I get ingrown hairs all over my neck from shaving. I use a cheap
razor, and I haven't been bothering to use aftershave, so maybe this
is my problem. Are there any particular types or brands of razors
which are best for stopping ingrown hairs? Is there any particular
aftershave I should be using, or is it just a matter of being sure to
use some kind of aftershave? Is there anything else I could be doing
to fix it? Would switching brands of shaving cream help?

gremlin..

Thank you for your question.  First, please remember that answers and
comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are
not intended to substitute for informed professional medical advice. 
You should consult a medical professional for advice and
recommendations.

There can be any number of causes of ingrown hairs, or
pseudofolliculitis.  The basic cause is the hair eithe grows and curls
back on itself or the hair is trapped under the skin.  There are
several ways to you can prevent ingrown hairs:

1)  While probably not an option, if you stop shaving, typically, the
hair will pop back out.
2)  Try using shaving gel instead of shaving cream as they are
typically less irritating to the skin
3)  Shave in the direction of the hair growth instead of "against the
grain" and don't stretch the skin while shaving

Also, daily care of the skin can help as well.  From
YourSkinDoctor.com:

"There is more than one treatment for this condition. Determine the
treatment that “fits” your skin type.  Give the treatment at least six
weeks to determine its effectiveness.  If darker pigmentation is
present, apply a bleaching agent (lightening gel) twice daily to the
dark areas.

Oily Skin: Use a beta-hydroxy acid wash twice daily.   A beta-hydroxy
acid lotion should then be applied in the morning with the addition of
a retinol in the evening. Anti-inflammatory creams can be used if
needed for irritation.

Normal to Dry Skin: Use a mild soap twice daily.  A mild benzoyl
peroxide lotion is then applied at bedtime.  Some people add a retinol
to this regimen but it can be over-drying. Anti-inflammatory creams
can be used for any irritation.

Sensitive Skin: Use a mild soap twice daily. Depilatories (hair
removers) can be used and are very gentle to the skin.   Barium
sulfide powder depilatories seem to be the best. An alternative
depilatory is calcium thioglycolate that is also effective.
Anti-inflammatory creams can be used for any irritation.
As in any persistent condition, daily maintenance is a must.  If
conservative treatments are ineffective, you should consult your
dermatologist."
INGROWN HAIRS
http://www.yourskindoctor.com/ingrown_hairs.html

I hope you find the above information helpful.  If you need any
additional clarification, please let me know.

Regards,

-THV

Search Strategy:
ingrown hairs

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Request for Answer Clarification by gremlin-ga on 30 Dec 2002 23:23 PST

Could the fact that I've been using a cheap razor be part of the problem?

Will using aftershave help, and, if so, are any particular brands best?

---

Clarification of Answer by tar_heel_v-ga on 31 Dec 2002 08:10 PST

gremlin..

Actually, from research I have done, it appears that very sharp razors
can possibly lead to more ingrown hairs as razors tend to cut the
hairs at a sharp angle, like a spear, which tends to make them curve
back in.  Tryu using an electric razor as they don't cut at as much of
an angle.  If you must use a razor, try to steer away from a double-
or triple- blade type.

Regarding aftershave, that will have no effect on the shave bumps and
may actually worsen them as the majority of aftershaves are
astringents which cause the pores to tighten or close, hence the
stinging sensation.

Along with the links I have alread provided, you can take a look at
The Skin Site, http://www.skinsite.com/info_pseudofolliculitis_barbae.htm,
for more information.

Thanks!

-THV

Dear Gremlin:

There are many online advertisements for products which could help
this condition as well as reimforcements to the advice published by
tar-heel v in your official answer. You may wish to check these out
at:

http://www.bioskincare.com/e-ingrown-hair.htm

http://www.princereigns.com/tips.htm

http://abateit.com/irritations.htm

http://www.zirh.com/skin_faqs.asp

Good luck with solving this annoying problem...

seedy

Seedy,

It's very easy to find online advertisements. The problem is that the
advertisements drown out the reliable information in my google
searches. I could experiment with all of these possible solutions on
my own, but this would be very time consuming. That's why I'm using
google answers instead.

You're right to be concerned!I have a full beard and seldom shave and
ended up in the emergency room of the local hospital with an ingrown
hair.The doctor said it was common and can be life threatening ,if the
hair becomes infected.This is no joke ,you may want to consult your MD
or better still a skin or throat specialist.

Shaving against the grain is listed as one of the causes, and I've
read that shaving *down* is going against the grain on your neck (up
is against the grain on your face).  Try shaving down your face, and
up your neck to see if that makes a difference.

http://www.marshmallow.co.uk/info/shave.htm

"Men: shaving ‘with the grain’ normally means downwards on cheeks,
chin and moustache area, upwards on the neck – don’t press too hard
with your razor, especially around the sensitive neck area."

Princereigns works superbly well, I used it and within 2 days my
ingrown hairs were gone and the bumps smoothed down. I was plesantly
surprised but it got better, after using it for 1 week my dark spots
abd blemishes went away and I was elated. I cant say enough about this
product. I hope you give it a try.