We often receive questions from men with kinky hair: "What is the best way to shave my beard without razor irritation and those annoying ingrown hairs?" In this blog, we explain the best shaving method for shaving a kinky beard. Which type of razor is best to use and which aftershave treatment helps prevent razor irritation and ingrown hairs.
If you have kinky or very curly hair, shaving can be a source of frustration. The natural curl pattern of the beard hair makes the skin extra sensitive to razor bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae) and ingrown hairs. After shaving, the hair curls back into the skin and causes irritation.
The right preparation is half the work
Like many things in life, it all starts with good preparation. Use a pre-shave cream or oil before shaving. Apply it to the skin, do not rinse off. The shaving foam goes on top of the pre-shave. The pre-shave treatment softens the beard hairs and provides extra protection for the skin.
Prevent ingrown beard hairs by wet shaving
Classic wet shaving with a shaving brush and shaving soap is the best remedy against ingrown hairs. Wet shaving is the most comfortable way to shave. It offers the best skin protection and softens the beard hairs. Wet the skin with warm water, optionally use a pre-shave, and apply the shaving foam with a shaving brush. Lather the shaving soap on the face for at least 1 minute. This softens the beard hairs and makes them stand more upright. Always use shaving soap or shaving cream for wet shaving. These shaving products create a rich, protective lather and optimally protect the skin during shaving.
Shave with the safety razor
The type of razor you use is crucial. Avoid multi-blade razors with multiple blades. These razors partly lift the beard hairs and often cut the hairs too short. This significantly increases the risk of ingrown hairs.
The safety razor is the best razor against ingrown beard hairs. A sharp, single blade cuts the hair at the right height without cutting too deep into the skin. Make sure to replace the blade regularly to prevent irritation from dull blades.
The right shaving technique
How you shave is just as important:
- Shave in the direction of hair growth. Do not shave against the grain. Shaving against the grain increases the chance of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Shave only in the direction the hairs grow, even if this results in a less smooth finish.
- Do not press too hard with the razor on the skin and do not pull the skin too tight while shaving. Pulling the skin too tight risks the beard hairs retracting under the skin surface, causing them to ingrow faster.
- Shave with smooth and gentle movements and avoid shaving back and forth too much on the same spot.
- Always use clean and sharp blades. After shaving, clean the razor well and store it dry.
Aftershave treatment and prevention of ingrown hairs
After shaving, you need to calm and care for the skin. Rinse the skin with cold water after shaving and care for it with an alcohol-free aftershave balm. Use an aftershave balm with soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, or Tea Tree oil.
The most powerful treatment against razor bumps and ingrown beard hairs is an anti-ingrown hair gel. These special gels often contain acetylsalicylic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid and exfoliate the skin. This makes the skin slightly softer and allows ingrown beard hairs to come free more easily. You can apply these shaving products immediately or a few minutes after shaving. After a few minutes, it soothes the skin and relieves razor irritation. You can also apply it in the evening. The product can then work all night. Your skin is more or less prepared for the next morning’s shave.
If you suffer from ingrown hairs, exfoliate or scrub your skin 1 to 2 times a week. Not more often and not right before or after shaving. By exfoliating or scrubbing, you effectively remove dead skin cells so that ingrown hairs can come loose more easily.
By consistently following these steps, razor bumps and ingrown hairs will gradually reduce or disappear.
