The red bumps that can occur after you shave are commonly known as "razor bumps." A close shave can cut the hairs very close to the skin, which can allow the hair to grow into the skin. This is especially common when the hair is very curly. The skin surrounding the ingrown hair becomes inflamed and may swell into the characteristic red bump. You can treat some types of razor bumps at home, while other cases may need a dermatologist.
Step 1
Examine the red bump with a magnifying glass to classify the ingrown hair. A hair that enters the skin after it exits the follicle is an extra-follicular hair. A hair that reenters the follicle without exiting it is a trans-follicular hair. Extra-follicular hairs are considerably easier to treat than trans-follicular hairs.
Step 2
Treat extra-follicular hairs at home if you can see where the hair enters the skin. Grab the free end of the hair with tweezers and gently pull it out of your skin. Ensure that you don't pull out the root as this may result in another razor bump when the hair grows out.
Step 3
Refrain from shaving the razor bump as long as possible. The swelling should go down on its own after you free the ingrown hair. Shaving can result in nicks to the razor bump, which can prevent it from healing.
Step 4
Shave areas with razor bumps carefully. Soak the hair in warm water and apply a shaving gel that's specifically made for sensitive skin. Use a fresh razor and make a single pass in the direction of the hair's growth. Rinse the blade after each stroke and apply an aloe vera gel afterward.
Step 5
Treat a trans-follicular hair professionally. Dermatologists frequently treat trans-follicular hairs since this type of ingrown hair never leaves the follicle.
Things You'll Need
- Magnifying glass
- Tweezers
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Aloe vera gel
Member Comments