Razor bumps and ingrown hairs happen when shaved hairs curl back into the skin or get trapped under the surface, causing bumps and irritation. Common on beard area, neck, bikini line, underarms, and legs.
What it looks like
- Small, itchy or tender bumps; some have a visible hair loop.
- Darker spots after bumps resolve (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), especially on darker skin tones.
- Infected bumps can form pustules.
Key prevention steps
- Trim instead of shave if possible; leaving a short stubble (1–2 mm) reduces ingrowns.
- If shaving:
- Hydrate hair/skin: warm shower or warm compress 3–5 minutes before.
- Use a slick shave gel/cream; avoid drying soaps.
- Shave with the grain first; avoid “baby-smooth” multi-pass shaves.
- Use fewest blades possible; consider single-blade or electric clipper/guard.
- Light pressure; don’t stretch the skin.
- Rinse blade every stroke; replace blades frequently.
- After shaving:
- Rinse with cool water; pat dry.
- Apply a bland moisturizer; consider an aftershave with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid a few times weekly to keep pores clear (reduce frequency if stings).
Treating bumps
- Stop close shaving for 1–2 weeks; use a trimmer/guard.
- Warm compresses then gently tease out the trapped tip with a sterile needle if visible at the surface—don’t dig.
- Apply:
- Salicylic acid 0.5–2% or glycolic acid 5–10% lotion a few times weekly.
- For inflamed bumps: a short course of mild topical steroid (low potency) can calm redness/itch—ask your clinician.
- If pustules form, a topical antibiotic (clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide-containing gel) helps.
- For bikini line and underarms: switch to trimming, waxing by an experienced professional, or consider laser hair removal for recurrent issues.
Longer-term options
- Laser hair removal significantly reduces ingrowns, especially for coarse, curly hair.
- Prescription retinoid creams (e.g., tretinoin) can reduce plugging; use at night and moisturize.
When to see a clinician
- Painful, recurrent, or scarring bumps.
- Signs of infection (worsening pain, pus, spreading redness).
- If you have pseudofolliculitis barbae that impacts work (e.g., shaving requirements)—ask about medical notes and treatment plans.