Shave it for later.
Tired of post-shave bumps, redness and those pesky ingrown hairs?
TikTok dermatologist Dr. Samantha Ellis is spilling her secrets to banishing them — and it’s downright opposite to what you’d expect.
“One of the first things I’m going to ask you, as a dermatologist, is do you use a razor with a lot of blades?” she said in her viral clip, which has earned 7.8 million views and 342,000 likes.
Many women gravitate toward multi-blade razors because they deliver a closer, smoother shave in fewer passes — ideal for covering larger areas like legs, underarms and bikini lines quickly and efficiently.
But, according to Ellis, they’re also a recipe for ingrown hairs.
“If you are prone to ingrown hairs, it’s a no,” she said.
“The first blade that crosses your hair actually lifts or pulls the hair up out of the follicle so the next blade can cut it, but then because that hair was pulled up, it sinks down below the surface of the skin, so when your hair goes to grow back up again, it gets trapped and becomes ingrown.”
To avoid this skincare disaster, she recommends a somewhat more classic and effective option.
“If you’re getting those itchy, red annoying post-shave bumps, may I suggest a single blade razor?” she advises.
“Still a very close shave but with a whole lot less irritation.”
Here are a few more expert tips for preventing those pesky post‑shave bumps and ingrown hairs:
Shaving at the end of a warm shower — or applying a hot, damp cloth for a few minutes — loosens the hairs and swells them up, which reduces the chance they’ll curl back under the skin.
Use a gentle cleanser first. Choose a non‑comedogenic cleanser to clear away dead skin cells and oils that can clog follicles.
Go with the grain. Always shave in the direction of hair growth; it significantly lowers irritation and the risk of ingrowns — even if it doesn’t feel as smooth.
Less pressure, more control. Light strokes are best — pressing hard or stretching the skin can increase micro‑cuts and inflammation
Blade upkeep matters. Replace single‑blade razors every 5 to 7 shaves — or sooner if dull. Dull blades tug and irritate the skin.
Rinse regularly. Wash your blade between strokes to avoid clogging and pulling.
Chill it out. Rinse with cold water or apply a cool compress to close pores and calm inflammation.
Protect and hydrate. Use a fragrance‑free, alcohol‑free moisturizer or splash on witch hazel for its soothing, astringent benefits.
Gently exfoliate. Two or three times per week, use chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid — or mild, physical scrubs — to help hairs break through the skin rather than become trapped.
Give your skin a break. Stop shaving until any bumps have healed to break the cycle. Ingrowns typically clear within roughly three months.
Skip tight clothes post‑shave. Avoid friction from snug fabrics for a day or two after shaving — especially in areas like the bikini line or neck.
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