Razor bumps are red, irritated areas of the skin that occur when a recently shaved hair becomes ingrown. Ingrown hairs occur in areas where the hair is particularly coarse or curly, such as the bikini area. You can reduce ingrown hairs at home by changing your shaving technique and properly preparing your skin to be shaved, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Rough Up the Hairs
The Mayo Clinic suggests roughing up the hairs so they stand on end before shaving. When ingrown hairs stand straight up out of the skin, you will get a closer shave and prevent hairs from being shaved at an angle. When hairs are shaved at an angle, they might curl underneath the skin, creating razor bumps.
To rough up the hairs, wet the area to be shaved with a small amount of soap. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, massage the area carefully in a circular motion for several minutes to coax hairs out of the skin and make them stand up.
Shave Carefully
To avoid razor bumps, use a lubricating shaving gel or shaving cream to add a layer of moisture between the razor and the skin, recommends Dr. Patricia Farris Walters, a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatology. Use a new disposable razor, preferably with a single blade, every time you shave. Shave in the direction of your hair’s growth. Do not shave against the growth or pull the skin tight while shaving, the Mayo Clinic warns. After each pass of the razor, rinse the blade of all hair and shaving cream to help get a clean, even shave.
Reduce Swelling
After shaving, skin may become swollen and irritated, making it difficult for hair to emerge and grow correctly. To help calm skin and reduce swelling, the Mayo Clinic recommends applying a cold compress immediately after shaving. Wet a clean washcloth or towel with cold water, then apply it directly to the skin. Leave the compress on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat as necessary to reduce swelling.
