Ingrown facial hairs are a serious problem for many men. Instead of growing out of the skin, hair follicles on the face and neck curl and grow back into the skin. Not only do they cause pain and discomfort, but they can also be unsightly--and left untreated, they may continue to grow. Instead of constantly fighting ingrown facial hair, cut them off at the source! Try some of these important tips to prevent the growth of ingrown facial hair. 

Warm Your Face Before Shaving

Wet your face with warm water as you stand over the sink--or shave in the shower to help make it easier. The water will help smooth the razor's path over your skin, and the warmth is not just soothing: it also helps keep those follicles open. Avoid the urge to dry shave, which isn't just uncomfortable, but can also cause increased discomfort and a greater risk of ingrown hairs. 

Use a Natural Shave Gel or Shaving Cream

Chemical-laden products or products with harsh ingredients can increase irritation and leave your face feeling rough and raw--not to mention increasing the odds of ingrown hairs. Instead, consider using natural products to shave. Solo Noir, for example, offers a wide range of natural products that are designed to create a smoother shave. 

Exfoliate

Many men have already figured out that using an exfoliating face wash--ideally one designed specifically for men--is one of the best ways to get a smoother shave the day you shave your face. If you want to keep that smooth feeling and avoid ingrown hairs and razor bumps, then here’s another important strategy to add to your arsenal: Exfoliate a few days after your shave. In the day or two immediately following shaving, you may notice that your skin is more sensitive--not the best time to exfoliate. But about three days after shaving, your skin has had a chance to heal and the hair is starting to grow out again. During this stage, it's important to exfoliate again to help prevent hair from curling back into your skin, creating those painful bumps. 

Use a Fresh, Sharp Blade

Whenever you shave, check the sharpness of your blade. If it is starting to get dull, you're not going to get a clean shave. You'll probably end up going back over the skin several times, leaving your skin irritated, uncomfortable, and more prone to develop ingrown hairs. Instead, keep an eye on your razor blade, and make sure you change it regularly. Sure, it can be expensive to constantly change your blades, but putting off that simple maintenance step can leave your skin feeling uncomfortable and raw--not to mention increasing your risk of ingrown hairs and, therefore, discomfort even days after your shave. 

Shave the Right Way

Instead of shaving against the grain, try shaving in the direction your hair grows. While this may mean that you have to shave a little more often to keep up with hair growth, it can also lead to softer, smoother-feeling skin and a lower risk for ingrown hairs in general. Exercise a little more care around sensitive, curved areas of your face. 

Take Care of Ingrown Facial Hairs Fast

If you do notice ingrown hairs starting to develop, take care of them fast! Use a pair of tweezers to catch hold of the hair and lift it to the surface of your skin, where your razor can cut it off when you shave. You should avoid pulling ingrown hairs out completely if possible: tweezing can increase the risk of future infection and discomfort. 

It's time to take charge of your skin care and start avoiding ingrown hairs. With these simple steps, you can get that smooth shave and ongoing great skin you've always hoped for.