For women and men alike, shaving sometimes is a hairy job. It can cause a host of annoying problems, such as nicks and cuts, dry skin, bumps, and redness. Flat warts and painful ingrown hairs also are fairly common. But shaving can lead to even more serious troubles.

Folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicle, is one such problem. It looks like acne or crusty, non-healing sores. It often results in a staphylococcal infection that needs to be treated by a doctor. Studies have shown that these infections can be passed on to others through skin-to-skin contact and sharing razors.

You can dodge folliculitis and most other shaving hazards with simple steps. Use the following techniques to make the process—and outcome—of shaving smoother:

• Go slowly.
• Shave in a warm shower to soften your skin.
• Use only sharp, flexible blades and change them often.
• Shave only in the direction the hair grows.
• If you prefer an electric razor, avoid the closest setting.
• Never share razors.
• Shave each area only once or twice.