Damn in-grown hairs!!!

[Wag]

I spit on you!!! (if I could)

I've been getting them a bit more frequently these days (early 40s) on my neck, and started to get some scaring. I still shave with a Quattro and gel and this seems best, but it's annoying to keep getting in-grown hairs in the same spot continuously.

 

[BoomerD]

Do you shave "against the grain?"

For many skin types, that can cause ingrown hairs. (it gives me problems on occasion)

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2113/shaving-seminar-a-with-the-grain-or-against-it

 

[Wag]

I shave down, which for my face is sideways. Easiest way. I still seem to get the in-grown hairs in the same place for months before it seems to work itself out then I'm left with a scar. I put neosporin on it and that seems to lessen the scar a bit.

 

[fstime]

I think the use of multiblade razors is largely responsible.

The first bade tugs the hair and the second cuts, leaving the cut hair underneath your skin.

A single blade setup might prevent such in grown hairs but possibly result in an inferior shave.

I'm no expert, just a theory.

 

[Sluggo]

I'm considering switching to DE safety razor, and old-fashioned shaving soap & brush. I have read, just as good a shave, lower cost and less irritation.

Anyone who has made the switch care to confirm/refute?

 

[AlienCraft]

Tell me about it. I've been getting them on the back of my neck around the collar line for ages.Sometimes I'll get them around my waist where they lay flat and grow in horizontally, like a coil, but those usually come loose with a good loofa-ing. When they are freed, they can be about 1/8in. long.

 

[coldmeat]

I just stopped shaving all together last christmas. It's nice, low cost, no irritation and no ingrown hairs.

 

[Leros]

I get them around my chin quite a bit when I shave with my Mach 3. I've switched back to the beard trimmer for the time being though.

 

[dfuze]

I noticed I seem to get them more with duller blades than when I switch it out for a fresh blade.

 

[kamikazekyle]

I use both a DE saftey razor and a disposable straight edge (uses a half of a DE razor blade). The straight uses Shark single edge blades, and the double edge uses the new style (yellow package) Feather razors. I replace them every three shaves. Each time I shave, I shave first with the grain (with straight), then perpendicular to the grain (double), then against the grain (double).

The result is skin so smooth you'd never know I had facial hair and not a single bump or burn. I do have ultra-sensitive skin, though, so I do use some aftershave and lotion.

In contrast, I *always* got razor burn and bumps (and sometimes ingrowns) when I used modern cartridge razors no matter what aftershave products I used. And that was only going with the grain. Against? Ha, it'd do nothing for the hairs but open up wounds all over my face.

You can pick a pack of 100 Feather blades for <$40, and they're usually the most expensive double edge blades you can buy (but also by far the sharpest IMO). If you go with a Shark, Gillette, or Derby double edged blade, you can get 100 for <$20, usually. Plus they often sell variety sample packs for cheap so you can find out what blade works best for you.

TL;DR -> Go double edged saftey and a good soap/brush and your face will thank you.