Are you tired of dealing with ingrown hairs or razor bumps every time you shave? You're all too familiar with this situation if you have natural or curly hair.
You might be considering electric shavers as a solution and wondering if they can prevent this common shaving dilemma.
Join us as we dive into how electric shavers work, their potential impact on ingrown hairs, and how to prevent these annoying bumps.
Understanding Ingrown Hairs
Razor bumps or ingrown hairs occur when hair cut close to the skin's surface curls and grows back into the skin rather than going out, resulting in sore, swollen, and painful bumps.
The usual causes of razor bumps are:
Curly and coarse hair. Those with curly and coarse hair are more likely to become ingrown as they naturally curl back towards the skin.
Shaving against the grain. Shaving in the opposite direction of your hair growth results in hair cut at an angle that grows back into the skin.
Using dull blades. The pulling and tugging associated with shaving with bull blades results in unevenly cut hair that turns into razor bumps.
Shaving too close (manual razors). Manual razors cut hairs beneath the skin. Hair grows into the skin as a result.
Do Electric Shavers Cause Razor Bumps?
We have a two-pronged answer to this question.
Yes, if you shave with dull blades. The pulling and tugging when using dull blades cut hair unevenly, causing it to grow back into the skin and become razor bumps.
No, as long as you use sharp blades and follow preventive measures like:
Exfoliation. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, oil, and dirt that block pores. Clogged pores make you prone to ingrown hairs.
Pre-shave preparation. Washing your hair with warm water and applying pre-shave oil or shaving products can help soften hair and make it easier to cut with your electric shaver.
Shave with the grain. Shaving in the natural direction of your hair growth can lower the risk of razor bumps.
Moisturizing after shaving. Moisturizing helps soften hair and prevents it from growing back into the skin.
Best Electric Shaver for Ingrown Hairs
Electric shavers have a better chance of reducing or eliminating razor bumps than manual razors because they don't shave as closely as their manual counterparts. There's no direct contact between the blades and the skin when using electric razors. This prevents nicks, cuts, razor burns, and razor bumps.
Electric razors are your best bet if you're looking for shavers that prevent ingrown hairs.
Freebird's FlexSeries is the best electric shaver for ingrown hairs. Its sharp ScalpSafe blades quickly cut coarse, curly hair and are safe for sensitive skin.
The FlexSeries Shaving Kit costs $39.95 and comes with $60 worth of freebies:
Precision Clipper
3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
Nose & Ear Trimmer
Exfoliation Brush
Silicon Scalp Scrubber
Remember that shaving too close may cause razor bumps? If you don't mind a buzz cut with a bit of stubble, Freebird's Beard Series Kit is a good option.
You can also grow and groom that beard you've always thought about. Check out the various beard styles you can choose from.
Bid farewell to Razor Bumps. Get the Beard Series Trimmer Kit Now!
The Bottom Line
While electric shavers are less likely to cause ingrown hairs than manual razors, this is just one piece of the puzzle in preventing ingrown hairs.
To keep your skin free from ingrown hairs, you need a high-quality electric shaver with sharp blades, the right shaving technique, and pre-shave and post-shave care.
To learn more about treating razor bumps, click the link to our comprehensive guide.
FAQs
Are Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps the Same Thing?
While ingrown hairs and razor bumps can be used interchangeably when discussing shaving, ingrown hairs are used for other hair removal methods.
Razor bumps refer specifically to ingrown hairs that arise from shaving, while ingrown hairs can refer to bumps that arise from waxing or tweezing.
How Do You Treat Ingrown Hairs?
Don't pick or squeeze them. This may cause infection and scarring.
Apply a warm compress. A warm compress soothes the skin and may help the hair break through the skin.
Use topical treatments. Over-the-counter salicylic or glycolic acid creams can help exfoliate skin and lower inflammation.
Consult a dermatologist. If treatments don't work and bumps get infected, professional help is needed.
What Shaving Techniques Minimize Ingrown Hairs?
Shaving with the grain using little pressure can lower the chances of getting ingrown hairs.
Can Using an Electric Shaver Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
Yes, an electric shaver can help prevent ingrown hairs compared to manual shavers. Electric shavers do not shave too close or cut hairs beneath the skin like manual razors do, which reduces the chances of hair curling back into the skin.
