Razor bumps, also called pseudofolliculitis barbae, occur when the tips of freshly shaved hairs grow back into the skin, resulting in inflammation and a red bump. The problem is common in up to 60 percent of African American men and people with curly hair, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Changing your shaving practices may help prevent painful facial razor bumps from becoming a regular and unwelcome occurrence in your life.
Step 1
Apply a warm, wet washcloth to beard for five minutes before shaving. The warm heat will help soften the beard, making it easier to cut with the razor.
Step 2
Use a pre-shave solution, followed by a prescription shaving foam or a lubricating shave gel. Spreading the shaving cream or gel on in a thin layer allows the razor to pass over your face smoothly without pulling on the hairs.
Step 3
Shave in the direction of the hairs' growth. Shaving against the grain can increase the likelihood hairs will spring back and re-enter the skin.
Step 4
Pass the razor over each area of your face one time only. Fewer strokes means less skin irritation and less chance of cutting hairs too close, according to Hudson’s FTM Resource Guide.
Step 5
Use aftershave products specifically designed for sensitive skin or for men who suffer from razor bumps.
Step 6
Shave every other day to avoid irritating the skin unnecessarily.
Step 7
Try an electric razor if you experience too many bumps with a traditional razor. The AOCD suggests preparing the beard with an electric razor pre-shave and using the razor on the highest setting to prevent a too-close shave.
Step 8
Use a chemical depilatory, or hair removal, product if you can’t tolerate shaving with a traditional or electric razor. Because chemical products can burn the skin, the AOCD recommends leaving the product on the skin for less time than the package recommends. Depilatories should only be used if there are no razor bumps currently on the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- If your job does not require you to be clean shaven, growing a beard can eliminate any worry about razor bumps.
- Don’t pull the skin tight when you shave. When you pull the skin, you may cut hairs below the surface of the skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps, according to Hudson’s FTM Resource Guide. Avoid shaving over razor bumps. Shaving can cause the bumps to open up and become even more inflamed and painful.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Pre-shave solution
- Prescription shaving foam
- Lubricating shave gel
- Aftershave products
- Electric razor
- Chemical depilatory
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