The easiest way to prevent ingrown leg hair is to stop removing hair from your legs. Barring that, however, you may find that using a chemical hair remover or an electric razor may help. If you choose to shave with the blade type of razor, it is usually helpful to make sure the razor is sharp and clean, as dull razors contribute to the problem. Softening the skin beforehand and shaving in the direction of hair growth may prove helpful as well.
One way to prevent ingrown leg hair is to stop shaving. Instead of removing your hair with razors, you may consider using a depilatory cream. This may cut down on how frequently you develop ingrown hair on the legs. It is important to note, however, that opting to use a depilatory may not leave you completely free of ingrown leg hair. Some people find that they develop at least some ingrown hair no matter what method they use, and using chemicals to remove hair from the legs sometimes proves irritating.
You may also try changing razors to prevent ingrown leg hair. Instead of using the typical type of razor, you may switch to an electric razor. Some people find that they develop fewer ingrown hairs on their legs when they opt to use an electric razor instead of the blade type of razor. If you decide to try this, it is usually best to avoid using the razor on its closest setting, as this may contribute to the problem.
If you prefer to use a non-electric razor to shave your legs, you can still prevent ingrown leg hair. To do so, it is usually best to use a clean, sharp razor to shave your legs. Razors that are dull may increase the likelihood that you will cut yourself and develop ingrown hairs. Opting for a single-blade razor may also help with prevention.
The direction in which you shave may also prove important when you want to prevent ingrown leg hairs. It is usually best to shave in the direction in which your hair naturally grows. This helps to prevent the hair from curling back into itself as it grows. Avoiding very close shaves may also help. Additionally, it is usually best to avoid pulling the skin of your leg taught as you shave, as doing so may contribute to the development of ingrown leg hairs.
You may also work to prevent ingrown leg hair before you start removing hair from your legs. Softening the skin in the area may help. For example, you may choose to take a warm bath or shower before shaving to help prevent ingrown hairs. Using a moisturizing shaving gel or cream may help as well. If you run out of shaving gel or cream, you can use soap instead, but you may do well to avoid using soap for shaving on a regular basis, as it has a drying effect on the skin.
