has anyone in the history of the world ever found a product that
really helps with ingrown hairs on the fcae. so many boast that they
solve this annoying condition but i have not found any that work. also
what is the best electrci razor for the closest shave?

Hi,

I have curly hair, and so I also have problems with "razor bumps,"
especially on my neck.  I have researched this quite a bit, and I have
discovered that there are some depilatory (hair removal) powders
marketed principally to African-Americans that are supposed to work by
removing the hair at the root so you do not have to shave it off and
it will not grow back so quickly (thus eliminating the bump).  I have
never tried these powders, though, because the container has warnings
about irritation and rash, and that would be worse that bumps.

Here's what I do to deal with the problem.  First, let your beard grow
three or four days without shaving (a long weekend is good) to let all
the bumps grow out.  If you have any ingrown whiskers, gently "unfold"
them or pluck them with good tweezers.  Then, shave with a good
quality blade, hot water (steamy shower), and a good nick-reducing
shaving cream like Edge gel Extra Protection Against Nicks and Cuts
(that's what it says on the purplish can).  Shave as closely as you
can--I actually go three directions on my neck--a downward stroke
(re-lather), a upward stoke (re-lather), and then a forward stroke
going from the back forward toward my Adam's Apple.  I then check for
missed spots and shave against the grain on any rough patches.

Then during the week, I shave every day with an electric razor
(Norelco works fine for me), again getting as close as I can.  I find
that this method reduces shaving bumps dramatically.  I still
occasionally get one, but I remove it when I repeat the tweezer/lather
shave process outlined above.

Good luck!  If you try one of those depilatory powders, let me know
how it works for you.

Hello there mickey_one-ga.

At one time I had a great problem with ingrown hairs.  My face looked
like the surface of Mars and everyone noticed and commented on it.  I
visited a skin specialist and they prescribed some medication which I
took and took.  Nothing happened.  So I visited a second skin doctor
and they just simply gave me some soap called Oilatum.  I began using
this soap and every single ingrown hair disappeared. It has now been
about 6 years since my last ingrown hair.  I can shave however and
with whatever I so desire; it makes no diffreence.  However, I also
follow a few extra guidelines:  I never ever touch my face with any
facecloth or towel.  I lather my face with clean hands using the
Oilatum soap, rince with water and allow my face to air dry.  I also
keep my Oilatum bar off limits to anyone else.  Oilatum soap can be
obtained over the counter at most drugstores.  Please get back to me
if this works for you.  Give yourself 3-4 weeks.  Trent.

Thanks, Trent!  I will try Oilatum, too.  Never heard of it, but it
sounds far easier than my involved shaving routine!

Regards,
IPFan

Here's the Oilatum Product Line:
http://www.oilatum.co.uk/consumer/adult/products.asp

It can be purchased online here:
http://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/search.basic.asp?search=basic&searchtype=name&searchname=oilatum