I have really thick, course, dark hair on my legs. And ever since I was young and started shaving I have only been able to use an electric razor because everything else causes so much skin irritation. I exfoliate on a very regular basis and have tried every type of cream and lotion to lesson the redness and bumps. Nothing has every helped, ever. I have tried depilatories that didn’t remove much hair. Though it’s been years since I last tried one so maybe they’ve become better. I have tried an epilator and ended up with horrible results, lots and lots of ingrowns and red bumps. I have even tried at home waxing with the same results. And obviously I have tried using just a regular wet razor with no luck either. I can’t afford laser hair removal. I am wondering if it is worth trying to get a professional wax or if I will most likely end up with red bumps and tons of ingrowns like I do everything else? I am soo tired of taking an hour to shave with an electric razor only to be very sharply stubbly a few hours later. And even with the electric razor I end up with some ingrowns but this method certainly provides the least amount of them. Any suggestions? I’m all out.
It is best to get a professional wax because you will not get ingrown hair and if you do it for a while the hair will become thinner and lighter and you can chose to continue or go back to shaving because it would easier seeing as how the hair is less thicker.
Ingrown hairs (also called razor bumps) are unsightly and painful. They result when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. It can cause scarring, redness and swelling (its medical term is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB).
. Treat with active ingredients There are several products tha claim to help treat ingrown hairs but the reality is that Salicylic acid s the one active substance tha can visibly improve razor bumps. It is a dermatological-grade ingredient that exfoliates, moisturizes, clears pores and can help prevent infection. Use a post-shave product with salicylic acid so i remains on your skin the whole day (see below) Use only a non-acnegenic shaving cream specially formulated for sensitive skin, with lots of lubricating agents (foam-based shaving creams can dry and irritate your skin) Do not use any product that has alcohol, it will seriously worsen ngrown hairs by drying the skin and closing the pores Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) is indispensable to manage ingrown hairs. Daily use of a gentle face scrub with glycolic and salicylic acid is particularly effective Use a soft-bristle face brush and liquid cleanser in a circular motion on your beard to dislodge the tips of ingrown hairs, eliminate dead skin cells and clear follicles to allow hairs to surface unimpeded Shaving too closely is one of the triggers for razor bumps.
Here is more info on when your hair grows back thicker. However, this is because when you shave, you grow back thicker and darker. However, this is because when you shave, you are cutting off the thin part of the hair on top of your skin. When it grows are cutting off the thin part of the hair on top of your skin. When it grows back, the thick base part of the hair that was right under your skin is the part that appears as it emerges from your skin. However, after a while it will go back to normal and be a regular thin hair. that appears as it emerges from your skin. However, after a while it will go back to normal and be a regular thin hair It’ll look a bit thicker or darker when you first shave
Comment by Sunshadow20 — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
wax
Comment by (: smile its funny..! — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
Try getting a professional wax and explain to the beautician your problem. If they can’t offer any advice and if you still get the same results, then try going and seeing a skincare professional.
Comment by HesterMofet11 — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
you could be allergic to the metal on the razor or something. maybe use shaving cream? ask a doctor
Comment by short_and_sassy26 — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
hmm. did u try cleaning the razor with rubbing achohol each time before shaving ur legs? i hav ingrowns too, i still gotta try that
Comment by Heyy you! — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
I would talk to a dermatologist because it sounds like the problem you’re experiencing stems from extremely sensitive skin. Soaking the area before you shave for a pretty good amount of time also wouldn’t hurt. Additionally, I would be careful about which types of moisturizers and creams you are using. They might be making the problem worse. Because your skin seems so sensitive, the lotions may be irritating your skin before you even begin to shave. But like I said, consulting a skincare professional would probably be your best option before you continue to try new things.
Comment by Morphine — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
Always shave in the direction that the hair grows. Never shave against the hair. I did that once and the results were horrendous. Your red bumps could be a reaction to the products you are using and not the action of shaving. I was the same way. Skintimate shave cream was horrible for me. I finally found a men’s shave cream for sensitive skin. AND a men’s razor, I’ve found is better, as well.
If you don’t think that changing the products could help you, maybe you should consult a dermatologist.
Comment by Kristina — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
Sounds like you have VERY sensitive skin. Try using the Gillette Venus disposable line. I have extremely sensitive skin too. If you can, try a professional wax. Believe me it’s worth it, but do it with someone whose clientele you know. Ask around. You can also try a calming, anti-irritation cream for right after shaving. Ask your pharmacist. There are many over-the-counter ones. Good luck. If things don’t improve, see a dermatologist
Comment by Har — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
I recommend that you try the homemade version of Tendskin. I have only tried the brand name, but it’s way overpriced for what it is. The "recipe" is:
Solution 1:
18 tablets uncoated aspirin, crushed
5 oz. rubbing alcohol
Combine.
Solution 2:
8 tablets uncoated aspirin, crushed
2.5 oz. witch hazel
Combine.
Now combine the two solutions. The aspirin will settle a bit, so shake it before use.
Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and apply to the area once per day, and after hair removal.
This makes a lot, so if you’re decent with math (or just use a measurement conversion calculator on the internet), you can figure out how to make a smaller amount to try it first.
Note that the active ingredient here is aspirin, which is a acetylated salicylate, like the salicylic acid mentioned above.
You also may need a gentler shaving cream. Definitely do not use the ones made for women, they are junk. The most gentle one I have ever tried is Peter Thomas Roth Modern Classic Shave Cream (not to be confused with PTR 21st Century Shave Cream). Getting professionally waxed will probably result in a similar reaction as epilating, no matter what they tell you.
There are also razors specifically made for people prone to ingrown hairs. They are marketed towards black men, simply because that is a common problem for many. They do not shave quite as close to the skin, which helps to prevent the hair from becoming ingrown. Your legs won’t be completely smooth, but that isn’t much different than using an electric razor, and it probably takes much less time.
Comment by wilson — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
Shaving sounds like an issue. Most modern razors tend to cause ingrown hairs, especially if you’re using the multi-bladed razors. What’s causing you’re ingrown hairs is the razor is cutting the hair below your skin, and your hair is getting bunched up when it tries to grow out. Waxing is causing the same issue. When hair is severed from below the skin it can become ingrown.
Try to find some single or double bladed safety razors and see if that helps. The other options are old Double Edged razors or a Straight Razor. These two razors require practice and skill to shave with, but they will not shave below the skin, and therefore providing you with a razor bump free experience. Although these razors are typically associated with males, there’s not reason a female can’t use them. I have shaved my girlfriends legs with a straight razor before, and she remarked on how much better the shave felt, and how much better her legs looked.
You should also keep in mind that shaving exfoliates. So don’t over exfoliate. Also, proper hair prep with create a smoother shaving experience, and is healthier for your skin. Put soap on your legs immediately, and let it stay for a few minutes. This softens the hair. Make sure plenty of hot water comes into contact with the area you intend to shave. Also putting a conditioner on your hair, prior to shaving will work wonders.
Lastly, you should pay attention to your grain. You might be shaving against the grain needlessly, which causes irritation. The above prep will allow you to get a smoother shave with the grain, and across the grain, so you might find that against the grain is unnecessary.
Comment by Jamison — December 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm