Best Affordable Shaving Routine & Ingrown Hair Removal Product(s)?

[Uhree]

Every time I shave my legs it ends up feeling prickly and I end up with nicks, ingrown hairs, and sometimes red stretch marks. I’ve tried exfoliating before shaving using Tree Hut’s shea sugar scrubs, shaving with Aveeno’s shave gel, and Tree Hut’s shave oil. However, whenever I see videos on people I keep seeing different tips, so I get confused on what to use. What are some affordable but effective products that can (maybe) improve my shaving?

[miss8]

@Uhree , Do You Like #INVASIVE Or #NONINVASIVE Solutions? ⛑

[Wizker]

I'm a bit late to this post but you’re definitely not alone—leg shaving can be frustrating when you’re trying to stay smooth but end up with bumps or irritation. A few things that can really help:

1. Exfoliate regularly and gently.
   Tree Hut scrubs are great for softening skin, but they don’t always lift trapped hairs. Ingrown hairs need consistent exfoliation, even on non-shave days. A soft exfoliating brush (like the Wizker brush) can help release hairs without scratching or irritating the skin.

2. Avoid shaving too close.
   If your legs feel prickly soon after shaving, it can be from pressing too hard or shaving against the grain. Try shaving in the direction of hair growth and using light pressure.

3. Keep your tools clean.
   Rinse blades with hot water and rubbing alcohol between uses to kill bacteria. A dull or dirty blade can cause nicks, razor burn, and ingrown hairs.

4. Let skin breathe post-shave.
   Right after shaving, skip heavy creams or oils that can clog pores. Use a light, fragrance-free moisturizer a few hours later once the skin has calmed down.

Consistency matters more than fancy products. Once you stick with a simple, clean routine, the bumps and irritation start to fade quickly.

[NyxTricks]

Aloe right after shaving works so great! Helps with bumps and keeps your skin sooooo soft

[CorgiMommy]

Definitely replace your blade often and shave lightly.  For ingrown hairs in the bikini area from Target they have a ingrown hair product by Flamingo that is a game changer for me.  And it isn't expensive. 

[WinglessOne]

@Uhree  How old is the blade (or blade cartridge) in your razor? How frequently do you change the blade/cartridge? Or if you only use disposable razors with permanent blades, how long do you use one before tossing it? Dull blades could be part of the problem. I change my blades after every 5-8 shaves; the standard advice you’ll see is every 5-10 shaves, depending on how coarse your hair is and how irritated your skin gets afterward. 

You could also try an electric razor. Costs more upfront than a refillable plastic or metal razor, but might also cause less irritation as long as you don’t mash it into your skin. And for me, the cost of the electric razor is offset by the number of standard razor blade refills I’ve ever bought and will buy going forward. 😅 I have a cordless electric plus a standard razor, and I’m trying to use the electric more often. I’ll say I get a closer shave with the standard razor though. 

I use Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel (with my standard Gillette razor) with no problems. Last month I bought a Tree Hut shave oil but haven’t tried it yet. For me, avoiding nicks is more about technique and sharp blades than the type of shave gel/cream/oil I use. I move the razor slooowly and don’t press it hard against my skin; I apply as little pressure as possible to remove hair. And that’s on my armpits, which I shave far more often than my legs. My armpit hair is coarser than my leg hair, yet I’m still slow and gentle while shaving there. And I don’t aim for 100% hairless. If that’s what I really wanted, then I’d use a hair removal cream or consider waxing. 

Oh, and don’t shave while you’ve got razor burn or ingrown hair bumps. Let your skin heal first, so you don’t end up worsening the damage. 

[Uhree]

Thank you so much! I always thought my products were the problem but I’ll see what I can do with my blades 🙂

[milanamiss]

For an affordable shaving routine to reduce ingrown hairs, prep your skin with warm water, exfoliate gently, and use a quality shaving product. Pair this with the Freebird shaver for a smooth experience—this tool is well-reviewed for ease and comfort. Explore user insights on the Freebird Shaver page for more details.

[StacyL35]

Hello!! I have a product I got as a free sample and it is the OAUI Barts Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub, I think it works really good to exfoliate before shaving and left my legs feeling smooth, hope this helps!! and its only $18!!

[Mellmars1185]

Hello @Uhree ! For myself, having a sharp razor helps. I actually use mens Gillette razor blades and have had no issues with nicks or cuts when using these. I use a cream shave gel and follow up with a moisturizer. I find if I shave my legs too often,I do get some cuts. There is a product First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA that I use sometimes on stubborn bumps.

[Uhree]

Thank you so much! I’ll definitely try 🙂

[Uhree]

Correction: I mistakenly said I used Tree Hut’s shave oil, what I actually meant to put was that I use Tree Hut’s after shave serum.