It will also help you apply less pressure on the razor handle when shaving which will cut down on irritation.

Wash Your Face

You’re probably used to saving your daily face wash till the end of your bathroom routine, but when it comes to preventing ingrown hairs it pays to start with a scrub.

“Washing your face with a gentle cleanser will not only soften the beard hairs and make them easier to cut,” says Vanoosthuyze, “but the rubbing action of your hand can also help release trapped or ingrown hairs.”

Use A Foam Or Gel

Just like a soldier never goes into battle without his armor, you need to give your skin a barrier to help protect yourself against that barrage of blades.

“Apply plenty of shave foam or gel,” says Vanoosthuyze. “This provides a protective layer and improves razor glide for a smoother, more comfortable shave.

” Ingrown hairs are particularly common around the neck area where the hair lies flat making it difficult for the blade to slice off the follicle cleanly. Consider a shaving cream whipped up into a lather on your face with a badger-hair brush for this conundrum, the circular motion helping to lift these hairs, before you slice them off.

Replace Your Blades

“Always use a sharp blade and replace it at the first signs of discomfort,” says Vanoosthuyze. “As blades get old and dull, they can start tugging at the hairs and increase the risk of irritation.”

As a general yardstick change yours every five to seven shaves.

Take It Down To One or Two Blades

Some argue that the race for more blades in recent years has caused increased irritation for those with sensitive skin. The reasoning is that once the follicle has been cut with the first blade, the latter blades are simply tugging at what is left of the follicle.

If you do have sensitive skin or recurring issues with razor bumps then consider a razor with only two or three blades. An old-school safety razor which will have just the single blade is also a good alternative, although they require some practice to start with and can nick your skin more easily.