If your skin looks red, bumpy and irritated after shaving, you may have razor bumps. Razor bumps, also known as barber's rash or razor burn, are painful bumps that occur when hairs grow beneath the skin instead of growing straight out. When your hair is curly or cut at an angle, it may pierce the skin and become ingrown. If your doctor approves, you can use at-home care and home remedies to reduce the severity of your razor bumps.
Step 1
Rub a wet new toothbrush on your skin in a circular motion before shaving and before bed for several minutes to exfoliate the skin, recommends MayoClinic.com. This process may coax ingrown hairs that are causing bumps out of the skin so they can be shaved evenly.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizing shaving cream or shaving gel to your skin and apply it in an upward motion, against the grain of the hair. This will cause the hair to stick straight up, making it easier to get a close, even shave.
Step 3
Shave with a sharp new razor in the direction of your hair's growth. Shaving against the grain may irritate the skin, which may make razor bumps even worse.
Step 4
Rinse the razor after each stroke, recommends the Health Services of Columbia's website in the article, "Razor Bumps and Barber's Rash." Shaving with a dull, clogged razor may result in an uneven shave that causes ingrown hairs and bumps.
Step 5
Place an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on the skin to prevent redness, irritation and swelling after shaving. Hydrocortisone cream is available at drugstores and grocery stores.
Tips and Warnings
- If razor bumps are a persistent problem, your doctor may recommend electrolysis to remove the hair follicle.
- Consult a doctor if your razor bumps are severely painful, swollen or infected.
Things You'll Need
- Toothbrush
- Moisturizing shaving cream
- New razor
- Hydrocortisone cream
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