How to Prevent
Razor Bumps and Ingrown Hairs

Razor bumps are a frequent occurrence if you have coarser or curly hair and if you not used to shaving your head. This medical condition can happen to anyone but you greatly increase your chance if you don't shave your hair attentively. So to prevent from this condition, there are certain steps that you need to take to reduce your risks.

So What are Razor Bumps?

These small little 'bumps' forming on your scalp is a very well known condition that can occur to around 30-40% of people who has coarse and curly hair especially those that shaved their heads. In medical terms, it is known as pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Razor Bumps are usually 2 main types. The first and most common type is known as ingrown hairs when the shaved hair recedes back under the scalp and grows from the inside instead of outside the scalp. This cause the skin above the hair follicle to swell and causes irritation.

The second type is that that hair follicles grow outside hair and reenters the skin. The chances increase if you shave your hair at a wrong angle. If you do not take precautions when shaving your head, your razor might sharpen the edges of your hair and they can penetrate through your skin causing swelling and inflammation.

Both of these conditions can lead to

• Small Bumps
• Irritations
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Pain

Razor bumps and ingrown hairs occur more frequently to people thick and curly hair especially those from the native African origin because genetically they have coarse, thicker and very curly hair.

Steps to a Safer and More Careful Shave

There are ways to prevent and reduce your chances of getting razor bumps. Therefore, this special instruction page provides tips and ways on how you can reduce the chance ending up with this irritating condition. Please follow the steps closely and you will definitely be better off with your head shave.

Before you begin, make sure your razor is sharp. This helps to reduce uneven cuts when shaving. If you have a feeling that the razor is pulling your hair or scalp, then it shows that it's not sharp enough.

1. Wet your hair for a period of time. Preferable more than 2 minutes. If you have a conditioner then you can use it to soften your hair.

2. After rinsing your hair, apply a considerable amount of shaving cream and lather it all over your scalp and hair. Wait for a few minutes for it to further soften your hair.(make sure it's not alcohol based)

3. Start with the thinnest part of the head first, usually if you are balding, the top and front part is where to start. If not, start with the sides.

4. Shave gently at 1 direction only, which is with the grain, NOT AGAINST IT. Usually most of your hair is pointing downwards, from the crown to bottom. So the best direction is from top to bottom.

5. If possible reduce the number of shaving for a location. That's why a sharp razor is recommended.

6. Try not to apply too much pressure on the scalp to prevent unintentional stretching. Overstretching the scalp can increase the chances of hair springing back under the scalp.

7. Shave the back by holding a mirror. Usually bumps are common in the back because that's the thickest part of the head. So do it carefully and gently.

8. After shaving, take a good wash and apply a warm damp towel over it to further relax the follicles.

9. Finally, apply some aftershave, shaving balm to prevent razor burns.

These steps are not necessary but definitely worth noting if you have really curly or thick hair. These bumps can be really annoying at times so it's best to prevent it.

I Can Still Feel Some Bumps

Although even with the best care and prevention techniques applied, there are in occasions that it's impossible to totally prevent it. There are still alternatives and ways that you can deal with the condition.

One way to deal with it is to use products that can remove the ingrown hair plugs. One such treatment is Beta Hydroxy Acids which penetrates below the scalp and dissolves the hair and plug. One of the more common razor bumps treatment product is Bump Patrol that offers in a variety of strength and skin sensitivity.

You can take a look at the neatly done instruction sheet here (opens a new window)

Some of my Razor Bumps Won't Come Off

Well in severe cases of razor bumps can be really stubborn to remove even with the best products. As ingrown hair can cut deep through your scalp and might cause scalp infections like folliculitis, the best way to treat it is to seek help from your dermatologist or doctor. It's best to get medical opinion if the conditions don't recover.

However, if you shave attentively, you are definitely at better odds in reducing this condition so you shouldn't need to worry too much.