How to shave your face without getting razor bumps

Why does shaving cause bumps?

Razor bumps develop when shaved hairs curl back into the skin. A close shave can leave a sharp hair tip that pierces the skin or retracts beneath its surface. The resulting inflammation is called pseudofolliculitis barbae. Anyone who removes hair can develop ingrown hairs, but thick, coarse or curly hair and skin of color increase the risk. A perfectly smooth finish and a gentler shave are not always the same job, despite what the razor advert would like to suggest.123

How to shave, step by step

Check which way the hair grows on each part of your face and neck before starting. Hair under the jaw can grow in several directions, so one downward sweep is a tidy plan for a less tidy map.2

1. 1Thoroughly wet your skin and facial hair with warm water before shaving.
2. 2Apply shaving cream or gel before the razor touches your face.
3. 3Use a sharp single blade razor, or try an electric shaver held just above the skin rather than chasing a completely smooth finish.
4. 4Shave with the direction of growth, using short strokes. Do not stretch the skin to get closer.
5. 5Rinse the blade after every stroke. Avoid another pass over the same patch, leaving about 1 mm of stubble.
6. 6Replace blades or disposable razors frequently to reduce irritation and cuts. Keep your skin moisturized.

Should you shave less often?

If daily shaving keeps triggering bumps, try every other day or switch from a blade to an electric shaver. Frequent shaving increases the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Keep the razor moving gently rather than pressing down; reducing pressure is general shaving guidance, not a reason to make extra passes.124

What if you already have razor bumps?

Pause shaving and allow the hair to grow. Apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes to help soothe the area and release trapped hairs. Do not pick, scratch or pop the bumps, because that increases the risk of infection and scarring. Gentle exfoliation can help release ingrown hairs by removing dead surface skin. Use warm rather than hot water and small circular motions with a washcloth; vigorous scrubbing is not part of the technique.1

An individual ingrown hair often settles within one to two weeks as the hair grows and releases. Persistent razor bump inflammation can take about four to six weeks to subside after stopping the hair removal that caused it. Continuing the same shaving technique can keep the problem going.15

When should you see a doctor?

See a healthcare professional if bumps become larger or more painful, contain pus, or do not improve with home care and changes to shaving. Infection around the hair follicles can resemble razor bumps and can occur alongside them. Repeated inflammation can leave dark marks or scars. Eczema can also aggravate razor bumps, making persistent irritation another reason to get the area assessed.15

Treatment can include prescription medicines for inflammation or infection, or hair removal options such as laser treatment. Hair removal creams are another option, but they can irritate skin. A dermatologist can help choose an alternative if changing your shave is not enough.15

Do not assume every facial bump is an ingrown hair. If you have diagnosed molluscum, a contagious viral skin infection, avoid shaving over those bumps because shaving can spread it to other areas. Ingrown hairs themselves are not contagious.16