When going for the ultimate close shave, you can be too overzealous and end up with bumps on the sensitive skin of your neck. By understanding what causes those annoying bumps and how to avoid them, you can achieve a smoother and less irritating shave with the right tools and technique.
Significance
Most men want the smooth skin and longer-lasting results of a close shave. But pressing too hard with the razor, going over the same spots multiple times or shaving against the grain can cause redness, bumps and irritation. When shaving your neck, you must be especially careful, since its thin skin can often be more sensitive than the skin on your face. By understanding how shaving affects your skin, you can achieve a closer shave without unsightly irritation on your neck.
Cause
Razor bumps are caused by three distinct conditions. Ingrown hairs can occur when the hair grows back into the hair follicle, instead of growing out, and are common on sensitive areas of the skin. When the bumps are caused by bacteria, the condition is known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, and is common in men of African-Caribbean descent, who have curlier, kinkier hair, notes Columbia University Health Services. Razor rash can occur when your neck goes without sufficient protection from your razor.
Symptoms
Each skin condition can manifest a little differently on the skin of your neck. For instance, an ingrown hair is usually inflamed, with pain and a small loop of hair appearing above the follicle. Pseudofolliculitis barbae, sometimes called "barber's rash" is caused by a bacterial infection and can cause redness and itching. Regular razor rash is usually identifiable from small, red, irritating bumps along the neck.
Prevention
Your shaving technique can make a big difference in the condition of your neck after your shave. Try shaving after a shower, when the hair on your neck is softer and easier to cut through. Use a shave cream, and shave in the direction of hair growth, as this can prevent irritation, suggests NBC Today's Tech Editor Corey Greenberg. Make sure to use a sharp razor to prevent drag and unnecessary strokes.
Treatment
If you've shaved and bumps have already cropped up on your neck, examine them to determine the cause. If it's an ingrown hair, use the end of a set of tweezers to gently lift the loop of hair out of the skin without plucking the hair completely. For irritation or infection, try an antibiotic ointment that contains hydrocortisone, which can improve the appearance of bumps and help to heal the rash.
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