Advice for avoiding ingrown hairs/razor bumps. Or how to get rid of ingrown hair?

Okay so I've tried a few different things as far as shaving down there goes. I've shaved it the ways suggested on here. Used a special shaving cream that is supposed to stop razor bumps which is does. But since I like it hairless and smooth I also have a stupid tendency to shave upwards too. And well that causes the stupid ingrown hairs. I've considered just not shaving my vagina for a while and even considered getting it waxed. But right now I've got quite a few places where I see will be ingrown hairs and I certainly don't want it to get infected. So if anyone has any advice as to what I could put on there. That would be nice. Lately after I shower I just put a little bit of A&D ointment on there. Well anyways that's all.