Wax.

The best thing to do with this is to make sure to use either a shave gel or foam while shaving. Also, afterward, maybe a lotion to keep from this. There are certain solutions that have claims of lessening the red bumps and ingrown hairs that you also might want to try out.

Though you do not get as close of a shave, do not shave against the grain (direction of growth). Try to shave in the same direction in which the hair grows.

Despite the risk of bumps, I shave in all directions (for pubes and underarms) -- even against the grain. I shave daily, so I think not having any hair to begin with (just maintenance) has helped. I used to get more bumps when shaving after I'd let the hair grow a few days for some reason.

Jesibel had mentioned some product that she buys at Sally's Beauty Supply that kills bacteria. She said she applies it the day before she shaves and that it helps prevent bumps. I need to try to find that thread to see what the name of that product was. Maybe she'll pop into this discussion and refresh my memory!

You might try that product as prep before shaving and then apply an after-shave soothing gel/cream that is designed to help with this.

I shave using hair conditioner rather then shaving foam. I rarely get bumps but I maintenance shave almost daily.

I use hydrocortisone ointment (not cream, ointment, they are different) and then a nice moisturizer, like Bath and Body Works Body Butter right after I shave, and for me, this routine actually stops the bumps from forming.

I read in Jenna Jameson's book, that many female porn stars, before they have electrolysis (most of them eventually do) shave with either hydrocortisone or triple antibiotic ointment, instead of shaving creme to prevent bumps and redness. IMO, this is a LOT of antibiotic, and could sensitize you to it, causing problems in the future. I just use the cortisone afterward.

Hydrocortisone works best if used in a layer as thin as possible. It actually works better than if you plop it on. It's designed to be used in very thin layers.

I finally found the one shaving solution for my legs! (I sound like an infomercial, haha, but it's true.)

I could never shave my legs without experiencing extreme itching, dryness and pain. I've tried every razor and shaving lotion out there, it seems. And they will work for a while, but then the issue will come back. I tried waxing and still got the same painful aftermath. I tried Nair--bad idea, it was worse than ever.

My final solution was to buy the Schick Intuition Plus for Sensitive Skin. I was really, really skeptical when this was suggested to me by a friend/coworker, but I have never had a problem since I started using them. My legs are always soft, smooth and free of bumps. You can't imagine my relief. I also love the fact that I no longer have to wonder or worry about how long my razor has been in use, because the attached bar of moisturizer/lather will wear down as you shave.

Some other suggestions I may make are trying men's facial shaving cream, shaving cream without added dyes/fragrances, hair conditioner, all-natural gentle bar soaps (however, these have the potential to wear out your razor blades faster than usual). Try creams vs foam vs gel vs oils. Everyones skin is different.

My girlfriend is the same way. She cannot shave without a lot of irritation.