How to deal with skin irritation after shaving?

I’m 19 and unfortunately have very thick body hair genetics (or fortunately depending on what ur into). Regardless I like to be smooth and shave before hookups which takes me a long time because of how thick my body hair is. I usually shave the day before and my skin is fine and smooth for the hookup. But 2-3 days after shaving my skin becomes so irritated and red even tho I cleansed my skin before shaving, was gentle shaving and moisturised after and wore loose clothes. This only really happens on my ass and isn’t a problem on my front. I get these large bumps I assume are ingrown hairs but I don’t really know because I can’t see them clearly and I don’t want to shave again while I have them because I feel like it’s gonna make them worse. Currently the ones I have now have persisted for 2 weeks and I don’t know to get rid of them. I’ve heard of people using a sterile needle to poke them out but I don’t think that’s a good idea if I canr see what I’m doing behind me. Any advice helps and is really appreciated. I’m also trying waxing because I hear it makes the hair grow back thinner and gentler which helps but I’m doing it at home and damn it hurts so idk if I’ll continue. Anyway if anyone can help please do:

Also I’m all for people staying hairy and being positive of how they are naturally but it’s just not for me sorry