on the face, and I had to change the cutting angle to get the thing to cut. Gave a few nasty knicks because of the 'harsher' cutting angle. I couldn't believe how different the razor was with a different blade. Next blade I will try will be the Tesco blades.

Ingrowns; getting more knicks that ingrowns.(I can treat knicks) Any ideas how long I should wait before re-shaving after getting a knick ?

I seem to get the knicks at sharp changes in angle. ..Between neck and chin, and at the jawline.I assume it's my incorrect razor angle at these points as my 'face' angle changes.


Kind regards,

Ashley.

[HairyCarey]

I have read this entire thread, but my question is unanswered: Does one continue shaving over ingrown hairs while treating them or does he wait for them to heal?

Since returning to DE shaving about a month ago which is also about the time I shaved off my beard of 27 years, I have developed two ingrown hairs - one on each side of my chin. At least they respect the symmetry of my face. But they hurt. I haven't shaved since Sunday (today's Tuesday). The thought of putting a razor anywhere near those two spots gets a reaction from my "special place".

So, do I shave around them and end up with two bristly red bumps or do I bite down on a washcloth and shave them off with styptic pencil at the ready?

Btw, if it matters, I use a Mercur Classic long handle. Last Sunday was my second day with a Derby blade. I shave after showering and applying Proraso. I am using MamaBear's English Leather shaving soap. I usually lather, do a N/S pass; lather and do S/N pass, and lather and do a E/W or W/E pass. A cold water rinse is followed by Proraso after-shave balm or Nivea after-shave balm. I haven't been using any after shave lotion since returning to a DE shave.

And one last thing, these two spots always gave me trouble from the time I first had to shave. I think that subconsciously, they were the reason I grew and kept the beard for so long. At least with the beard, I didn't have to shave those spots on my chin.

I always appreciate the counsel you guys give. Thanks, Glenn (aka HairyCarey)

[Queen of Blades]

Have you considered growing a goatee? Then you wouldn't have to shave the problem area.

[HairyCarey]

Have you considered growing a goatee? Then you wouldn't have to shave the problem area.
Yes, JoAnna, I have considered and rejected it. A goatee doesn't work on this face at this stage in life. I also gave up the beard because it was not graying nicely; it was an uneven mix of salt and pepper. The thought of doing Just for Men every week was not me. The clean-shaven look has caught many people off guard, but now I have gotten used to it and so are they. I think I will call my dermatologist tomorrow and see if he can get me in before Christmas! (Dermatologists are in big demand in this part of the country.) I'll also be ordering that FB Vanish Roll-on Razor Bump Treatment (http://www.menessentials.com/oxid.php/sid/5f4a07aa69b964c062d27348615833b4/cl/details/cnid/4a142fa35bb2f41e4.39679776/anid/4a142fa31b0813ae6.61958255) that seems so highly recommended. I am having some chuckles thinking about growing those bristly bumps for a good Halloween effect. With the proper light effects I could scare a few "trick or treaters". :scared: Glenn

[flippantfig]

Interesting to see I'm not the only one who has had bad experience with a Bic and also hacked at their face with tweezers to get those ingrowns out. When electric or multiblade shaving the ingrown hairs where mainly around the sides of the neck. Now using a DE I'm finding that they are appearing more on my cheeks. Must admit I do put my cheeks through more in respect to passes using a DE. From reading this thread, it seems best to relax a bit and not go in too aggressively looking for perfection (yet).