Please provide some do's and don'ts on reducing ingrown hairs.

If: If ingrown hair is a problem, think laser hair removal.

Ignore: Prevent ingrown hairs around the genitals by not shaving. Try laser or electrolysis instead.

Ignore: Use a wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliate before shaving.

Ignore: Wash skin with soap and water then rinse off before applying gel shaving cream.

Ignore: No shaving if you form ingrown hairs! Use clippers/trimmers. Consider permanent laser hair removal.

Ignore: Exfoliate--use a loofa or other scrub to help keep the dead skin layer from blocking hair follicles.

Ignore: Shave with the grain of the hair and not against. Consider not shaving at all.

If: If you have ingrown hairs after a hair transplant, contact your surgeon to have them released.

Ignore: Using adequate lubrication when shaving helps.

Ignore: DO shave in the same direction your hair is growing and use as few strokes of the razor as possible.

Ignore: Trim hair not too close to skin. Lose fat and extra skin in groin and under arms. Use new razors.

Ignore: To reduce ingrown hairs shave downward with the angle of the hair, or clip hairs instead of shaving.

Ignore: Do use single blade razor Do use shaving gel Do use hydroxy acids Do consider laser hair removal.

Ignore: Salicylic acid is the only active substance that visibly improves razor bumps.

Ignore: Cutting hair instead of shaving may prevent ingrown hair.

Ignore: Don't shave as closely in the sensitive areas. Try an electric shaver in a less close setting.

Insure: Insure you use fresh, sharp blades if you shave.

Topical: Topical steroids may reduce inflammation in area of ingrown hairs.

Oral: Oral antibiotics may used for infected INGROWN HAIRS.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIRS- the best solution may be to allow hairs to grow out (as in a beard).

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – avoid dull razors at all costs.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION - Single –bladed razors are preferable.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – use an exfoliating scrub to bring up ingrown hairs.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – rub skin in circles with moist washcloth to bring ingrown hairs to surface.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION - apply cool/cold washcloth to skin after shaving.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION - It is best to leave some stubble on skin when shaving.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – don’t shave snuggly with your electric razor.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – consider electrolysis to permanently remove hair.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – some use depilatory products to dissolve hair.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIRs- your physician may release hair with blade or needle when there is infection.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION - use adequate soap, gel or shaving cream.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION - consider use of a bear trimmer instead of shaving.

INGROWN: INGROWN PREVENTION - avoid applying too much pressure or it can cut the hair below epidermis.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – Don’t shave against the direction of hair growth.

Consider: Consider using a soft bristled brush to gently tease ingrown hairs from under the skin.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – aim to leave 1 to 2 mm of stubble when shaving.

Skin: Skin discoloration from INGROWN HAIRS may be treated with hydroquinone.

Skin: Skin discoloration from INGROWN HAIRS may be treated with OTC fading creams.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – consider use of topical hair-growth inhibitor cream.

INGROWN: INGROWN HAIR PREVENTION – consider exfoliating twice a day.

Ignore: Always let ingrown hair grow until it is shown visable out of skin before removing hair.