Quote:
Originally Posted by
tsaltzma 
This is only true with multiple blade razors. The blades on a multiblade razor grab the hair, each one progressively pulling the hair out a little bit further, until the last chops it off. The problem with this is that once it is cut, it recedes back underneath the skin. For curly haired fellows like myself, this presents a major problem.
Any razor removes the top layer of skin, not just multiple blade razors.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tsaltzma 
Electrics pose a similar problem. They basically compress the skin in order to expose more of the hair, prior to cutting. Once again, the hair recedes back underneath the skin. I know many people that use electrics with no problem. If you have curly hair though, good luck.
I agree that the shape of the follicles can contribute to ingrown hairs (African Americans have much more problems typically with ingrown hairs than Caucasians for example) but one shouldn't be compressing the skin whether using an electric or regular razor. Stretching possibly, but not compressing or pushing on the skin to shave. Also, I have curly hair and I'm susceptible to ingrown hairs which is why I switched to an electric. It doesn't shave as close as a razor so the hairs don't end up as short as with a razor.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tsaltzma 
With a straight blade or safety razor, there is no pulling. You are cutting the hair that is exposed above the surface. With proper lubrication, and exfoliation, you can get the best possible shave, all with no irritation.
I agree with what your saying about lubrication and preparation, however the razor get right up against the skin. The cutters of an electric have a foil between them and the skin. It just seems obvious to me that one gets a closer shave with a razor and a closer shave begets more of a chance of ingrown hairs. If you're saying the "best possible shave" meaning a closer shave then we're saying the same thing. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one.