i was going to post something similar, but instead i'll just add it as a comment now.

One of the biggest problems with ingrown hairs. . ."If they're red and inflamed, don't exfoliate. Put an antiseptic such as tea tree oil on the skin. This will help the infection and bring the hair to the surface. When it emergest, pluck it." . . . "a mix of water and alcohol that works wonders by closing the hair follicle so the hair has nowhere to go except out."

and finally,

How to avoid ingrown hairs:
* Five days before waxing, exfoliate daily with a glow.
* After waxing, use a tea tree shave gel or lotion.
* Avoid salons that doubt-dip the waxing spatula.

i think all those things would be applicable to shaving as well. i seem to recall reading somewhere that lavendar oil is also beneficial if applied before hair removal.