Shaving gets rid of unwanted hair but can leave bumps and irritation in its place. A poll taken by the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, revealed that 78 percent of men experience irritation when they shave. Women also suffer from similar problems. By using the proper tools and techniques, you can stop shaving bumps.
Step 1
Grow the hair in the shaving bump area for 30 days, if possible, to get rid of all the ingrown hairs causing the bumps, Skinsight says.
Step 2
Use a polyester skin-cleansing pad or washcloth every day. Doing so exfoliates your skin, or removes dead skin cells, preventing ingrown hair. Exfoliation isn't recommended for acne-prone skin, the American Academy of Dermatology says.
Step 3
Soften hair with warm water. Shave after bathing, or rub the beard with a warm, wet washcloth. Using a warm, wet washcloth makes hair softer so it's easier to cut, according to Colorado State University's Hartshorn Health Services.
Step 4
Apply a moisturizing, nonirritating shaving cream or gel. Don't use soap, Hartshorn advises.
Step 5
Shave in the direction of hair growth, using a single-blade razor with a movable head. Razors with multiple blades cut the hair too short, which causes ingrown hairs. Avoid repeating the strokes, and don't pull the skin taut, the AAD says.
Step 6
Apply a gentle moisturizing lotion to the skin after shaving, Skinsight advises.
Step 7
Apply a lotion containing glycolic acid at night. It will exfoliate the skin's surface and reduce the chance of developing shaving bumps in the future.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider laser hair removal or chemical hair removers that contain calcium thioglycate or barium sulfide instead of shaving, Skinsight advises. Using an electric razor is also an option. To prevent postshaving bikini line rashes, Allison Vidimos, M.D., a staff dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, recommends scrubbing the area with antibacterial soap prior to shaving, and then scrubbing again afterward. Hydrocortisone cream can reduce irritation and speed the healing of shaving bumps.
- If your shaving bumps persist or cause concern, see a dermatologist.
Things You'll Need
- Exfoliating skin-cleansing pad
- Washcloth
- Gentle cleanser
- Moisturizing shaving foam
- Sharp single-blade razor with movable head
- Mild moisturizing lotion
- Lotion containing glycolic acid
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