Do foil shavers cause ingrown hairs? (Unravelling The Mystery)
So, you’re probably asking yourself, do foil shavers cause ingrown hairs?
Well, you’re in the right place for answers.
In this article, we’ll over:
- Whether foil shavers are the actual culprit of ingrown hair
- What exactly are ingrown and how do they come about
And… I’ll provide you with helpful tips and tricks you can implement immediately to stop those irritating ingrown hairs.
So with that said, let’s get into it.
Do foil shavers cause ingrown hairs
Firstly, what exactly is an ingrown hair?
To put it simply, ingrown hairs are hairs that curl and grow sideways under the skin, causing bumps, irritation, and sometimes infection. They can be very annoying (as they often happen by chance) and painful, especially if you have sensitive or curly hair.
But can foil shavers be a cause for this problem?
In fact, foil shavers are actually one of the best ways to prevent ingrown hairs, as they cut the hair away from the skin without getting too close or pulling it.
However… there are some things you need to do to make sure you get the best results from your foil shaver and avoid ingrown hairs. Here’s what you can do:
1. Exfoliate your skin regularly
Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog your pores and trap your hair under the skin.
You can use a product that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid, or a scrubbing sponge or brush. Just be gentle and don’t overdo it, as you don’t want to irritate your skin further. Exfoliate once or twice a week, preferably before shaving.
2. Use a sharp blade
A dull blade can tug on your hair and cause it to break or curl under the skin.- Boom, ingrown hair.
A sharp blade will cut your hair cleanly and smoothly, reducing the risk of ingrown hair.
You should replace your foil shaver blades every 18 months or so, depending on how often you use them. You can also clean and lubricate your blades regularly to keep them in good condition.
3. Shave with the grain first
Shaving with grain means following the direction of your hair growth.
Why is it key? Because the way you shave dictates how your hair sets afterward as shown below:
But in all honesty, it’s often difficult to know exactly which way your hair grows so using a (razor) that is comfortable at both might be the best option.
But trying to shave with the grain will help you avoid irritation and razor bumps, as well as ingrown hairs.
You can then go over the same area against the grain for a closer shave, but only if your skin can handle it. If you have very sensitive or curly hair, you may want to stick with the grain only.
4. Use shaving gel or cream
This should go without saying but shaving gel or cream will help your foil shaver glide over your skin more easily and reduce friction and heat. It will also moisturize and protect your skin from irritation and dryness.
Choose a product that is suitable for your skin type and doesn’t contain alcohol or fragrance.
Here are some of the best-rated shaving gels below:
5. Rinse and moisturize your skin after shaving
After shaving, rinse your skin with cold water to close your pores and soothe any inflammation.
Then apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or witch hazel to hydrate and calm your skin. You can also use an aftershave balm or lotion that has antibacterial properties to prevent infection.
6. Avoid tight clothing
Tight clothing can rub against your skin and cause friction and irritation. It can also trap sweat and bacteria which can lead to infection and inflammation. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows your skin to breathe and heal after shaving.
7. See a doctor if you have severe ingrown hairs
Now if you’ve got to this point and still have the same issues, then you might have to take some drastic measures.
If you have ingrown hairs that are very painful, swollen, or infected, you should see a doctor for treatment. They may prescribe you antibiotics or steroids to clear up the infection and reduce the inflammation. They may also remove the ingrown hairs using a sterile needle or blade.
Conclusion
In this article, we asked the question, do foil shavers cause ingrown hairs
The simple answer is, if you use them properly and follow these tips above, then shavers are actually one of the best options for preventing ingrown hairs. ‘
They cut the hair away from the skin without getting too close or pulling but if your foil shaver simply isn’t doing this then maybe you want to upgrade.
If you’re looking for a good foil shaver to try out, check out some below.
