Do Safety Razors Reduce Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hairs are an ongoing issue for many of us. To some extent, they’re inevitable and since we all get them, we shouldn’t worry too much!

However, for those that suffer badly or are particularly concerned about ingrown hairs, there are strategies for reducing them.

As we all probably know, ingrown hairs frequently occur after shaving.

By changing your shaving routine and equipment, you’ll be able to successfully reduce the chance of ingrown hairs. You may have heard good things about safety razors, posing the question do safety razors reduce ingrown hairs?

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hairs are caused when a hair breaks or is cut unevenly in the hair follicle. This causes the hair to grow in the wrong direction, pushing against the skin. In the end, this can cause redness, inflammation and sometimes, infection. Ingrown hairs can easily turn into zits or white-heads.

Not everyone’s hair grows in the same way and some people may have thicker hair that causes worse problems. Also, curly hair can grow less predictably and may also more likely to turn ingrown. Even so, ingrown hairs are experienced by all of us and they can crop up nearly anywhere on the body.

The Link Between Ingrown Hairs and Shaving

Shaving is a leading cause of ingrown hairs in both men and women. Razorblades can cut hairs uncleanly, leaving them jagged and more likely to turn ingrown.

The problem is worse the blunter the razor is. A sharp razor blade should cut hairs cleanly and at the appropriate angle but a blunt one can rip and tear at the hair.

The Problem with Conventional Razors

Conventional razors are often marketed as providing a better shave because they have more blades. In reality, you only need 1 sharp blade to cut a tiny hair! All these additional razors do is cause more friction meaning greater razor burn and a higher chance of ingrown hairs!

In conventional razors that feature, 3, 4, 6 or even more blades, you’re vastly increasing the chance that you’ll cut a hair unevenly.

Do Safety Razors Reduce Ingrown Hairs?

Safety razors use 1 super-sharp blade. Truth be told, that is all you need. Extra blades = increased chance of ingrown hairs.

They do require some practice but once you’ve got your technique dialled in, you’ll find your shaves are totally transformed.

Safety razors don’t just help with ingrown hairs but all types of irritation including razor burn and other shaving-related redness.

To get the most out of your safety razor, be sure to partner it with a shaving brush!