Shaving

How to Prevent Ingrown Whiskers When Shaving Your Face: A Comprehensive Guide for Men

Shaving is a daily or weekly ritual for many men, but it can sometimes lead to an irritating and unsightly problem: ingrown hairs, also known as ingrown whiskers. These occur when facial hairs curl back into the skin or grow sideways, causing red bumps, inflammation, and sometimes even infection. For men, particularly those with curly or coarse hair, this is a common issue that can lead to discomfort, blemishes, and frustration.

Preventing ingrown whiskers while shaving is possible with the right techniques, tools, and skincare routine. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to avoid ingrown hairs and maintain smooth, healthy skin.

1. Understand Why Ingrown Whiskers Happen.

Before diving into prevention techniques, it's important to understand why ingrown whiskers occur. In general, they happen when:

• - Hair curls back into the skin: This is more common for men with curly or coarse hair. When the hair grows back after being cut, it sometimes doesn’t exit the follicle properly and instead grows sideways or backward into the skin.
• - Improper shaving technique: Shaving too closely, using dull blades, or shaving against the grain can irritate the skin and cause ingrown hairs.
• - Blocked hair follicles: Dead skin cells, oils, and dirt can clog pores, trapping hair inside the follicle and causing it to grow inward.
• - Over-shaving: Shaving too frequently or pressing too hard on the skin can cause tiny cuts and inflammation, increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

Understanding these factors helps you adjust your shaving habits and skincare routine to minimize the chances of ingrown hairs.

2. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating your skin is one of the best ways to prevent ingrown whiskers. By removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, you create a clear path for hairs to grow out of the skin. Regular exfoliation also smooths out rough patches, making your shaving experience easier and more comfortable.

• Use a gentle exfoliator: Choose a facial scrub specifically designed for men or sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help prevent ingrown hairs by keeping pores clear and reducing inflammation.
• Exfoliate 2-3 times per week: Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, so find a balance that works for you. If your skin becomes red or sensitive, scale back the frequency.
• Focus on trouble spots: Pay extra attention to areas where ingrown hairs are common, such as the neck, chin, and jawline.

3. Soften Your Facial Hair Before Shaving

• Dry or stiff facial hair is harder to cut and more likely to cause irritation, increasing the chances of ingrown whiskers. Softening your whiskers before shaving makes them easier to trim and helps avoid pulling or tugging on the hair.
• Use warm water: Shave after a hot shower, or apply a warm, damp towel to your face for a few minutes before shaving. The heat and moisture will open your pores and soften the hair, making it easier to shave.
• Choose the right shaving cream: Use a shaving cream or gel that hydrates your skin and softens the hair. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or alcohol, as they can dry out your skin. Look for options with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or coconut oil.

4. Use the Right Razor
The type of razor you use plays a major role in preventing ingrown whiskers. Different razors have different effects on your skin and hair follicles, so it's important to choose one that suits your skin type and hair texture.

Opt for a single-blade razor: Multi-blade razors can shave too close to the skin, increasing the risk of hair getting trapped inside the follicle. Single-blade razors, such as safety razors, allow for a clean shave without causing excessive irritation.

• Keep your razor sharp: Dull blades pull on the hair and damage the skin, leading to ingrown hairs. Change your blades frequently—ideally after 5-10 shaves, depending on the thickness of your hair.
• Use an electric razor for a less close shave: If you're particularly prone to ingrown whiskers, an electric razor may be a better option. These razors don't shave as close to the skin as traditional blades, reducing the likelihood of hair becoming trapped.

5. Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
Shaving against the grain (the direction your hair naturally grows) might give you a closer shave, but it also increases the chances of cutting the hair too short, causing it to curl back into the skin. Instead, always shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of ingrown whiskers.

• Map out your facial hair growth: The direction your hair grows can vary across different areas of your face. Spend some time observing which way your whiskers grow in specific areas like the neck, chin, and cheeks, then shave accordingly.
• Take short, light strokes: Avoid pressing too hard with the razor. Light, short strokes will reduce skin irritation and give you more control while shaving.

6. Avoid Shaving Too Closely
While a close shave might feel smoother, it's one of the primary culprits for ingrown hairs. Shaving too closely can cut the hair below the skin's surface, making it easier for the hair to become trapped inside the follicle.

• Use minimal pressure: Don’t press down too hard on the razor. Instead, let the blade glide gently across your skin.
• Consider leaving a bit of stubble: You don’t need to shave down to the skin. Leaving a tiny amount of stubble can help prevent hairs from curling back into the skin.

7. Rinse and Moisturize After Shaving
Once you're finished shaving, it's important to care for your skin to reduce inflammation and keep it healthy.

• Rinse with cold water: Splash your face with cold water after shaving to close the pores and reduce irritation.
• Apply an alcohol-free aftershave: Many aftershaves contain alcohol, which can dry out and irritate the skin. Instead, choose an alcohol-free aftershave or balm with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, or aloe vera.
• Moisturize: Hydrating your skin after shaving is essential for keeping it soft and preventing irritation. Use a moisturizer designed for men, preferably one with calming ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid.

8. Treat Ingrown Whiskers Immediately
If you do end up with ingrown whiskers, it's important to treat them properly to avoid infection or scarring.

• Don't pick or squeeze: It can be tempting, but picking at ingrown hairs can lead to infection and scarring. Instead, gently exfoliate the area to help release the trapped hair.
• Use a warm compress: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the ingrown hair for a few minutes to help soften the skin and hair.
• Apply an over-the-counter product: Look for creams or serums with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help reduce inflammation and exfoliate the area. Hydrocortisone creams can also reduce redness and swelling.
• Consult a dermatologist if necessary: If the ingrown hair becomes infected or doesn’t improve, see a dermatologist for professional treatment.

9. Adjust Your Routine as Needed
Preventing ingrown whiskers is a matter of finding what works best for your skin and hair type. If you notice that certain products or techniques consistently cause ingrown hairs, adjust your routine. Everyone’s skin is different, so it may take some experimentation to find the right combination of products and methods.

By following these tips, you can drastically reduce the chances of developing ingrown whiskers and enjoy a smooth, irritation-free shave. Taking care of your skin before, during, and after shaving is key to maintaining healthy facial hair and avoiding the discomfort of ingrown hairs.

Photo by Supply on Unsplash

Shaving is an essential part of personal grooming for many men, and there are a variety of methods and tools available for achieving a smooth and close shave. Two of the most popular options are using a blade and using an electric razor. In this review, we will compare the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which one is best for you.

Shaving with a Blade
Blade shaving is the traditional method of shaving, and it involves using a razor blade to manually cut the hair on your face, and required a cream or lubricant to protect the face while running the blade across the skin. The most common type of blade razor is the safety razor, which has a guard that helps to prevent cuts and nicks. Blade shaving can give you a very close and smooth shave, but it also requires a certain level of skill and practice to master. One of the main advantages of blade shaving is that it can give you a closer shave than an electric razor. This is because the blade cuts the hair at skin level, while an electric razor tends to pull the hair out from the root. This means that blade shaving can leave your skin feeling smoother and less irritated than electric shaving.
Another advantage of blade shaving is that it is more customizable. You can choose from a variety of razor blades, each with different levels of sharpness and skin lubricant, cream or oil to protect against irritation. However, blade shaving also has some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that it can be more time-consuming than electric shaving. You will need to take your time and be careful to avoid nicks and cuts, which can take practice to master. Additionally, blade shaving can be more expensive in the long run as you need to replace the blades frequently.

Shaving with an Electric Razor
On the other hand, electric shaving is a more modern and convenient method of shaving. Electric razors use a rotating or oscillating head to cut the hair, and they can be used dry or with a small amount of shaving cream. Electric razors are generally considered to be less irritating than blade razors, and they are also more convenient for travel as they do not require water or shaving cream. One of the main advantages of electric shaving is that it is faster and more convenient than blade shaving. Electric razors can be used dry, which means you can shave on-the-go without needing to find a sink or shower. You can even shave while driving to work in the morning. Additionally, electric razors are generally less painful and more forgiving than blade razors, making them a good option for those with sensitive skin. Another advantage of electric shaving is that it is more affordable in the long run. High-end blade replacement cartridges can run $5.00 per cartridge. Electric razors do not require replacement blades, and they often come with a rechargeable battery that can last for several months before needing to be recharged. But, electric shaving also has some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that it can't give you as close a shave as blade shaving. Electric razors tend to pull the hair out from the root, which can leave some stubble behind. Additionally, electric razors can be more expensive to purchase initially, and they may not be as customizable as blade razors.

Summary
So, both blade shaving and electric shaving have their own set of pros and cons, and it really depends on what your preferences and priorities are. If you really value a close, clean shave and don't mind if it costs more and takes longer, then shaving with a blade could the be the best option for you. Or, if you don't mind a slightly less close shave and really just want to get it done quickly and move on with your day, then electric shaving might the better choice. Ideally, you are comfortable with both methods and use each one depending on your priorities that day. Have shaving!

 

 

 

Men with dry or sensitive skin often find shaving a painful and uncomfortable experience. Some skins types are sensitive to certain types of blades, causing razor burn, cuts and nicks. Small scars on the face can create an uneven or bumpy skin surface which can lead to cuts and nicks. Here are some shaving tips for men with sensitive skin:

 

Before You Shave

• Wet your face and wash up with warm water and a mild facial soap before shaving. This will help soften the hair and open the pores
• Apply shaving cream or gel to your face. This will help protect your skin from the razor blade.

 

Shaving

• Use a sharp, clean razor blade. A dull or dirty razor can cause irritation and lead to razor burn.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth. shaving against the grain can cause irritation.

 

Post - Shave

• Rinse your face with cold water after shaving to close the pores and soothe the skin.
• Apply a moisturizer to your face after shaving to keep your skin hydrated.

 

Following these shaving tips can help make the shaving experience more comfortable and prevent razor burn. Men with sensitive skin should also avoid using aftershaves that contain alcohol, as this can further dry out the skin. Instead, choose an aftershave that contains glycerin or witch hazel to help soothe the skin.

shaving should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, so take the time to find the products and shaving technique that work best for you.

Happy shaving!

 

Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

At one point or another we've all gone into a pharmacy to buy razor blades and, depending on the store, the neighborhood and the time of day, have been presented with some sort of anti-theft mechanism. Yes, it is s sad reality that razors are now kept under lock and key, bolted to a wireless sensor or behind bullet-proof glass. Or all three. At $30 and up, a six or 10 pack of Gillette Mach 3 blades is now a line item on you monthly budget sheet. How did we get here? Are these fancy blades really worth the money? Do I need special blades for my skin type? Do I even need to shave anymore? The answers, in order, are 1) unlikely, 2) Maybe and 3) probably not.

I remember the old days when shaving was a must. I wore a tie to work every day (except Fridays during the summer! What a perk!), I showered, shaved, put on a pressed shirt and fought my way to work via the NYC subway. Having a clean shaven face was essential to giving off the right image when sitting through client meeting or buttering up you boss. By 7pm, knocking back drink at the local bar with a bit of stubble seemed like the only way. But, youth is wasted on the young. I worked in advertising and was even tasked to research the wet/dry shaver market for a new client pitch, and we ended up winning the business. As a reward for all the hard work, we all got a fancy electric razor that would work in the shower. You lathered up, shaved your face, and then rinsed it in the shower. Voila! It worked sort of, and while quite convenient I never got used to using it. I was told by the client that it took a week or so for 'your face to get used to it.' But my face never got used to it and I stuck with shaving the old fashioned way, with a razor. But I was working at an ad agency, and expensive blades drove me nuts. Sure, they did the best job, and if you combines fancy 3 or 5 blade razors with the right shave cream and after shave, well, it was a glorious thing. But inevitably I would tray and stretch the lifetime of the cartridge and ended up scraping my face with dull blades with the little comfort strip worn down to nothing. I tried different brands - Gillette, Schick, Bic, Wilkinson, etc - but on a per shave basis, it all kind of added up to the same thing. A great shave was pricey, so how much for a 'decent' shave? Enter Dollar Shave Club, Harry's and the era of razor blade clubs and well, for me it ruined shaving altogether.

So here is my advice for surviving and perhaps even winning the blade wars:

1) Look for coupons and discount codes. If you shave a lot and are willing to spend real money on blades, you might as well take advantage of the blade wars and save a little money. But be prepared to deal with cancelling subscriptions and swapping back and forth between brands.

2) Chances are your face is tougher than you think, and a lessor blade will not hurt your skin. Plus, a few days growth between shaves is a good way to get rid of ingrown hairs

3) Invest in an inexpensive trimmer like this one from Conair. You can add life to whatever blade you use by safely using a beard trimmer without an attachement to take your stubble all the way down. Then finish off with a blade.

4) Do the math. if you shave twice a week and can squeeze two uses from a Bic disposable razor, then you're golden. You really don't need to buy expensive Gillette multi-blade cartridges, and you don't need to worry about making sure the cartridge fits the handle. You can get a Bic value pack with 30 razors for about $13.00, which will last 5 to 6 months and equip you with some easy travel options.

Times are hard, don't make your razor purchase decision hard too. Go with the convenience and cost efficiency of disposable razor and you'll forget about the anti-theft, over the top costs of premium cartridges.

 

 

So, in the old days when shaving was a boring, mundane daily routine that just had to be done and not really thought about too much, scrapes, cuts and razor burn just came with the territory. No one griped about it. But now, with fancy new technology (5 blades!), comfort strips and lubrication gel strips, shaving is more like a men’s home care New Year’s Eve party. And why not? The Men’s personal care industry has exploded in the last 10 years and many of the razor & blade manufacturers, shave and after shave balm makers and skin care players are all chasing market share. Heck, Dollar Shave Club is selling butt wipes for Pete's sake, so clearly there is opportunity for the brands to solidify their loyalties with their base. Proctor & Gamble, Unilever and Edgewell are the big players, but there are upstarts like Harry's who are competing to penetrate the coveted recurring cartridge subscriber. The irony is that despite the massive upgrades in gear, blades, cartridges, shave cream and aftershave lotions, people are shaving a whole lot less. Indeed, many of today’s ad pitchmen are bearded Millennials who apparently feel the need to remind the American public that they don’t have to shave for the jobs they may or may not have. But for now we are going to attempt to break down the question of which blade is best, both from a quality and performance standpoint, and from a cost standpoint.

Our collective jaws dropped last year when we read about Dollar Shave Club being acquired for $1 Billion by Unilever. And then we all scratched our heads when Harry’s went on a PR tour about the blade factory in Germany they bought. And it is worth noting that subscription-based services, like those offered by Dollar Shave Club, Harry’s and now Gillette OnDemand, are less about a quality shave and more about having your credit card on file to charge every month. There is a good reason the Dollar Shave Club founder Michael Dubin made such entertaining commercials: because he wanted your credit card.

Methodology

I did okay in middle school and high school science, and so I know a little bit about the idea of a ‘control’ to perform a proper scientific experiment. So I realized that before I lay out my findings on the increasingly costly modern shave set-ups, that I would lay out the rating systems and methodology so that there are no gray areas of misunderstandings. And, since this article will be published and translated into 5 different languages, I don’t want to offend anyone.

First, to establish a control I decided that each razor would shave three times: 1) the first time on a 72 hour beard, 2) the second time on a 48 hour beard (same blade), and the third time on a 24 hour beard. I wanted to do it this way to see how durable the blade was and how well it held up as its performance deteriorated and to measure the all-important ‘cost-per-awesome-shave metric’ I wanted to introduce. I say this because every man in the world who is reading this has extracted an extra shave or two or three from an old dull razor. And that is usually because he is out of blades, which is likely because they cost so much damn money and he didn’t feel like trading his financial security for a decent shave (this could also could explain why so many men are wearing beards these days.)

Quick sidebar: I was speaking with my father the other day about the 70’s when men his age wore sideburns and mustaches and long hair if they had it as a means of protest and display of civil disobedience. He told me that NOT shaving was never an option back in the day, and that men demonstrated their defiance and civil disobedience via mustached and hippie mullets (see season 1 of HBO’s Vinyl for a visual representation of this). But I didn’t care (and still don’t), but I do care about figuring out the best razor/shave set-up best for you, the reader.

Okay back to the methodology. I selected Jack Black’s Beard Lube as my shave cream/lube because I have used it in the past and I felt like its eucalyptus scent and cooling feel best represented what readers wanted out of a good shave. I also have noticed in my 30 plus years of shaving that I would rather have a slightly less close shave than a painful cut on my face, and that most men (or women) reading this this will agree. Blood is bad, comfort is good. Finally, to make each blade’s performance an apples-to-apples comparison to its competitor, they need to have the same whisker length and whisker toughness.

Gillette

I thought the Mach 3, the Dodge Charger Daytona of razors, was pretty great when it came out in 1995. And shaving with it was about the coolest thing I could have imagined. I never thought they’d get three blades into a cartridge, and then when they got 5 blades into a cartridge I figured the razor blade wars were over.  But those Gillette razor cartridges are not cheap, and still aren’t. A package of 8 new Gillette Fusion replacement blade cartridges goes for between $28 and $32 on Amazon. As usual, this was a great, comfortable shave. The lubrication strip lasted longer than I expected, and the blades stayed sharp through the third shave. The Fusion cartridges also comes with a blade at the top of the cartridge, above the comfort strip, that is great for getting whisker up under your nose.  I also like the design of the head for easy cleaning. Overall, even with Gillette’s new direct subscription option, these blades are pricey.

Dollar Shave Club

Dollar Shave Club has a 6 blade cartridge that sells for $9 per month for four cartridges. I really like this shave, and the blades held up well in three times I used the cartridge. What I didn’t really like is the silly marketing and overly complex pricing and subscription tiers. In general, I don’t like having my credit card getting hit every month for something I may not need. I don’t shave as much as I used to, and I want to buy razors when I need them, not when my razor company wants to charge me. Plus, as with any subscription business, there is the ever present lead generation and free sampling that bothers me.

Harry’s

Harry’s offers a few different options as well, but we used the 5 blade option for this exercise. The packing is nice (blue, orange or green handle), but until shaving gear becomes a fashion statement, then the color of the handle doesn’t and shouldn’t matter. What should matter is how close a shave you get, how many shave you can get get from one cartridge, and what the Cost-per-Awesome- Shave (CPAS) is. I liked this shave, but I noticed the blades wore down at a slightly higher rate then the others. I also felt like the website was clunky and didn’t really boil down the all-in costs of ordering a shipment. In general, anytime there is a shipping costs involved, there is room for padding costs.

Schick

The Schick Hydro came our in 2010 and has earned some respect among face shavers. Without over spending on branding and instead focusing on value and quality, Schick has been able to hold onto precious market share in the US while the Big Three beat each other up with media dollars. The truth is, Schick offers and excellent shave at a decent price, and enjoys brand loyalty not only in the US but around the globe. The Schick Hydro 5 performed very well in our comparison, and at $15 on Amazon for a package of 5 new blades, are priced reasonably.

Bic

Ahh the old standby. One blade, one use, throw away. Easy, no gimmicks, no flash, no commercials and, sadly, not a very comfortable shave. The blade will work fine with a decent shave balm on a 1-day beard, but any real stubble and you are in trouble. This shaving experience fit squarely in the ‘you get what you pay for’ bucket, and most men with a face will want to pay a little more for comfort.

	Comfort	Durability	Price	CPAS*
Dollar SC	3.5	3.5	5.0	3.9
Gillette	5.0	5.0	3.5	4.6
Harry's	3.5	4.0	4.0	3.8
Bic	2.0	2.0	5.0	2.8
Schick	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0

* We discussed putting in an actual dollar amount in here but given small price fluctuations, shipping, and free shave cream samples, decide to keep it simple and give an overall grade between 1 and 5. We also overweighted 'comfort' in the calculation of CPAS by @2X

 

To summarize, Gillette, Schick, Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s are making shaving a lot less boring and a lot more exciting for most men. But in the end, most men want a good shave (when they have to shave) at a reasonable cost without too many bells and whistles. We preferred Gillette, but as with everything, to each his own.