Razor bumps are inflamed hair follicles that occur after shaving. These can occur on anyone, but people with curly hair are more prone to the condition. When you have razor bumps, the skin will look reddened and feel irritated. If you are prone to razor bumps, you should change your grooming methods to limit occurrences. In the case of pain or crusting at the site, contact your doctor to check if an infection is present.
Step 1
Allow the hair to grow out. According to Discovery Health, giving the hair time to grow out can eliminate razor bumps naturally. Wait for the hair to be at least a quarter of an inch before shaving.
Step 2
Moisten the skin before shaving. Massage the area with a pre-shave oil to soften the skin. Plan to shave in a warm shower. This allows the steam to open up the pores and decreases the incidence of razor bumps.
Step 3
Place a moderate amount of an aloe-based shaving gel on the area that you need to shave. Glide the razor over the skin in the same direction as the hair's natural growth pattern. Move the razor only once to keep from irritating the skin. When shaving, make sure you use a new blade for your razor.
Step 4
Apply a lotion that contains alpha-hydroxy acids. Slather the lotion on the irritated areas of your skin. Repeat usage twice a day for several weeks to help get rid of razor bumps.
Step 5
Reduce redness and inflammation with a topical steroid. A hydrocortisone cream can be applied to the affected area daily to get rid of any itching or redness that results from the condition. However, you should stop using the cream once symptoms clear up. Prolonged use of hydrocortisone cream causes skin sensitivity.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider using an alternative method of hair removal if you are prone to razor bumps. Laser hair removal and waxing can help prevent razor bumps.
Things You'll Need
- Pre-shave oil
- Shaving gel with aloe
- New razor
- Lotion with alpha hydroxy acids
- Hydrocortisone cream
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