Why do I have razor bumps?

Why do they keep coming back?

Shaving leaves a sharp hair tip. That tip can curve into nearby skin, or retract below the surface and pierce the follicle, the small pocket where hair grows. Shaving against hair growth, stretching your skin and repeatedly shaving the same patch encourage an extra close cut. Under the jaw is a common trouble spot because hairs there grow in different directions.1

Anyone can get razor bumps, including on the legs, armpits and pubic area. They are more common in people with dark skin and coarse or curly hair. Waxing, plucking and threading can also cause ingrown hairs, so swapping the razor for tweezers does not necessarily solve the problem.1234

Are these razor bumps or razor burn?

Razor bumps look like small pimples, sometimes with a trapped hair visible beneath the skin. Razor burn is a broader, blotchy rash that often stings or burns within minutes of shaving. Dry shaving, rushing and dull blades can cause razor burn, which usually lasts a few hours to a few days. An infection of the hair follicles, called folliculitis, can look similar to razor bumps and can occur alongside them.356

How should I shave to prevent them?

Wet your skin and hair, then use shaving cream or gel to help the blade glide, rather than leaving a sharp piece of metal in charge of the entire operation.5

1. 1Soften the hair at the end of a shower or with a warm, damp washcloth. Wash the area with a mild cleanser.
2. 2Apply a moisturizing shaving cream. For sensitive skin, choose mild products without fragrance; "unscented" products can still contain masking fragrances.
3. 3Shave in the direction your hair grows, using short strokes. Do not stretch your skin or repeatedly pass over the same area. Leave at least 1 mm of stubble rather than chasing a completely smooth finish.
4. 4Rinse the razor after every stroke. Replace disposable razors or blades after five to seven shaves and store the razor somewhere dry.
5. 5Rinse your skin and hold a cool, damp washcloth against the shaved area to reduce irritation.
6. 6Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

Try a single or double blade razor if your current razor cuts too closely, or switch to an electric shaver held just above the skin. More blades are not automatically a better choice, however impressive the blade census looks on the box.47

Should I stop shaving?

Stopping shaving is the most reliable way to prevent shaving related ingrown hairs. If you need to continue, try shaving every other day with the less close technique above. There is no single frequency rule: shaving daily or every two to three days can limit hair curling, while reducing shaving gives irritated skin a break. Avoid shaving over razor burn until it clears.1235

What helps existing bumps, and how long do they take?

Apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes to help trapped hairs release. Do not pick, scratch or squeeze bumps, which can cause infection or scarring. Individual ingrown hairs often settle within one to two weeks; established razor bumps can take about four to six weeks to subside after stopping the hair removal that caused them. A pharmacist can help you choose products for itching or gentle exfoliation. Hair removal creams are another option, but they can irritate skin.134

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if the area is very painful, hot or swollen, or if you have a fever, chills or feel very unwell. Pus and increasing pain can signal infection. See a dermatologist if bumps persist despite changing your shaving habits, or leave dark marks or scars. Treatment can include medicines for inflammation or infection, prescription acne treatments, or laser hair removal for recurring ingrown hairs.2346