How Can I Stop Getting Razor Bumps?
January 21, 2015 9:15 AM Subscribe
I get pretty gnarly razor bumps on my chin and upper neck. I've tried the following things to try to get rid of them: (1) shaving with the grain, (2) a product called Bump Patrol, and (3) some kind of chemical hair removal cream I bought at Target. The first two didn't work and the third was too painful to keep up (and also didn't seem to remove all the hair.) Can anyone recommend something else? What's worked for you?
The only thing that has made a difference is regularly switching razor blades (I joined one of those services that sends me new blades every month.) That's helped, but the bumps are still pretty bad. It looks bad and I don't want to have to grow a beard (my wife doesn't like them and I don't want to look just like my dad.)
The only thing that has made a difference is regularly switching razor blades (I joined one of those services that sends me new blades every month.) That's helped, but the bumps are still pretty bad. It looks bad and I don't want to have to grow a beard (my wife doesn't like them and I don't want to look just like my dad.)
1) Shave with the grain.
2) Switch razors frequently. I use Bic Twin Select; they're cheap and I only use each one for a few days.
3) Make sure you are not pressing down when you shave. Use a very light touch and let the razor glide across the surface of your skin.
posted by Leatherstocking at 9:28 AM on January 21, 2015
2) Switch razors frequently. I use Bic Twin Select; they're cheap and I only use each one for a few days.
3) Make sure you are not pressing down when you shave. Use a very light touch and let the razor glide across the surface of your skin.
posted by Leatherstocking at 9:28 AM on January 21, 2015
If you are using Dollar Shave Club blades, the only decent ones are the 6 blade version.
It sounds like you have sensitive skin, so I would recommend washing your face with warm water and a low foam face product for sensitive skin.
start with a fresh blade and take your time shaving.
as you shave... every 2nd or 3rd pass, rinse off your razor and strop the blade... you can do this on the inside of your forearm by pushing the blades towards your hand about 10 times... sounds crazy but you are making sure you are clearing debris from the blades and making sure the next pass at your face gets the same oomph as the first pass.
when you are done, apply a hot wet washcloth to your freshly shaved skin for about a minute or so.
finally, you can try a cold water splash finish or just pat dry.
avoid aftershave or other product that will irritate your skin.
pro tip, store your razor head in some extra virgin olive oil, its stops it from getting rusty
posted by bobdow at 9:28 AM on January 21, 2015
It sounds like you have sensitive skin, so I would recommend washing your face with warm water and a low foam face product for sensitive skin.
start with a fresh blade and take your time shaving.
as you shave... every 2nd or 3rd pass, rinse off your razor and strop the blade... you can do this on the inside of your forearm by pushing the blades towards your hand about 10 times... sounds crazy but you are making sure you are clearing debris from the blades and making sure the next pass at your face gets the same oomph as the first pass.
when you are done, apply a hot wet washcloth to your freshly shaved skin for about a minute or so.
finally, you can try a cold water splash finish or just pat dry.
avoid aftershave or other product that will irritate your skin.
pro tip, store your razor head in some extra virgin olive oil, its stops it from getting rusty
posted by bobdow at 9:28 AM on January 21, 2015
I found long ago* that only rinsing my razor in cold water makes a huge difference in how irritated my skin gets when I shave. I soak in hot before lathering up, and then only use cold. I don't tend to get bumps, so it may not make any difference to you, but it's easy to try.
Weirdly, I got this piece of advice from watching Good Morning Vietnam basically before I could shave. It was part of the public health patter from one of the radio announcers.
posted by OmieWise at 9:30 AM on January 21, 2015
Weirdly, I got this piece of advice from watching Good Morning Vietnam basically before I could shave. It was part of the public health patter from one of the radio announcers.
posted by OmieWise at 9:30 AM on January 21, 2015
If I were you, I'd try two things (at separate times, duh: scientific method!), based on two possible root causes:
- If the cause of your razor bumps is the USUAL cause (hair is cut too short, gets trapped under skin, ouch-y bump results), you want Tend Skin. You can get it at damned near any beauty supply store. It is the ne plus ultra of bump-preventing products.
- I have also heard that sometimes razor bumps are due to bacterial issues on the surface of the skin, and spreading a very thin layer of Neosporin or other topical antibiotic goo on your skin afterwards will help. It's cheap, so worth a try!
posted by julthumbscrew at 9:31 AM on January 21, 2015 [5 favorites]
- If the cause of your razor bumps is the USUAL cause (hair is cut too short, gets trapped under skin, ouch-y bump results), you want Tend Skin. You can get it at damned near any beauty supply store. It is the ne plus ultra of bump-preventing products.
- I have also heard that sometimes razor bumps are due to bacterial issues on the surface of the skin, and spreading a very thin layer of Neosporin or other topical antibiotic goo on your skin afterwards will help. It's cheap, so worth a try!
posted by julthumbscrew at 9:31 AM on January 21, 2015 [5 favorites]
I don't so much get the bumps, but I am such a delicate flower that I have cut myself with an electric razor. Really and literally.
The keys that I've found are:
(1) Good quality shaving goop -- King of Shaves is the best but that's been hard to find for a while, so I've been using Cremo Creme (it's the creme that's really... creme-ey...?) which has worked fine.
(2) Experiment with razors to find one that works. For me, it was a Schick Quattro
(3) Obviously this requires a job where you can get away with it, but: I don't shave every day.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:36 AM on January 21, 2015
The keys that I've found are:
(1) Good quality shaving goop -- King of Shaves is the best but that's been hard to find for a while, so I've been using Cremo Creme (it's the creme that's really... creme-ey...?) which has worked fine.
(2) Experiment with razors to find one that works. For me, it was a Schick Quattro
(3) Obviously this requires a job where you can get away with it, but: I don't shave every day.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:36 AM on January 21, 2015
If you're hair is curly this can be a thing. There are things you can do to help:
1. Pre-shave oil. You can pay $20 for fancy stuff, or just use Neutrogena or Dr. Teal (bubble bath section of supermarket.)
2. You may benefit from a nice shave cream, one that comes out of a tube, not foam in a can. Or gel from a can. Or anything from a can.
3. A bit of after-shave, to cut down on bacteria on your face, A nice astringent like Witch Hazel will work, it's soothing and about $4.50 again, at the supermarket.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:36 AM on January 21, 2015
1. Pre-shave oil. You can pay $20 for fancy stuff, or just use Neutrogena or Dr. Teal (bubble bath section of supermarket.)
2. You may benefit from a nice shave cream, one that comes out of a tube, not foam in a can. Or gel from a can. Or anything from a can.
3. A bit of after-shave, to cut down on bacteria on your face, A nice astringent like Witch Hazel will work, it's soothing and about $4.50 again, at the supermarket.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:36 AM on January 21, 2015
I had the same issue with razor burn on my neck ever since I started shaving. I tried all of the typical remedies and none of them really worked. I got laser hair removal on my neck a year or so ago and I've been free of ingrowns and irritation on my neck ever since.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:38 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by ludwig_van at 9:38 AM on January 21, 2015
My husband has insanely sensitive skin, and was chagrined to admit that the $25 tub of shaving cream from the Art of Shaving is much, much better for him than anything else he's ever tried for the purpose. That plus a mach3 razor where he changes the blade every week made the difference for him.
posted by KathrynT at 9:39 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by KathrynT at 9:39 AM on January 21, 2015
I used to have this problem until I switched from traditional shaving cream to a more lotion based product. The one that works best for me is Kiss my Face. I also never shave until after I am out of the shower so it softens up the stubble. As mentioned above, I had to go back to the Mach 3 razor due to hyper sensitive skin. If I use anything else I will get tiny cuts and skin irritations.
posted by Benway at 9:40 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by Benway at 9:40 AM on January 21, 2015
rinse the blade after each pass on your face. Yes I know that's annoying/time-consuming but hair fragments stuck in the blade can cause irritation. Just get in the habit of shave, rinse, shave, rinse, etc. Also, use a shaving oil or just baby oil works fine.
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 9:59 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 9:59 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
Have you tried switching to an electric razor? There are a lot of really good ones out there, like this Norelco.
posted by tra at 10:12 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by tra at 10:12 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
Try Magic Shave. I used it a few times and it works quite well. It doesn't kill off the hair at the root, like Nair does (I think?), it just works on the hair above the surface.
posted by Solomon at 10:13 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by Solomon at 10:13 AM on January 21, 2015
Good quality soap was the answer for me. Tea tree oil soap has made all the difference. It lathers well to provide decent lubrication and it's mildly anti-microbial, which helps prevent infections and rashes.
Changing the blade helps too, but finding the right shaving lather was the most important thing for me.
posted by bonehead at 10:14 AM on January 21, 2015
Changing the blade helps too, but finding the right shaving lather was the most important thing for me.
posted by bonehead at 10:14 AM on January 21, 2015
Alcohol-based shaving creams were absolutely awful for me, caused razor burn and bumps almost every time. Even just lotion alone worked better.
posted by bonehead at 10:16 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by bonehead at 10:16 AM on January 21, 2015
Lady here. I used to get awful ingrown hairs and lots of redness and inflammation from shaving my legs, even if I didn't do it for days. The only thing that has ever worked for me was a Mach 3 razor and plain old Dove bar soap. I don't use any other products before or after I shave because I don't need them. My SO also uses the same thing for shaving his face and neck and his complexion is gorgeous.
rinse the blade after each pass on your face. Yes I know that's annoying/time-consuming but hair fragments stuck in the blade can cause irritation.
On preview, this is a great piece of advice and for me personally, essential to a good shave.
posted by futureisunwritten at 10:16 AM on January 21, 2015
rinse the blade after each pass on your face. Yes I know that's annoying/time-consuming but hair fragments stuck in the blade can cause irritation.
On preview, this is a great piece of advice and for me personally, essential to a good shave.
posted by futureisunwritten at 10:16 AM on January 21, 2015
Seconding Tend Skin. I use it on the lady parts and it burns like hell but it's the only thing that works. That with fresh razors.
posted by greta simone at 10:26 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by greta simone at 10:26 AM on January 21, 2015
The best thing I ever did for my skin was switch to a double edge safety razor instead of a cartridge, because then I had to unlearn all the bad habits I didn't know I had with a cartridge. I suspect though that the effect was caused more by the change in technique than it was by the change in equipment. Turns out shaving is an art and a skill and not just a thing you have to do in the morning.
The other other thing I did was get a sample pack of a bunch of different blades and use one of each, then a second of each, both in order to identify the blades I liked best and to nudge my technique along so I wouldn't tear my face up if I had to use a non-favorite brand in an emergency. I still have two or three of every blade I didn't like, and a big box of the ones I liked best. For the life of me I can't shave with a Merkur blade without cutting myself to bits, so those in particular get used to slash bread dough before baking. The rest of them I would actually feel comfortable using in a pinch.
So I suggest a switch of equipment until you figure out what specific habit is doing you in (pressure you don't realize you're applying, or a place where the grain reverses), and then you can go back to your cartridges after that with your new technique.
Of products with ubiquitous availability, I like Aveeno shave gel the best and I have seen it recommended for African American men who have to shave regularly. Also this is going to sound a bit ridiculous but if you find a barbershop that specializes in African American hair, you may find a wealth of advice and product suggestions. Black men get more razor bumps than white men do.
posted by fedward at 10:34 AM on January 21, 2015
The other other thing I did was get a sample pack of a bunch of different blades and use one of each, then a second of each, both in order to identify the blades I liked best and to nudge my technique along so I wouldn't tear my face up if I had to use a non-favorite brand in an emergency. I still have two or three of every blade I didn't like, and a big box of the ones I liked best. For the life of me I can't shave with a Merkur blade without cutting myself to bits, so those in particular get used to slash bread dough before baking. The rest of them I would actually feel comfortable using in a pinch.
So I suggest a switch of equipment until you figure out what specific habit is doing you in (pressure you don't realize you're applying, or a place where the grain reverses), and then you can go back to your cartridges after that with your new technique.
Of products with ubiquitous availability, I like Aveeno shave gel the best and I have seen it recommended for African American men who have to shave regularly. Also this is going to sound a bit ridiculous but if you find a barbershop that specializes in African American hair, you may find a wealth of advice and product suggestions. Black men get more razor bumps than white men do.
posted by fedward at 10:34 AM on January 21, 2015
Try a single-blade safety razor instead of a cartridge. Trust me, it's nicer to your skin.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 10:39 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by Dipsomaniac at 10:39 AM on January 21, 2015
Don't press. if you're in the habit of pressing, it will be surprisingly hard to unlearn. Lighten up, slow down, and go gently and carefully. Also, try rinsing blade after each stroke.
Nthing brand switch plus frequent change of blade. Though there's a way around that expense, by sharpening on denim (it works).
Make sure your face is quite wet and the water is quite warm. A quick splash of water followed by a quick application of cream and right onto the shaving doesn't cut it. You need to give the beard a chance to soften in the (hot) water. Remember...it's the wetness, even more than the cream, that prepares your beard.
posted by Quisp Lover at 10:42 AM on January 21, 2015
Nthing brand switch plus frequent change of blade. Though there's a way around that expense, by sharpening on denim (it works).
Make sure your face is quite wet and the water is quite warm. A quick splash of water followed by a quick application of cream and right onto the shaving doesn't cut it. You need to give the beard a chance to soften in the (hot) water. Remember...it's the wetness, even more than the cream, that prepares your beard.
posted by Quisp Lover at 10:42 AM on January 21, 2015
I tried the old double-edged razors for a while, because they are trendy in a hipster kind of way, but I think there's a good reason that triple, quadruple and quintuple blade razors were invented: they require proportionally fewer strokes and they are much less irritating to the skin because of that. Use a light touch and rinse frequently.
posted by monospace at 11:04 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by monospace at 11:04 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
I get bumps if I don't use high-quality sensitive-skin shave cream. I use Neutrogena and Nivea. The most important part seems to be no fragrance and no dye.
posted by Mid at 11:09 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by Mid at 11:09 AM on January 21, 2015
I suffered with terrible ingrown hairs and razor burn for years. Decades actually! I tried anything I could get my hands on and nothing worked consistently. I used countless kinds of razors, both manual and many many products. Most of the razor bump products did help to an extent, but it's only been in the last few years that I have finally gotten it under control. I might get one or two ingrown hairs a month, but they are not at all an issue like they used to be, and they clear up very quickly.
Here is my routine, which I follow religiously. Obviously, everyone's skin is different, but this is what worked for me.
- First, I don't expect to ever have a baby-smooth face. It's just not going to happen, so be realistic about that from the outset. A SUPER close shave is the enemy.
- I only shave every other day.
- I shave in the shower using a Bump Fighter razor blade and Cremo Cream (Cremo is available at all major drug stores and retailers. I have also successfully used other "super slick" shave creams, but Cremo is much less expensive and works great.)
- My exact routine is that I lather up my face with bar soap at the beginning of my shower, and don't rinse it until I am ready to shave at the end. Also, about once a week, I GENTLY exfoliate my face with a loofa and soap to help prevent ingrown hairs. The key word is GENTLE.
- At the end of the shower, I rinse my face and apply the Cremo Cream and shave with the Bump Fighter razor, with the grain, never against. The Bump Fighter Razor is a single blade with a guard that keeps the blade slightly off of the skin. This is where you need to accept that you will feel some stubble when you rub your face after shaving. It's very short, but you CAN feel it. I try not go more than one or two strokes in any area. Again, slow and gentle is the key.
- After the shower, I immediately apply a small amount of Bump Patrol and let it dry while I do the rest of my grooming. After the Bump Patrol has dried, I apply The Cool Fix.
- I use Lubriderm Men's 3-in-1 moisturizer, but not until later in the day. Dry skin invites ingrown hair, so it's important to use a moisturizer.
- To treat existing ingrown hairs or bumps, I use a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream. There are lots of brands; I usually just get the store brand. Many people will tell you to try to remove the ingrown hairs with a needle or splinter-removing tweezers. I used to do this, but I think it causes more problems, so now I resist the temptation and just treat the area with the benzoyl peroxide. The only exception is that if I can clearly see the the hair is on the surface, or very close to it, I will pull the end out and then apply the benzoly peroxide. If you do this, don't pluck the hair all the way out, because it will just regrow from the follicle and might ingrow once again. Better to leave it than to cause more trauma to the area, which can cause other hairs to ingrow.
- Patience is key! Any product that promises an overnight cure is exaggerating. Although redness and swelling can certainly reduce quickly, time and consistency are really the key.
Good luck! I hope this is helpful and that you find what works for you. It caused an inordinate amount of anxiety, frustration, and embarassment for a long time, and I'm incredibly relieved that I've gotten it tamed!
posted by The Deej at 11:09 AM on January 21, 2015
Here is my routine, which I follow religiously. Obviously, everyone's skin is different, but this is what worked for me.
- First, I don't expect to ever have a baby-smooth face. It's just not going to happen, so be realistic about that from the outset. A SUPER close shave is the enemy.
- I only shave every other day.
- I shave in the shower using a Bump Fighter razor blade and Cremo Cream (Cremo is available at all major drug stores and retailers. I have also successfully used other "super slick" shave creams, but Cremo is much less expensive and works great.)
- My exact routine is that I lather up my face with bar soap at the beginning of my shower, and don't rinse it until I am ready to shave at the end. Also, about once a week, I GENTLY exfoliate my face with a loofa and soap to help prevent ingrown hairs. The key word is GENTLE.
- At the end of the shower, I rinse my face and apply the Cremo Cream and shave with the Bump Fighter razor, with the grain, never against. The Bump Fighter Razor is a single blade with a guard that keeps the blade slightly off of the skin. This is where you need to accept that you will feel some stubble when you rub your face after shaving. It's very short, but you CAN feel it. I try not go more than one or two strokes in any area. Again, slow and gentle is the key.
- After the shower, I immediately apply a small amount of Bump Patrol and let it dry while I do the rest of my grooming. After the Bump Patrol has dried, I apply The Cool Fix.
- I use Lubriderm Men's 3-in-1 moisturizer, but not until later in the day. Dry skin invites ingrown hair, so it's important to use a moisturizer.
- To treat existing ingrown hairs or bumps, I use a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream. There are lots of brands; I usually just get the store brand. Many people will tell you to try to remove the ingrown hairs with a needle or splinter-removing tweezers. I used to do this, but I think it causes more problems, so now I resist the temptation and just treat the area with the benzoyl peroxide. The only exception is that if I can clearly see the the hair is on the surface, or very close to it, I will pull the end out and then apply the benzoly peroxide. If you do this, don't pluck the hair all the way out, because it will just regrow from the follicle and might ingrow once again. Better to leave it than to cause more trauma to the area, which can cause other hairs to ingrow.
- Patience is key! Any product that promises an overnight cure is exaggerating. Although redness and swelling can certainly reduce quickly, time and consistency are really the key.
Good luck! I hope this is helpful and that you find what works for you. It caused an inordinate amount of anxiety, frustration, and embarassment for a long time, and I'm incredibly relieved that I've gotten it tamed!
posted by The Deej at 11:09 AM on January 21, 2015
This is me! I found that growing out my beard a bit and exfoliating the area helped eliminate existing bumps. A lot of the advice above is really good for preventing bumps, but I had some persistent fuckers that wouldn't go away, no matter how sharp my razor or lotiony my lotion.
posted by beepbeepboopboop at 11:18 AM on January 21, 2015
posted by beepbeepboopboop at 11:18 AM on January 21, 2015
Electric razors of the candy bar type greatly reduced this issue for me
posted by smoke at 1:39 PM on January 21, 2015
posted by smoke at 1:39 PM on January 21, 2015
I had to change my routine when I started going grey at 40. Those translucent hairs are the worst. You can't even see them when they get ingrown. I shave in the shower with Bronner's tea tree soap and a no-fog mirror that sticks to the tile.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 3:07 PM on January 21, 2015
posted by Mr. Yuck at 3:07 PM on January 21, 2015
Bump Fighter blade, Bump Off invisible shaving gel. Works for me!
posted by infinitewindow at 5:52 PM on January 21, 2015
posted by infinitewindow at 5:52 PM on January 21, 2015
I had razor bumps for years. I tried everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!) to get rid of the buggers: Bump patrol, bump fighter, wet shaving, witch hazel, yada yada.
The only thing that worked for me was an electric razor - namely, a Norelco Sensotouch 3D. I heard good things about the Braun Series 5 and tried that first, but it made the bumps worse. I don't get baby smooth skin anymore - which used to bother me - but I've decided that I prefer a bit of stubble over dealing with ingrown hairs week in and week out.
The Sensotouch kept any more bumps from forming, and a dermatologist-prescribed clindamycin + 10% benzoyl peroxide combination got rid of the existing ones. The dermatologist also recommended washing my face with a bar of Cetaphil face soap formulated for sensitive skin.
Everyone's skin is different; it stinks, but you need to keep trying until you find what works for you.
posted by CottonCandyCapers at 5:37 AM on January 22, 2015
The only thing that worked for me was an electric razor - namely, a Norelco Sensotouch 3D. I heard good things about the Braun Series 5 and tried that first, but it made the bumps worse. I don't get baby smooth skin anymore - which used to bother me - but I've decided that I prefer a bit of stubble over dealing with ingrown hairs week in and week out.
The Sensotouch kept any more bumps from forming, and a dermatologist-prescribed clindamycin + 10% benzoyl peroxide combination got rid of the existing ones. The dermatologist also recommended washing my face with a bar of Cetaphil face soap formulated for sensitive skin.
Everyone's skin is different; it stinks, but you need to keep trying until you find what works for you.
posted by CottonCandyCapers at 5:37 AM on January 22, 2015
+1 on shaving in the shower for this, too. Get a shower mirror that sticks on the wall. Also +1 shave with the grain, particularly on neck.
posted by Mid at 9:26 AM on January 22, 2015
posted by Mid at 9:26 AM on January 22, 2015
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