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Ingrown Hairs

post #1 of 23
9/10/06 at 2:38pm
Thread Starter 
I'm an African-American with a pretty bad PFB problem... that being said, I typically avoid shaving for as long as possible because inevitably, every time I do, I get a crapload of ingrown hairs/unsightly razor bumps. I've come to the conclusion that I'd be much happier with 5 o'clock shadow than razor bumps; I'm looking for a razor (or clippers) that I can use that won't shave me as cleanly, if that makes any sense.. I'm not sure where one would find this. Also, I'm looking for recommendations for a aftershave with salicylic acid in it. I currently use Chanel face products that for the most part, keep my acne reined in, but don't help at all with the ingrown hairs. Thanks.
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post #2 of 23
9/10/06 at 3:16pm
Razor called Bump Figheter (i prefer disposable to cartridges). Use TendSkin after shave. Moisturize! If you cant use a razor there is electric trimmer, Andis Outliner Trimmer but it doesn't compare to razor. Also shaving everyday seems to help. Everyone's different. Good luck
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post #3 of 23
9/10/06 at 9:18pm
Have you tried applying a moisturizer, before you shave? I learned this, via American Psycho. It really does help. I apply an Avon product that I really like, let it sink into my skin after showering, say for ten minutes, then apply lather, atop the moisturizer. Much smoother going, with the razor.

For eruptions, Queen Helene original mint julep masque, is the best thing I've ever used.
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post #4 of 23
9/11/06 at 10:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kronik
I'm an African-American with a pretty bad PFB problem... that being said, I typically avoid shaving for as long as possible because inevitably, every time I do, I get a crapload of ingrown hairs/unsightly razor bumps.

I've come to the conclusion that I'd be much happier with 5 o'clock shadow than razor bumps; I'm looking for a razor (or clippers) that I can use that won't shave me as cleanly, if that makes any sense.. I'm not sure where one would find this. Also, I'm looking for recommendations for a aftershave with salicylic acid in it.

I currently use Chanel face products that for the most part, keep my acne reined in, but don't help at all with the ingrown hairs.

Thanks.


Normally, ingrown hairs come from getting too close of a shave. Some peoples skin is more susceptible to ingrown hairs also.

A razor shaves much closer than an electric shaver so using an electric shaver sometimes eliminates ingrown hairs.
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post #5 of 23
9/11/06 at 11:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tck13
A razor shaves much closer than an electric shaver so using an electric shaver sometimes eliminates ingrown hairs.
This is right. And using a beard/mustache trimmer with no guard will give you an even less close shave, but perhaps a shave that might be an acceptibly close alternative to a beard or scruffyness
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post #6 of 23
9/11/06 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hobo
This is right. And using a beard/mustache trimmer with no guard will give you an even less close shave, but perhaps a shave that might be an acceptibly close alternative to a beard or scruffyness

I've done that before but my current job won't allow it.

Wahl used to make a shaver specifically for this purpose but I don't think they make it anymore, unfortunately.
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post #7 of 23
9/11/06 at 12:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tck13
I've done that before but my current job won't allow it.

Wahl used to make a shaver specifically for this purpose but I don't think they make it anymore, unfortunately.
I have one from wahl that fits this description that I purchased at Target maybe a year ago.
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post #8 of 23
9/11/06 at 12:25pm
Kiehls makes a blue moisturizer that contains salicylic acid. I use it and like it. It's not an "aftershave" per se, but I use it as one.

It might help to shave more often. The act of shaving itself exfoliates your skin and might release ingrowns. I typically get more ingrowns if I skip a couple of days shaving than when I'm shaving everyday.

Which razor are you using? Consider switching to a razor with less blades, and shave with the grain instead of against or across. And switch blades often.
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post #9 of 23
9/11/06 at 12:49pm
Have you consulted with a dermatologist who specializes in skin care for African Americans? I know a few people who have gone to Dr Susan Taylor in Philly and been amazed at the results she's achieved for them.

Generally speaking, the advice to change razor blades very frequently is very sound. Are there perhaps some shaving creams for sensitive skin?
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post #10 of 23
9/11/06 at 12:51pm
Use two separate razors to shave -- the multi-blade one (Mach 3, etc.) for cheeks/chin and a cheap SINGLE-blade razor by Bic for your neck. For the neck, always shave with the grain. Finally, I have found Aveeno shaving cream (I get mine at CVS) to be fantastic. Neutrogena makes a good one too.
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post #11 of 23
9/11/06 at 1:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kronik
I'm an African-American with a pretty bad PFB problem... that being said, I typically avoid shaving for as long as possible because inevitably, every time I do, I get a crapload of ingrown hairs/unsightly razor bumps. I've come to the conclusion that I'd be much happier with 5 o'clock shadow than razor bumps; I'm looking for a razor (or clippers) that I can use that won't shave me as cleanly, if that makes any sense.. I'm not sure where one would find this. Also, I'm looking for recommendations for a aftershave with salicylic acid in it. I currently use Chanel face products that for the most part, keep my acne reined in, but don't help at all with the ingrown hairs. Thanks.
Kronik, There's some good advice dispensed here. I get ingrowns, too. I've tried everything from Magic Shave to Bump Fighter. I've been experimenting with the Xtreme 3 blade disposable, but find the Shick Slim Twin works well for me. My brother uses a single-blade safety razor (the Art of Shaving carries one currently) and swears by it. A straight razor is supposed to be the shit, but who has the skill or time for that? Lately I've been using a pre-shave oil, which seems to set the beard up nicely and leaves my face in better shape after regular, daily shaving. After shaving I use an alum block which closes pores and takes care of nicks. It also seems to help with the bumps, too. L'Oreal has a line of men's skin care called ADS (Active Defense System) which helps with razor bumps. Tend Skin, as previously mentioned, does a great job, too. Oh! forgot about these. . . Zirh has a face wash with salacylic acid. In addition, the Art of Shaving has an Ingrown Hair Night Cream made with willow bark extract, which has salacilin (a product of salacylate, which also produces salacylic acid). This works well. Put it on at night for a week and the bumps are gone. Use it as needed.
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post #12 of 23
9/11/06 at 1:24pm
Here are some new products I recently saw on www.mensessentials.com

Link

Link
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post #13 of 23
9/11/06 at 6:44pm
Salicylic acid and a change of razors are good ideas, but also consider using alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. That will exfoliate the skin, making it softer. It's probably better to use at night, because it increases sun sensitivity. (Caution - "Do not exfoliate the skin if you already have ingrown hairs because skin irritation may occur.)Or, like the previous reply pointed out, you could use an exfoliating scrub before you shave.
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post #14 of 23
7/9/08 at 4:17pm
You gotta check this stuff out : BUMP DOWN. Works amazing. I've been using it for like a year now, no more razor bumps, redness, ingrown hairs, nothing. Straight up smooth skin.
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post #15 of 23
7/10/08 at 2:56pm
another +1 for tendskin
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