Switch to a single-blade safety razor or electric razor

Multi-blade cartridge razors lift and cut hair below the skin surface, which is a leading cause of ingrown hairs. Switching to a single-blade safety razor or an electric razor reduces how far below the skin hair is cut, significantly lowering ingrown hair risk.

Why It Works

Multi-blade razors use a "lift and cut" mechanism — the first blade pulls the hair, subsequent blades slice it below the skin line, where it can curl back into the follicle. A single-blade safety razor cuts hair at or just below the surface without the multi-pass lift effect. Electric razors cut slightly above the skin surface, virtually eliminating ingrown hairs at the cost of a less-close shave.

Tips

• Safety razors have a learning curve of 3-5 shaves to master the 30-degree blade angle and light pressure
• Safety razor blades cost roughly $0.10-0.25 each vs. $2-5 per cartridge, saving significant money long term
• Electric razors work best for people who shave daily and prioritize speed and comfort over closeness
• Foil-style electric razors generally give a closer shave than rotary models