How do I get rid of razor bumps?

Razor bumps are seen in curly haired men especially on the neck and the cheeks. In curly haired men the hair on the cheeks, neck or head may curl back into itself and may re enter the skin. The area where the hair reenters the skin is called ingrown hair. Razor bumps are also called as ingrown hair and it increases after shaving. This problem is not only isolated to men, it can occur in women also. This generally occurs due to wrong shaving leading to skin rashes. Certain techniques that can be applied to avoid razor bumps are:

• Shave in the direction that your hair grows. Do not attempt to shave in the opposite direction.
• Avoid applying foam or cream on the dry skin. Wet your skin with water first and then apply the cream. This will make the hair easier to shave.
• Select the right razor according to the skin texture, hair density. Avoid applying too much pressure with the razor on the skin. Do not shave on the same area frequently. Shave gently by applying light strokes on the skin.
• To reduce razor bumps, pat apple cider vinegar or apply aloe Vera on the affected area.
• Avoid wearing shirts or tops with stiff high neck collars that can rub the skin of the neck and irritate the skin leading to aggravation of the problem

answered by J M

Razor bumps are a result of ingrown hair. When hair is shaved from various parts of the body it can sometimes grow in backwards (especially curly hair). This hair can pierce the surface of the skin and become ingrown leading to razor bumps and irritation of the skin.

In most cases you can prevent this by making sure you shave hair when it is damp i.e. usually after a shower or a bath. If that is not possible soak a towel in warm water and place it on the area to be shaved for a few minutes. This makes the hair more pliable and less likely to grow back at an angle. Also make sure the razor you use is sharp and avoid shaving with razors whose edge has dulled due to multiple uses.

To get rid of razor bumps first grow the hair out before tackling it. To reduce the irritation meanwhile you can apply a lotion that contains soothing aloe vera gel. You can also try various essential oils that have cleansing and calming properties. A mix of tea tree oil, to disinfect the area, and chamomile, to control the irritation, can both ease the discomfort and heal at the same time.

answered by G R