Having problems with ingrown hairs after shaving.

United States
August 19, 2007 3:03pm CST
Most times when I shave my legs or under arms everything goes fine. But, occasionally I get an ingrown hair and it's very painful. I've tried using depilatory under my arms, but it's very irritating. I suppose it's just more sensitive skin. I'm not sure what causes ingrown hairs but they are painful. And, once several years back when I got an ingrown hair under my arm, when it decided to come out, I got very sick. Maybe it got infected. I'm not sure. But, like I said it was painful. Does anyone have suggestions for dealing with the occasional ingrown hair, either on the legs or under arms? Would appreciate any suggestions. Also, do you think certain types of razors are more likely to cause an ingrown hair? Or, perhaps it has something to do with bacteria on the razor? If so I'll need to use a fresh razor each time. Let me know what you think.
2 people like this
6 responses
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
19 Aug 07
Yes try a ladies electric shaver because it doesn't cut as close as a blade. The blade cuts the hair at skin level or slightly below. Sometimes the hair begins to grow below the skin and thats why your having problems. A fresh blade won't make much difference. I think once you get used to a shaver you wouldn't want to go back to a blade.
@Nykkee (2522)
• Canada
21 Aug 07
Try useing a body scrub on a regular basis in the areas where you get the ingrown hairs.
@donglory (677)
• Ghana
20 Aug 07
love does not end - two hearts are better than one
it is normal it happens to every male and it is very painful
@diansinta (7544)
• Indonesia
20 Aug 07
my underarms - my underarms image
i was had a problem with ingrow hair in my under arms, but since i open the skin a bit andpull the hair and then was it with anti septic soap, the problem is temporary solf (that cause me twisting neck)lol I suggest you to use remove hair cream or pick scisor. And don't forget to wipe dry your under arm with towel. Cause sometimes i got pimples with ingrow hair. And its hurt. Maybe its because the pore of the skin save dirt from soap.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
21 Aug 07
I think that the cleanliness of your pores after shaving can also affect your chances of getting an ingrown hair, as it can be caused my bacteria - not only on the razor, but also germs that get into the exposed pore. I normally make sure to lather up with soap/shaving cream/shampoo or whatever I use before shaving so that I don't pinch the skin, or get razor burn, which often seems to cause ingrown hairs for me, especially under my arms. Since I made sure to exfoliate more often, I rarely get ingrown hairs after shaving. =D
• United States
20 Aug 07
From a man's point of view on this, you ladies are not the only one's by a long shot that gets shaving irritation and ingrown hairs. For me, my worst ingrown location is around my neck and around my mouth. I know most of you ladies wouldn't know anything about shaving this part of your body, but it is painful for us also. I have noticed that while shaving if I only make one good pass with the razor instead of several strokes in the same area and if I shave in the direction the hair is growing, this greatly minimized my ingrown hair problem. Hope this helps!