Razor bumps can be a common concern for men after shaving. However, there is one particular type of razor bumps, known as Pseudofolliculities Barbae (PFB) that can be especially irritating and painful.
Non-PFB razor bumps can usually be managed with our tips for tackling razor burn, but PFB razor bumps may need slightly different care to leave you feeling comfortable after shaving.
Razor Bumps: Here’s the Deal
Razor bumps and ingrown hairs start with a genetic tendency towards extremely curly hair. The irregular shape of curly hair shafts and the curls themselves make hairs prone to pushing back into the surface of the skin as they regrow after being cut. This genetic factor makes razor bumps and ingrown hairs very common in men of African or Indo-European descent.
It’s important to note that not all razor bumps are PFB, so if you think you might have chronic razor bumps, a good first step would be to consult your dermatologist for diagnosis and expert advice on how to get rid of razor bumps for good.
Razor bumps are also more likely if your hair shaft is dry during shaving, as it’s much harder for your razor to cut through hair in this case, leading to more tugging and pulling, which can be painful. This cause your hair tips to be cut at an angle, making it even easier for the hair to penetrate back into the skin as it grows, increasing your risk of razor bumps.
How to Stop Razor Bumps While Shaving
Cleanse: Set up for success.
Razor bumps could be prevented by cleansing your skin with a gentle scrub and warm water, or use a shaving brush, before you shave. This step is crucial to removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin, and releasing trapped hairs, allowing your razor to make proper contact with your skin and hair.
Hydrate: Soften to reduce tugs.
Moisten your face and use a shave cream to help hold the water on the hair. As your hair soaks up the water, it swells and softens, making it easier for your blades to cut. Learn more about the benefits of a wet shave.
Shave: Let the razor do the work.
Use gentle strokes, and let your razor do the heavy lifting. Shave regularly to avoid allowing the hair to grow long enough to re-enter the skin’s surface. Using a razor with high-quality razor blades helps to minimise razor bumps after your shave. Make sure you’ve always got a supply of fresh, sharp blades by signing up to our shave club.
Maintain: Restore the moisture.
Shaving can remove more than just hair – essential moisture can also be removed, leaving you with tight, irritated, dry skin. Use a moisturising aftershave product to help replenish moisture in your skin and facial hair after you shave. Find out more about the importance of a consistent post-shave routine.
