When you cut your hair, especially with a razor, the tip can curl back around and grow into your skin. This can lead to a painful red bump that looks like a pimple.
They are common for curly hair, but anyone can get them. You’re also more likely to get razor bumps if you have coarse or thick hair.
Razor bumps develop when hair follicles become irritated and infected. This infection causes the skin to swell up around the hair shaft, forming a bump.
While it’s impossible to prevent razor bumps completely, there are ways to minimize their appearance.
If you want to learn how to stop razor bumps fast, follow the steps below to learn ways to prevent razor bumps:
Guide On How To Stop Razor Bumps After Shaving
Moisturize the area
If you shave the wrong way or use a dull blade, you can end up with razor bumps. As the hair grows back into the skin, it causes inflammation in the follicle and creates a pimple-like bump.
While these razor bumps may not be painful, they’re unsightly. One of the things that you can do is moisturize the area.
After shaving, apply a moisturizer to your skin. Moisturizers containing aloe vera or glycerin can reduce the amount of irritation you experience on your skin.
You may also want to try a product that contains salicylic acid and sulfur.
Smooth a moisturizer over the area before you begin shaving and apply more when you’re done.
Your skin should be thoroughly hydrated before shaving so it’s less likely to become irritated.
Apply a cool compress
Soak a clean washcloth in water and freeze it for a few minutes. Wrap the ice cloth around your face or other affected area for five to 10 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes.
Repeat this process for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce swelling and soothe inflamed skin. This can help relieve any itchiness or discomfort you feel due to razor bumps.
Warm water can be helpful for soothing inflamed skin after shaving, helping to soften the hair follicle and open pores.
A warm compress can also help loosen up ingrown hairs making them easier to extract without damaging the skin.
You can also make a paste using baking soda and water. Mix two parts baking soda with one-part water and apply it to the razor burn.
This will help dry out the area and remove any excess oil that may be trapped in your pores.
Release ingrown hairs
If you have an ingrown hair, you might need to remove it. To do this, wash the area with soap and water and rub it gently with an exfoliating scrub pad or washcloth to remove the hair.
If you’re dealing with ingrown hairs, try using tweezers to release the hair beneath the skin’s surface.
If this doesn’t work, you can try using tweezers to pull out the hair gently. Be careful when removing ingrown hairs so you don’t break your skin or spread bacteria that could cause infection.
Disinfect the tweezers with rubbing alcohol, then carefully pull the hair out of your skin using the tip of the tweezer.
Make sure to remove the hair carefully so that you don’t break off the hair before removing it from your skin.
If you’re having trouble removing the hair or if your skin is irritated, see your doctor or dermatologist for treatment.
Try a home remedy
After shaving, some people benefit from applying mild astringents such as witch hazel (Tucks) to their faces to dry up any oozing lesions and reduce bacteria on their skin.
Apply a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt to the affected area, or try applying a liquid bandage.
You might have many ingredients in your kitchen right now that can help relieve razor bumps and other symptoms you experience after shaving.
Some people have found relief from applying honey or tea tree oil directly to their skin.
Another thing you can do is apply honey or coconut oil on the affected areas for about 15 minutes before removing with warm water and patting dry with a towel. Repeat several times each day until your symptoms improve.
Use topical treatments
Topical treatments containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide can help prevent irritation by exfoliating the skin after shaving, reducing inflammation, and soothing irritated skin that may be prone to razor burn or ingrown hairs.
Ever had unsightly red bumps post-shave? It’s a common problem. The good news is that you can do things to help prevent it.
How To Prevent Razor Bumps After Shaving
Avoid Using Soap When Shaving
Do not use soap when shaving because it can dry out your skin and cause irritation that leads to bumps.
Shaving cream
Using shaving gel or cream instead of soap will moisturize your skin, making shaving easier and less likely for you to get nicks or cuts.
It would be best to use a moisturizing lotion or cream on your skin after shaving to keep it from drying out and getting irritated.
Shave in the direction of hair growth
Never shave against the grain, as this can cause ingrown hairs and your skin to become irritated. Shave with the grain instead.
Rinse your blade often to remove hair clippings so you won’t end up shaving over the same area multiple times. It will also prevent you from applying too much pressure to your skin and causing irritation.
Make sure your razor is sharp
Dull blades often cause razor burn, so make sure your electric shaver is as sharp as possible before shaving. Dull blades tug on your hair instead of cutting it cleanly, which can irritate your skin.
If you don’t know when you last changed your blade, it’s time to do so. Wet your beard thoroughly before you shave.
A warm shower or bath will soften your facial hair and make it easier for the blade to cut through without pulling or tugging.
Summary
In the end, razor bumps result from a combination of factors, and it’s best to treat them in the same way.
Start by moisturizing your skin because it’s more likely to crack and cause redness after shaving if you have dry skin.
Try cooling your skin down as well – perhaps by putting cold water on the affected area or by taking a cool shower.
It may also help to use a pumice stone to remove the thin layer of skin that causes the ingrown hairs.
In addition, be sure to use proper shaving techniques and touch up your shave where necessary – this is an art that takes practice.
And finally, try a home remedy before you reach for the expensive ointments at the drugstore.