You too get those annoying red bumps that pop up after you shave? Yep, we are talking about those dreaded Razor Bumps. These bumps occur when hair curls back into the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. They are common in areas like the face and neck. The good part of it is that making a few tweaks in your lifestyle habits when shaving can reduce razor bumps from developing.

Get yourself shaving ready

Before you even think about reaching for that razor, a few pre-shave steps can make a huge difference in your shaving experience. Think like these steps are your pathway to a smoother, more comfortable shaving experience. 

Know your skin and hair type

The first step towards achieving less bumpy skin after a shave comes when you understand your skin and hair type. Your skin plays a significant role in how it responds to shaving. The same goes for the hair. The texture of your hair decides how it might react to a Shaving Razor. 

Open the pores

The secret weapon to open the pores which are not-so-secret is a warm shower on your hair follicles. That helps open your pores effortlessly. If possible,  we advise you to take a shower before you shave as it softens your hair and opens the pores.

Find your shaving style

Direction

A crucial one. The road to less bumpy skin starts with understanding the direction of your hair growth. This is referred to as a ‘grain’. You might be tempted to shave against the grain to get a closer shave but its pros outweigh its cons. Shaving against the grain increases the likelihood of ingrown hair and razor bumps. Listen, just shave in the direction of your hair.

Here’s how you find the direction of your hair. First, run your hand across the area you plan to shave, and observe where the hair feels rough and where the hair feels smoother. This smooth feeling indicates the direction of your hair.

Light pressure, Short strokes….period!!!

It is tempting, but excessive pressure is a big NO. Applying pressure will only lead to nicks, cuts, and burns instead of a closer shave. In fact, if you put more pressure than required, it will cause the razor to dig into the skin.

…..and the result? 

More irritation and more razor bumps. Instead, go light and adopt a light touch. Allow the weight of the razor to do the work. There's no need to press down forcefully.

For a better grip and control over the razor, short and controlled strokes are the key to reducing the chances of accidental slips and nicks. 

Maintaining the razor 

The more you use a razor, the more it accumulates shaved hair, shaving cream, skin cells, and whatnot. All this compromises the effectiveness of the razor, and you will not get the kind of shaves you want. 

Prevent this by frequently rinsing the razor during your shave. A clean razor on any day ensures a smoother glide and reduces the risk of irritation.

The next thing that you should incorporate into your shaving routine is a razor sharpener. A Razor Sharpener is a tool that is scientifically proven to extend your razor blade’s life by up to 30%. It's like you save as you shave. 

After-shave care MATTERS!!

Close the pores

When you’re done with shaving, close the pores. The best way to do this is to splash your face with cold water. The reason why this is necessary is that this minimises the risk of debris and bacteria entering the hair follicles.

Go for an After-Shave Product

When it comes to an after-shave product, any alcohol-free product is your skin's best pal. The reason why it is not recommended to use alcohol-based products is that they dry and irritate the skin, which is the last thing you want.

BE GONE razor bumps and Ingrown hair!!

The truth is, despite putting in all the hard work, there is still a chance for razor bumps or ingrown hair to make an appearance. But, hey, don’t worry, you can manage it.

Warm it up

A warm compress provides good relief. Use a damp cloth. Dip it in warm water and gently apply it to the affected areas. This helps with inflammation, reduces redness, and allows the hair to break free from your skin's surface. 

Try getting some loose outfits

Wearing clothes that are too tight can worsen the situation and prevent the skin from healing. See, when you wear tight fabrics after shaving, they create friction, which leads to more discomfort, and this worsens the razor bumps.

THAT’S A WRAP

Making your skin smooth without getting those razor bumps is totally achievable. Follow the techniques and methods outlined throughout this blog, and it is powerful enough to transform your shaving routine into a pleasurable experience. Keep practising, and with time you will develop a routine.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. Does it matter what time of the day I shave?

A. The answer to this is a YES! Your skin is slightly less sensitive at night, so this reduces the risk of irritation and razor bumps.

Q. Is it true that frequent moisturising prevents razor bumps?

A. Moisturising is essential to prevent irritation, but it might not eliminate the possibility of you getting razor bumps. Moisturisation is just one piece of the puzzle, and other factors like shaving technique and hair texture also play a key role in this.

Q. Is there a relationship between the frequency of shaving razor bumps?

A. Shaving too much too often without a proper skincare routine increases the risk of skin irritation and razor bumps. However, the ideal shaving frequency is too subjective and varies from person to person.