Razor bumps, which are also known as ingrown hairs or pseudofolliculitis barbae, affect up to 80 percent of black men, according to Skin Sight. Razor bumps are noticeable because of the irritated skin that covers the ingrown hair, most often in the beard area. The area affected by the razor bump is usually raised much like a pimple and may be pus-filled. Aside from their unsightliness, razor bumps can also cause considerable itching and pain.
Curly Hair
According to the Mayo Clinic, black men are the group most likely to get razor bumps because they have curly hair. Razor bumps occur in two ways. The first way is that as the hair grows out of the follicle, it may curve back toward the skin and enter the skin. The second way is that as the hair grows in the follicle, it may begin to curve and grow through the wall of the follicle.
Improper Shaving Preparation
Improver shaving preparation can increase a black man's risk of getting razor bumps. Dry shaving and repeated strokes over a single area while shaving can cause razor bumps. Applying a warm compress to the face prior to shaving to soften hair, using a new single bladed razor and shaving gel or pre-shave lotion can help to reduce the irritation of shaving that may lead to razor bumps. The shaving gel or lotion create a barrier between the razor and the skin.
Close Shaving
The closer the hair is cut to the skin, the more likely a black man is to get razor bumps. Applying pressure that presses the razor into the skin is likely to lead to ingrown hairs. This is true whether a razor or electric shaver is used. Pulling the skin taut can cause the hair to come up out of the hair follicle more than normal. Ingrown hairs are more likely if the hair is cut at or below the level of the skin when the skin is lying in its normal position.
Member Comments