Reducing Irritation

• Friction may be the culprit of some ingrown hairs, according to MayoClinic.com. Reducing friction irritation by adjusting a shaver to cut the hair a little longer may not produce a super smooth shave, but it might prevent follicle irritation.
  
  Pull the razor only one time, in the direction of the natural hair growth, to reduce the likelihood of developing ingrown hairs. If you shave the same spot numerous times, you're more likely to aggravate the hair follicles. Use a lubricating shaving cream to encourage the razor to glide effortlessly over the skin, reducing nicks (Reference 2). In addition, use only a sharp razor blade to reduce scratching and skin surface damage.
  
  

Before Shaving

• Use a body scrub cleanser or a loofah to smooth and remove dead skin cells. Alternately, you can mix your own gentle exfoliating formula, according to HairChick.com, by combining 1 tsp. of baking soda with a little liquid soap and gently massaging the skin, rinsing thoroughly before shaving (Reference 3).
  
  

After Shaving

• Applying a topical toner or antiseptic, such as witch hazel after shaving, may reduce surface bacteria and eliminate ingrown hairs. In addition, washing the area with an antibacterial soap may help.
  A dab of over-the-counter cortisone cream, like Cortaid, may reduce skin swelling and promote healing (Reference 1).
  
  

Clothing

• Wear clothing that does not rub or restrict your movement, especially in areas where the hair is thick or curly, such as the groin and underarms. In addition, choose fabrics that breathe, such as cotton, to allow moisture to evaporate from the skin's surface.