Yeah I'd sometimes be in that dilemma for jobs and interviews, especially since I don't grow a full beard.
Do I keep my half-beard and look like a bum who lives with mom? or do I clean shave and look like I have leprosy on my face?
Turns out having a good shave regiment, the right razors, proper technique, and after-care products helps immensely, shoutout to /r/wicked_edge, and Tendskin
Check out the reviews on amazon (lots of dudes use on their face after shave to take care of redness, bumps, irritation and ingrown hairs).
I am a girl with serious ingrown hair issues (for years, shaving, waxing, laser.. everything), I found this at target and I swear my legs are starting to look like "normal" legs now, I apply with a cotton pad on dry skin after shower, I also apply a regular moisturizer after to fight the dryness of the product)
Btw, this smells very strong and do a patch test first! (Like, this is no joke stuff) Also, check out their website in case you are using any BHA/AHA or pretty much any acidic stuff to see how to be careful about that.
Use Tend Skin Care Solution and then apply balmex. It will be cleared up pretty quickly. Do the 2 step process at night before you go to bed and put on underwear - it will be almost resolved overnight.
In the future, get your bum waxed.
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl. Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_t1VvDbKB7D258
Tend skin.
https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Buy on amazon or at target. You apply it every night over the area you shaved and it eliminates razor bumps. I have can’t live without it at this point as I shave completely as well.
Tend skin is wonderful stuff. There are other similar products on the market. Just use them for a couple of days after you shave.
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HN5KBQQ4Z6TCBRS9NDC3
Ok, this stuff is magical. I have razor burn and ingrown hair issues every single time I shave. The two key ingredients are alcohol and salicylic acid. Alcohol helps with keeping follicles from getting infected, and salicylic acid is a BHA that acts as a chemical exfoliant. I agree with others saying to exfoliate beforehand (physically, like with a scrub), but the Tend Skin helps to keep the area from getting irritated and infected. A great tip from the reviews is to put it in a spray bottle to save product.
I would treat it with a hot compress each night and that should help it go down in size. I use this every time I get put of the shower and it has helped prevent lots of ingrown:
Shave down in the direction of the hair growth. It’ll still get you smooth. If clients start rubbing your groin against the direction of your hair growth, tell them to stop or gently move their hand away. Every single night before bed (unless I’ve stopped shaving), I use Tend Skin.
https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
No more bumps or irritation, period.
Generously apply it in the direction of the hair growth with a cotton ball.
Perhaps try epilation instead, lasts longer if you'd like a longer length of time. Also, if you're suffering from razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and general irritation, this stuff has literally saved my life: https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-rsf-lq2a1_0?cv_ct_cx=tend+skin&dchild=1&keywords=tend+skin&pd_rd_i=B001ECQ7G4&pd_rd_r=3c63d941-b091-45c6-98bd-7a1db539ef00&pd_rd_w=...
I saw a similar question a while back, and based on those recommendations: Tend Skin! This stuff is amazing! My bumps from bikini and vulva area have all disappeared using this stuff!
I've also changed to a lighter styled VS underwear with soft seams instead of the Hanes I've always worn and that has also made difference as some of mine were caused by the rough friction against my bikini area.
Edited to add amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
I was just googling this and apparently a lot of people swear by something called Tend Skin (you can find it on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4) and prolly other beauty or beard stores. Haven't gotten a chance to try it yet, but it seems pretty good from the reviews.
What also worked for me was changing out my razor more often, not keeping it in the shower and making sure my skin was all 'warmed up' by hot water before shaving.
If you decide to pick at any ingrown hairs with a tweezer (I know you're not really supposed to, but) make sure not to pull the hair all the way out, it's apparently better if the hair has a chance to 'right itself' and learn how it's supposed to grow. (Not sure how accurate this really is, but, seemed to work for me anyway)
I highly recommend a product called Tend SkinTend Skin Solution
The only thing ever worked for me…
I don’t know what’s in it. It smells super strong and definitely avoid inhaling if you chose to try it. Otherwise, if your unconcerned about potential long term health effects from unknown chemicals burning your razor-burn into your next life, it worked like magic for me. One day razor burn. Next day none. And never again after if applied after shaving to the spots I could feel were getting angry.
Tend Skin is amazing at clearing the bumps up. Highly recommend. https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=76307014983&gclid=CjwKCAjwgr6TBhAGEiwA3aVuIZlzgUDf4mefns9n3NwRMpujFzgZi5xPkQhgPyu3v7I6ZBnY6idw4RoC99AQAvD_BwE&hvadid=409941736705&hvd...
I get it, it's not easy! I was very insecure about my skin too for a long time. Looking at more "normal" people more often is what helped me the most. And I guess as I aged I started giving a bit less fucks about it too.. I'm not old though, I'm 31 lol
But in my early twenties I was obsessed about my skin and that slowly faded over the years.
Your neck seems healthy to me, these bumps could be because of shaving? If you do shave you can try TenderSkin - that stuff is magic for my bf's razor bumps! And it works on mine too for my armpits.
As you age your face does change a bit, it is going to get a bit thinner and you can notice it is a bit less plumped, that does not mean there is a problem with it and that it is not beautiful.
> I do see many people on the day to day with very perfect skin though which is upsetting.
I guarantee you their skin isn't perfect but you don't notice the imperfections as much. Just like everyone around you don't notice your imperfections.
Makeup is also a big one. Good makeup can be subtle but it's still makeup.
If you want to dig a bit deeper, maybe the extra bumps and itchiness is due to you suddenly becoming allergic or intolerant to something you consume a lot? I know my mom used to clean using the same product for years and one day it started giving her a big rash, all of a sudden. She became allergic to it and had to switch brands.
I myself cannot swim in a pool with a lot of chlorine now, I used to swim a lot and last year I started getting small red bumps all over my arms and legs after I've been in a pool. Again, no notice. Just WOOSH, now my body doesn't like that :|
Maybe dairy or chocolate or meat or something you consume a lot is now not sitting well with your skin.
i am not super well versed in razor mechanics as I'm a girl so my only experience shaving faces is sometimes my boyfriend lets me do his james bond style with his straight razor but. if you are having consistent ingrown hair issues I cannot reccomend highly enough that you try applying this stuff after shaving, I used to get the worst most persistent ingrown hairs on my legs that would never go away regardless of what I tried. I started using this stuff and have literally not had a single issue since, and everyone I have reccomended it to has said it's worked excellently for them as well. literally changed my life.
anyways, no matter what you end up trying, good luck and I hope you figure it out!
stuff I use @ OP: this helps on my tummy and legs and ^buttcheeks
maybe it helps for men's faces too? at least with the irritation. I find it clears me up after a couple applications and lasts years per bottle.
Hands down best razor bump, ingrown hair solution is Tend Skin.
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl Oz Bottle https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_X8R99XKMB7C3RPHN2QNA
In additional to exfoliating beforehand and all these great tips, also exfoliate after to keep those ingrown at bay and moisturize after. Before prep and after care are both important.
Also, this products I have found can help:
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_N0BAGFWY2T36TKC5TNXG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
But mainly exfoliating. I've sinced gone back to waxing, but the maintenance is the same and my waxxer reminds me constantly to exfoliate during my showers as I'm proned to ingrowns. Ouch. Good luck!
Don't waste anymore time on this issue and buy this. Works wonders. And they even make a shave cream.
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_EEA955K9J5WK8PJQ11S7?psc=1
Use Tend Skin! It works wonders for shaving, epilating, etc. Doesn’t let ingrown hairs form and gets rid of the ones you have, helps with irritation, have been using it for years and love it. Use it before and after. Just don’t breath it in lol
Hi! I use this one! amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=asc_df_B001ECQ7G4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312026001987&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2264869392529083565&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030898&hvtargid=pla-423769151242&psc=1
This saved my life: https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=sxts_rp_s1_0?cv_ct_cx=tend+skin&dchild=1&keywords=tend+skin&pd_rd_i=B001ECQ7G4&pd_rd_r=7bc4b003-8b39-4ca8-8f84-370f46171ee3&pd_rd_w=q1ss7&pd_rd_w... I literally tried every single advice given to me when I was struggling with this and not one thing worked and it was causing awful dysphoria. Then, I asked bodybuilders and they recommended this. You may balk at the price, but I'd say I went through 2 and a half bottles before my skin finally got used to being shaved.
I had similar issues on my neck and this stuff made a world of a difference
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BNlFFb4ASH3R5
It definitely did not completely remove the marks/craters but it made them a lot less noticeable. Best of luck!
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_K4RrEbTKJYB22
It was kind of a random purchase based on one of those “best items on amazon” lists. There may be better products out there for this sort of thing, but I’m going to use this up before I try something else and it works decently well. It does have alcohol in it so if your skin is sensitive it might not be for you.
My waxer advised to exfoliate for three days after waxing to prevent clogged pores and ingrowns. A sugar scrub or gentle exfoliating cleanser should help. I also have a bottle of this (Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl. Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kvagDbQ218DPD) on hand that also helps..i have a routine down and besides a rare ingrown here and there, otherwise good. Talk to you waxer too! Good luck!
Esthetician here - please do not worry at all. The advice about taking an ibprofuen is what I tell clients. Wear underwear you don't mind getting messed up in case of wax residue or baby oil.
Edit: buy TendSkin and apply it the first 2 or 3 days after the wax. Apply with a cotton pad after a shower on dry skin. It burns like CRAZY but will prevent ingrown hairs. I swear by it.
Hey yo! Fellow Canadian here, fellow ingrown hair sufferer (although not fellow female with PCOS... I'm a dude). I had lots of terrible annoying ingrowns on my neck whenever I shaved, and I literally found the miracle product for getting rid of them. It's called Tend Skin. That's the Amazon link, although I found it at Shoppers Drug Mart for substantially cheaper I think.
I put it on my neck twice a day and the ingrown hairs were gone in 3 days max. I don't shave often, but I've found I can even prevent them from occurring in the first place if I put it on a couple of times before shaving. It's got alcohol in it, so if you're sensitive to that I would avoid it, but otherwise go for it! Good luck.
Laser hair removal only works on some hair. If you TRULY want it to go away forever you have to do Electrolysis. That's how transwomen get rid of their beards most often.
I did electrolysis and it helped a lot. But I ran out of money for it, now i shave what is left (it's only on my neck under my chin) with a razor w/ lots of blades and a nice shave butter THEN use this: Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8-Ounce Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wY0Hzb3KNFFGN
Bevel is remarkable. I'm a white 20-something but am extremely prone to bumps and irritation. Came across this and haven't looked back. Also, check out Tend Skin. A half-dollar sized amount on a microfiber cloth, pat your neck with it, and never worry again about bumps or, more importantly, ingrown hair.
If you shave or wax your chest, or other non-facial areas, without exfoliating, you're gonna have a bad time. Also, use Tend Skin after exfoliating in the shower, up to once a day.
I had the same issue, but this works amazingly! It stings a little bit, but it prevents irritation.
Other things to consider:
Soft/cotton underwear
A clean razor
Warm water when shaving
Tend Skin was recommended to me after my first wax, and it helped with the redness and to prevent ingrown hairs. :)
I also take ibuprofen about 30 minutes before my appointments and the pain isn't so bad!
I don't have the bottle with me, but I think it claims that it helps with several types of irritation. I'd check out the amazon comments to see if anyone had a problem that sounds similar to yours. Good luck!
Based on your comment, you may be interested in this!
^^I'm ^^usually ^^comically ^^wrong, ^^but ^^I'm ^^still ^^learning ^^so ^^please ^^bear ^^with ^^me ^^- ^^Product ^^Helper ^^Bot ^^v0.5
I would like to recommend Tend Skin in place of the witch hazel after shaving, followed by grapeseed (or any other moisturizing) oil. These both work amazingly well for me- no razor burn or itchiness.
You can also use Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share for razor bumps and inflammation.
I make sure to do a good skin care routine at night and morning and post shave.
This includes warming my skin up, light exfoliation, shave balm and location mixed to shave and then pat dry and cleanse after.
Until you can get lazer done I recommend checking out The pretty fix for make up tips as she caters to transgender folx.
Here are some good starting places.
https://instagram.com/the_pretty_fix?utm_medium=copy_link
She also regularly holds free classes, paid classes and offers one on one coaching plans.
Good luck!
Use something gentle, like literally a washcloth or an exfoliating cloth/mitten. I found that scrubs were just too harsh, but YMMV. I have an exfoliating cloth like this, you should be able to find one at Target/Ulta/Drugstore. It's great for my body as well, my legs have been so much smoother since getting one. I would exfoliate the day before and the day after (not the day of -- might be too irritating for your skin) and then every few days.
I also found it helpful to use something specifically for ingrown hairs. This is Tendskin, kind of like an aftershave.
This and razor burn were a huge problem for me until recently (I have REALLY thick hair). Here is what I do now:
I don't ever get itchy anymore, don't get razor burn or ingrown hairs, and my shave is MUCH smoother.
Try following up with Tend Skin....works super for my bikini area when nothing else did
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EP.xFbWGFEWB5
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4 Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
it's likely razor burn bumps from too many passes with the blade and or a blade that has not been sterilized
​
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
This stuff works amazingly well. I get it at Target.
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4 Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS for PREVENTING OF INGROWN HAIRS:
1. THOU SHALT NOT USE DIRTY BLADES!
Using a blade that's been used way too many times. Yes, this one may be obvious, but be sure to keep your used tools as clean as possible. Soap and rubbing alcohol will destroy bacteria. Pro Tip: even brand new blades need to be cleaned.
2. HONOR THY DELICATE SKIN!
Too many blades! If you are prone to ingrown hairs then you don’t need 3 or more blades. More blades equal more passes causing the hair to fall beneath the skin and become ingrown plus more blading the skin leads to micro cuts through which bacteria is more likely to enter and this leads to razor burn.
3. DO NOT TAKE PREP TIME IN VAIN!
You should be using a warm/hot water prep (3-5 mins). Then leave the shaving cream on for more than 2-3 minutes to really soften the hair. The hair stubble should literally fall away with little or no pressure at all. Pressing hard is the problem! Be gentle ya'll.
4. THOU SHALT NOT GO AGAINST THE GRAIN!
Shaving against the grain (upwards) may get you a closer shave but doing so also increases ingrowns. Shave in the direction of hair growth…it’s usually downwards. Check by doing a face/ body inspection to see which way your hair grows.
5. THOU SHALT NOT PRESS!
Pressing too hard on the skin with the blade. A gliding, light touch is all you need. This is likely your biggest issue.
6. THOU SHALT NOT PASS, PASS, PASS!
Too many quick passes with the blade. One pass per hairy area – going 1-2 inches downward at a time – will prevent ingrown hairs. Always shave like you might cause damage, not like your mowing the front yard lawn.
7. THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT OVER SHAVING!
Shaving too many times. This rule is hard to follow, especially if you have to be beardless for your career…but if you are prone to ingrowns, try shaving with an electric clipper (the barber kind of clippers). The results are not super close but no one but you will know the difference. Ladies: try waxing, Nair, or an epilator provided your skin can handle these alternatives.
8. THOU SHALT NOT CLOG!
Use of skin/pore clogging creams or lotions keep hairs from growing up. After a shave, keep your skin bare; let the tiny army breath, and allow those newly shaved, really small, microscopic hairs to grow out just in time for the next shave. If your objective is smooth, bump-free skin following a shave or wax then, right after, your goal should be to allow the skin to heal first. Promote healing by proper shaving techniques followed by 70% rubbing alcohol (this kills any bacteria that may enter those micro cuts created from the shave). Using a dab of TendSkin prevents the onset of razor burn. Sure your skin will be a little dry at first but this is a temporary tradeoff. Give it a few hours and let the moisturizing commence!
9. KEEP THY SMOOTH SKIN FREE!
At least for the first day or two, try to avoid tight fitting clothing around the Adam’s apple (neck) and/or below the waistline region. Newly shaved hair follicles need room to raise up.
10. REMEMBER TO EXFOLIATE!
Whether you shave, sugar, wax or epilate, not enough exfoliation to remove excess layers of skin can lead to ingrown hairs. There are two types: chemical exfoliation (AHA, BHAs) and physical exfoliation (beads, coffee scrubs, gloves, brushes). Use an ingrown hair brush for razor bumps as directed. Make sure it’s a brush that has gentle bristles designed to tease newly shaved hairs away from entering the skin before they can become ingrown. If you have sensitive skin, then go with the soft and firm bristles. Try a Wizker brush and you’ll prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs permanently!
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4 Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
I get very aggressive razor burn, and the only thing that helps with ingrown hairs are these products in combination with physical exfoliation right before shaving, + a fresh ass razor.
It's the same price as fur you, but cheaper per oz.
I can't compare these to fur you in terms of results because I haven't tried the oil, but I know the products I linked work for me! The chroma is very effective as an exoliant, so you don't want to use it as often.
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4 Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
i‘ve heard tendskin is good for this although i’ve never used it.
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4 Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
Are you shaving with clippers or razors ? If razors stop using them and invest in some good beard trimmers Something like this, and when you shave make sure your shaving in the direction in which your beard is growing, it'll vastly reduce your chances of getting razor bumps, as an aftershave I use this product called Tend Skin it's a little expensive but it's worked well for me, you can also try natural tea tree oil too it's known to help with razor bumps, just make sure to dilute it with water or some other oil like (coconut oil)
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
Tend Skin: amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Wizker exfoliating brush: amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
For razor bumps what I would typically use is a product called Tend Skin
Tend skin+Wizker brush www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4 www.amazon.com/dp/B07NSBV7K6
I’m going to give you one product that changed my razor bumps of 4 months and fixed it in less than 1. Albeit it wasn’t as serious as yours. Try toTend Skin Solution
while I'm not a dude so can't speak about balls and their ingrowns, I do get waxed or sugared every 4 weeks and use this for ingrowns: Tend Skin and these Buzz Off Pads (the buzz off pads can also work for mask-acne)
I’ve heard great things about this. I’ve gotten laser hair removal and it’s been great! I used a living social coupon to offset the cost.
I use Tend Skin every time I shave and I almost never get in grown hairs anymore https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_S70G3652ZKYZ377E5FPD
Laser / Electrolysis is kind of the only perma option. Body hair changes on HRT are variable and can happen but most people plan for laser / electro if it's something that bugs them.
Other options include epilation (painful and time consuming but quite effective and lasts quite a bit longer than shaving), hair removal creams (ymmv, they stink and sometimes don't get everything depending on how coarse the hair is), and waxing. Waxing kinda does the best job of those 3 options but is quite expensive at times and there can be a steep learning curve to doing it at home.
Lastly for shaving, there are a couple things that can help with ingrown hairs.
#1 is to frequently exfoliate. Especially before shaving.
#2 is to moisturise. You can even get serums you can use with moisturiser that exfoliate (eg I've used this one (https://www.renskincare.com/collections/body-creams/products/aha-smart-renewal-body-serum) but it depends on what you skin can take).
#3 is to avoid shaving against the grain and instead go with. This works best with a sharper razor. Going against the grain can make you smooth in all directions but the ingrown hairs can be intense. #1 and #2 can help even more here if you insist on doing it.
Lastly this stuff can be really great for areas that get extra irritated / have ingrowns: https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
After exfoliating, I recommend something like this! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_pEGFFbV807600
My esthetician recommended it to me and it works amazing for preventing future in grown hairs and pimples.
this stuff https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
i used to get ingrown hairs and razor bumps all the time. now I can't get one if I tried. if you don't have razor bumps then skip this one
The only thing that has ever helped me with bumps and ingrowns after shaving my pits is Tend Skin, which happens to be on sale on Amazon right now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_O.TzEb36P6465
Bump stop works. Also, I've been using this stuff called Tend Skin that also helps a lot as well. https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
this stuff works amazingly: https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
I am one of those women blessed with tons of dark hair. I've basically done it all in terms of hair removal (except for epilatory creams).
Waxing: My first for every hair removal, I was 14? I lived somewhere where these services were cheap so I waxed everything all the time. Obviously painful at but overtime you get used to it. I feel like it really did help "soften" my hair and slow down the growth and the intensity. Now it worked very well all over my body, except my face. I would break out all over my face when I waxed it, it was awful. And I have a pretty hairy face.
Shaving: Cheap and fast, but not the ideal for my skin and hair type. Lead to lots of ingrown hair and dark spots on my thighs and legs. But then I found this solution, an after shave to reduce razor bumps and ingrowns which I apply everyday after the shower, and it really works for me! Nowadays I shave my legs all the time because it is cheaper, and with this solution it is the perfect fix for me. I don't use it on my arms or face (obviously) though.
Threading: The only thing I would do for my eyebrows. Have got them waxed, but nothing beats threading. So when my face broke out from waxing, my lady started threading my face, and it worked beautifully and stopped me from breaking out so intensely. But OMG it was painful as hell!!!
Bleaching: Not really hair removal, but it was good way to hide the hair on my face. But due to some hormonal/genetic issues, as I grew, the hair on my face got thicker, and thus it didn't work for me anymore.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL: Expensive, painful, BUT OH SO WORTH IT FOR MY FACE. As I progressed into my early 20s, my facial hair growth intensified to the next level, I was growing very thick hair at parts of my face. The growth was also so fast and intense, I'd have to wax and thread my face every two weeks or I'd be back at square 1. I calculated that cost and it was around $500/year, not worth it for me then. It also lead to very low confidence and self-esteem issues. I never realized it then but I was very quiet and reserved in social settings. I got laser hair removal 2 years ago and I will never look back. I found an amazing lady from a friend and she fixed my face and my life up. I got so confident again it was like I was a new person and became super social and happy.
So that is my summary and experience with hair removal. I would say it all depends on your skin and hair type. Some lucky girls have soft, thin and blonde hair which they do not need to remove or shave. If you have sensitive skin in general, waxing might be too intense for you. If you get ingrown hair naturally, shaving will not work for you, but do use that after shave! Use either this one or this one. These are the only 2 I have tried and work great for me if I use them every day. They are a little drying however. For brows, waxing is okay, but nothing beats threading imo. And last but not the least, if you have unnecessarily thick hair growth which you need to remove too often, then laser hair removal could be the go-to. This however is only good when your hair and skin color have a big contrast. Also laser hair removal is not exactly permanent. Thin little hair will grow back, but it's so thin and little it's almost non-existent. But you might have to keep going back every 6 months for that touch up. So it is not 100% permanent. Still worth it! However another alternative exists and that is electrolysis. It is the most permanent but also most expensive, slow and painful method. But get this done once and you never have to worry about facial and body hair a day in your life.
I get super painful bumps as well, and a friend recommended I try TendSkin. It helped a lot and I now rarely ever get bumps. It's a bit pricey, but it lasts a while and honestly, worth the price.
That combined with the advice given in this thread as well, of course.
I have Tend Skin
So, I use "Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution". From Amazon. It is the only thing that works for me, it is basically an anti-inflammatory (aspirin) suspended in alcohol. It is pretty expensive so i think I will try to make it myself. It works though.
Edit: I put it on 5 mins before my shave and immediately after.
Second edit: See here to make your own: http://thelimericklane.com/2012/03/homemade-tend-skin-recipe/
This stuff is pricey, but it works great. I think I found it based upon a previous post on Reddit and then read the reviews on Amazon. Seriously, give it a try.
https://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4
This stuff is good
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tend-Skin-Ingrown-Hair-Solution/dp/B001ECQ7G4
Also if your getting ingrown hairs from shaving with a razor try using a cream like this
Use products for ingrown hair http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4
I know someone who this helped
Tend Skin, use it after you shave. No ingrown, no irritation. http://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451234700&sr=8-1&keywords=tend+skin+16oz
This is a miracle product, imo. http://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442966060&sr=8-1&keywords=razor+bumps
Only drawback is that it can be drying if used too much.
My esthetician recommended Tend Skin when I got ingrown hairs. This has alcohol in it though. The stridex pads do not afaik.
Do you have a really close hair cut? If so Tend Skin. Google for home made versions to save some money.
Thanks for the additional information. You may want to consider trying a product called "Tend Skin" (http://www.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1377997338&sr=1-1&keywords=tend+skin) to prevent bumps, by keeping the skin exfoliated when the hair regrowth occurs.
Another option would be emu oil, if you're not adverse to using an animal product. My husband uses it to prevent irritation after shaving and to keep skin smooth. I find it works great for healing or irritated piercings, for stretching healed piercing, and for just about any kind of dermatological issue except for poison oak or ivy. More info about it is here: http://piercingbible.com/emu-oil (I don't eat fowl, beef,or pork, but I do use emu oil.)
Use Tend Skin on the area a few times a day. It's a freaking miracle product, I swear. Call local spas to see if they sell it, that's where I got mine.
You should look into wet shaving, there are subreddits about it (ladyshavers or r/wicked_edge), it’s more work but so worth!!! Or at least, look into this product on amazon .
http://smile.amazon.com/Tend-Skin-Solution-Unsightly-Ingrown/dp/B001ECQ7G4?sa-no-redirect=1
Expensive, but it works. I like the little roller bottle for application. I had exactly the same thing you do. I shave with an electric razor using lectric shave as a lube, then just apply this afterward. Works like a champ.