There's nothing more embarrassing than lying on the beach in your bikini and discovering red, inflamed bumps have appeared on your recently shaved bikini line. Razor bumps, also known as ingrown hairs, occur when hairs grow back under the skin instead of emerging after being shaved. Razor bumps can occur when shaving with a dull razor or with soap and water. Razor bumps are not a serious condition, and you can prevent them by using home remedies and items from the drugstore.
Step 1
Use a new razor with a sharp blade every time you shave. If you are shaving with a dull blade, you risk tearing the skin around the hair, which can provide a closer shave that does not irritate the surrounding skin.
Step 2
Apply shaving gel or shaving cream before shaving, suggests dermatologist Esta Kronberg, M.D. Shaving cream creates a barrier of lubrication between your skin and the razor, and will make hairs stand up so they can be shaved closely and evenly.
Step 3
Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Shaving with the direction of hair growth will help prevent skin irritation and prevent hairs from getting cut at an angle, which can cause razor bumps.
Step 4
Rinse off your razor after each pass of the blade. Rinsing excess hair and shaving cream off the razor blade each time will help prevent hair from being shaved unevenly.
Step 5
Apply a cool compress immediately after shaving. Rinse a clean washcloth in cool water, then apply it directly to the bikini area for several minutes. A cold compress will reduce swelling and irritation, so hairs can continue to grow straight out of the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Remove an ingrown hair by gently removing the hair from the skin with a sterilized needle.
- Do not pick or squeeze an ingrown hair.
Things You'll Need
- Razor
- Shaving gel
- Shaving cream
- Washcloth
Member Comments