If you've experienced those tiny painful bumps that develop after shaving, you may wonder how to treat them or, better yet, how to prevent them from occurring again. An ingrown hair, Pseudofolliculitis barbae, starts beneath the surface of the skin when the hair follicle traps the emerging hair, causing it to curl downward. Associated with close shaving that cuts the hair below the skin's surface, ingrown hairs, or "razor bumps," are unsightly and annoying.
Step 1
Reduce the risk of getting ingrown hairs by changing your shaving habits. Everyone wants the closest shave possible, but multi-blade razors that stretch the hair out before cutting it so close that the tip is beneath the skin's surface are a recipe for razor bumps.
Step 2
Shave with the direction of the natural hair growth. This doesn't produce the smoothest shave, but the razor cuts the hair at an angle, leaving a small tip of the cut hair protruding from the hair follicle. If the new hair doesn't have to break through the skin to grow, it won't form a razor bump.
Step 3
Slather plenty of lubricating shaving cream or shaving gel on your skin before you shave. Not only will the cream allow the razor to glide smoothly, it will provide a layer of protection between your skin and the razor to reduce skin irritation that can result in swollen follicles and trapped hairs.
Step 4
Use a fresh, single-blade razor for each shave. Used razors may contain bacteria that developed after the previous shave. Ragged razor blades can irritate skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores. A loofah sponge or exfoliating scrub, used before shaving, may reduce ingrown hairs. Gentle exfoliation on skin with existing razor bumps may encourage the trapped hairs to emerge from the skin.
Step 6
Keep skin with ingrown hairs clean and avoid wearing restrictive clothing that may rub and further irritate the area.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid picking at the bump or sticking a needle into the bump. Use a gentle antibacterial lotion on skin when ingrown hairs are present.
Things You'll Need
- Single-blade razor
- Lubricating shaving gel
- Loofah sponge
- Exfoliating scrub
- Antibacterial lotion
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