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Anyone who has ever shaved any part of their body before most likely knows the stubborn, unavoidable pain of ingrown hairs and razor burn. These symptoms can pop up anywhere on the body but most commonly occur in areas that frequently undergo hair removal—from the legs and the bikini line to the underarms and the face. While remedying ingrowns and razor burns is helpful, learning how to prevent them from occurring in the first place is even better.
If a pain-free close shave is what you’re after, we want to help you get the best results out of your shaving experience—and it all starts with the prep, according to experts dermatologists Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, and Hadley King, MD. "If you don't use a good product with emollients and occlusives to protect and moisturize the skin, you can end up with abrasions and irritation—this is razor burn," says King
Ahead, find seven expert-approved ways to prevent future ingrown hairs and cases of razor burn from shaving.
Meet the Expert
- Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of NYC-based Entière Dermatology.
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
Avoid Dry Shaving
Dry shavers may want to rethink using a razor sans water next time. According to Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, dry shaving causes micro-cuts in the skin and folliculitis, ingrowns, irritation, and dryness. As tempting as it might be to quickly touch up a few spots you missed in the shower outside of the shower, shaving cream, and lotion, proper skincare both before and after you shave is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
Soften the Hair With a Steamy Shower
Taking a warm, steamy shower feels nice, but it also does wonders for softening your body hair and skin, which is necessary for a pain-free shave. "Prior to shaving, spend about 10 minutes in warm water to help soften the outer layer of skin, making it easier to remove hair and decreasing the risk of razor burn," Hadley says. Levin tells Byrdie that at the very least, she suggests wetting the hair in the area with warm water for a few minutes in order to reduce irritation and minimize the micro-cuts caused by shaving.
Exfoliate Before Shaving
If you’re wondering if you should exfoliate before or after shaving, the answer is before. After softening your hair and skin in the shower, the next step in your hair removal process should be to properly exfoliate the area. Dead skin cells can clog your hair follicles and trap your hair under the skin, which results in ingrowns. Removing dead skin first through a process of exfoliation will not only ensure the hair follicle is in the best condition for hair removal but will also help allow for normal growth post-shave.
So, what should you use to exfoliate before shaving? Pass on the harsh scrubs this time. Since shaving can cause micro-cuts in the skin, physical exfoliators are much too abrasive to use in conjunction with shaving. Instead, opt for a gentler chemical exfoliator. Ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliate the skin by encouraging cellular turnover. BHAs are especially great because they’re lipid-loving acids, which means they love oil. Our editors love Sol de Janeiro's Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash, which contains both chemical exfoliants.
Use the Right Shaving Cream
Once you’ve opened your pores from the steamy shower and followed with a gentle exfoliation, Levin suggests applying shaving cream on the skin and allowing it to sit for a minute or two to further soften the hair before shaving. The combination of soft skin and hair will decrease friction between your skin and the razor and, as a result, decrease irritation. It’s important to note that shaving cream is the way to go, so don’t settle for an average bar of soap because it won’t work quite the same way. Soaps are surfactants designed to remove dirt and debris but lack shaving cream's nourishing, skin-softening properties.
Only Shave With a Sharp Blade
There is no need to grab the most expensive razor. Levin tells Byrdie that as long as the blade is sharp, a disposable razor will work just as well. If your razor is dull, you’ll need more passes, and more passes mean a greater chance of irritation, razor burn, or ingrown hairs. Frequent tugging of the hair or the appearance of shaving nicks can indicate that it’s time to replace your blades.
The amount of uses you can get out of your razor before you need to toss it depends on how often you shave and how you store it after use. According to Levin, leaving your shaving razor in a wet, humid shower will quicken the dulling process, cause the blades to rust, and allow bacteria to accumulate.
Byrdie Tip
To get the most out of your razor, thoroughly rinse out the blades after shaving, then store in a dry place.
Practice Good Technique
King suggests waiting until the end of your shower or bath to shave, as the warmth from the water and steam helps to soften your skin and hair. When it comes to shaving technique, King says to "shave in the direction of the hair growth. Use short, light strokes. Don't increase the pressure as you go. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
Finish With Moisturizer
When you shave, the film that protects the skin’s surface (the upper layer of the skin called the stratum corneum) may get disrupted, which can cause dryness, burning, redness, and irritation. That’s why Levin says it’s crucial to moisturize with a proper cream lotion, like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, afterward.
