Xuenou > Fashion > You’ve been shaving wrong – expert shares how to avoid itchy ingrown hairs
You’ve been shaving wrong – expert shares how to avoid itchy ingrown hairs
You've been shaving wrong – expert shares how to avoid itchy ingrown hairs,Shaving can be a bit of nightmare thanks to ingrown hairs and other itchy mishaps – but an expert at razor company Estrid has saved the day with some handy hair-ridding tips

You’ve been shaving wrong – expert shares how to avoid itchy ingrown hairs

If you shave then you'll be familiar with the downsides of doing so.

Nothing is more irritating than wanting hairless skin but getting ingrown hairs and bumps instead.

It can make many women feel like they want to pack shaving in all together.

READ MORE: You've been making margaritas wrong – expert shares how to nail classic cocktail

However, if you're adamant you want to be fuzz free – without the downsides – then the experts over at Estrid have got you covered.

Charlotte Terling, Head of Product Development at shaving company Estrid, revealed six shaving hacks to eliminate your razor-related woes.

And they're pretty simple to follow.

"The best (and probably most obvious) way to prevent ingrown hair is not to shave at all, however we appreciate that many people want to shave," Charlotte pointed out.

"Therefore, when it comes to preventing ingrown hairs there are a few simple steps you can follow."

woman shaving
Shaving your body hair can become a pain if not done right! (Image: Getty Images/PhotoAlto)

Start Exfoliating

Apparently, dead skin cells are friends of ingrown hairs.

They aid the growth of the irritating hairs which can cause itchy bumps.

The shaving expert urged that exfoliating can be a great way to keep the ingrown hairs at bay, though.

Before you pick up a razor to rid of your hairs, gently exfoliating can minimise your chances of getting the pesky hairs that have grown back into the skin.

"The Fine Sugar Particles in Estrid’s ‘All Glow’d Up Sugar Scrub’ exfoliate your skin gently, without causing any excess irritation," Charlotte explained.

Estrid
An exfoliator – like the sugar scrub – is a good way to prep your skin (Image: Estrid)

Use a Sharp Razor

Another tip to avoid ingrown hairs is to make sure that your razor is sharp – and fresh.

"Your razor should glide like butter over your skin; if it doesn’t, it’s a sign that it’s time to switch blades," Charlotte revealed.

"Estrid’s razors boast five super sharp blades, to give you the closest shave as possible."

The expert added that you should refrain from applying too much pressure when shaving as leaving a "little" stubble could prevent ingrown hairs growing in the "wrong direction."

Shave the Right Way

"The key to the perfect shave, and to avoid pesky ingrown hairs, is shaving the right way," Charlotte urged.

"After exfoliating, apply a lathering shaving cream to the area."

Prepping your skin is key to a good shave to make sure you're lathered up and ready to go.

This will make for a smoother shave!

shaving
Shave in the right direction! (Image: Getty Images/Onoky)

"Hold your skin taut, and then carefully start shaving using short strokes," the expert continued.

"Always rinse your razor after every stroke and always shave in the direction of your hair growth."

Don’t Forget to Moisturise

Moisturising is a good way to keep the ingrown hairs at bay as it reduces the chance of your skin becoming dry and itchy.

The moisturiser helps "soothe and soften" the skin which makes for an easier base to shave on.

Charlotte said: "Estrid’s Body Fluff moisturiser is packed with coconut oil and marshmallow root extract to soothe and soften the skin, as well as helping improve skin elasticity."

Tight and sweaty

Believe it or not, the clothes we wear can have a massive impact on ingrown hairs.

If you often wear skin-tight clothing, then your hair might cause a nightmare.

"Tight clothing anywhere on your body is a no-go for ingrown hair," Charlotte revealed.

"So avoid any tight materials such as lycra or latex.

Estrid
The expert at Estrid voiced the importance of prepping your skin (Image: Estrid)

"The material-to-skin friction causes a sweaty environment which the hair hates, opt for something loose, such as linen instead."

Take a Break

Despite wanting to be fully rid of body hair on a regular, Charlotte expressed that taking a break from shaving is important.

So the best way to avoid ingrown hairs is by not shaving at all!

"We know that many people, especially in the run up to summer, plan on shaving more regularly," the expert said.

"However, if you are really trying to avoid any ingrown hairs, sometimes the best option is laying down the razor and growing hair out!"

Get all the biggest Lifestyle news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the free Daily Star Hot Topics newsletter