Razor bumps can occur on the face after shaving but also in areas where the hair removed is coarse and the area sensitive such as genital area shaving. Curly hair also tends to curl inwards as it grows and can curl back into the skin causing inflammation and can also cause pimple like bumps. These papules or pustules that form can be red and sore especially if the area becomes infected.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is the medical term for ingrown hairs and these can be two gifferent types -   transfollicular and extrafollicular. The transfollicular hair never leaves the hair follicle and the extrafollicular hair is a hair that has exited the follicle and reentered the skin.

Tips for Prevention:

• Keep the face or area being shaved well lubricated.
• Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
• Use a sharp blade and avoid dull blades.
• Cleanse the face first to soften the hair growth.
• Shave lightly –don’t apply too much pressure.
• Use an aftershave that has no irritating ingredients and is an effective moisturiser. Skinsaviour Cream was formulated for sensitive skins and is ideal for use after shaving.
• Avoid colognes and aftershaves on the affected area.
• Gentle exfoliation – lightly rub over with a washcloth the area after shaving to help prevent razor bumps forming. Ingrown hairs may be gently squeezed to release the hair.
• Severe chronic cases may need to let beards grow or investigate other forms of hair removal such as laser or electrolysis.
• Seek medical advice if the rash or bumps do not heal.

#2 – Use a sharp razor. A dull razor will only drag at and irritate the skin and can be the cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs.

#3 – Don’t rub at your face to dry it – it will dry just as well patted gently with a whole lot less irritation to your skin.

#4 – When you have finished shaving rinse the area thoroughly in lukewarm water. Residue of shaving soaps can cause the skin to be irritated and itchy.

#5 – Avoid the use of alcohol based and harsh astringent type aftershave lotions. These can often dry out the skin causing dry skin and itching in the area shaven. They are not really necessary  – if you want to close pores, cold water is just as effective and less drying.

#6 – If your hair is coarse or thick avoid disposable razors. They are seldom up to the job and may pull and drag at the hairs and the skin.

#7 – Multiple blades give a very clean shave and the less irritation there is to hair follicles the less chance of ingrown hairs, razor bumps and razor burn occurring.

#8 – Shaving twice against the grain or across the grain can give tougher hair growth a very close shave but may irritate the skin for some people.

#9 – Razor burn can be reduced by keeping the face moist during shaving and not creating too much drag on the skin. The less drag the less irritation there will be.

#10 – Shaving is hard on the skin and is both drying and damaging It is important to use a moisturiser after shaving that has no irritating ingredients such as perfumes and colours. Skinsaviour Cream is ideal as it has ingredients that are calming and soothing and has a mild antibacterial action to help with shaving nicks and cuts.

Shaving Equipment

Since you are going to be shaving frequently if not daily, it pays to have the right shaving gear. Trying to get those extra shaves out of a blade doesn’t make sense when a dull blade can be a cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs – use a sharp blade. A natural hair brush holds water and lathers well which creates less damage and a cleaner shave.

Shaving – the right way

• Soften the stubble by cleansing and using warm water
• If you use as shaving brush, a natural hair brush like badgers is best
• Use short strokes and rinse the blade frequently
• Make sure the blade is sharp
• Use a moisturiser afterwards while the skin is still damp
• Use a moisturiser with calming, soothing ingredients to help heal any micro injuries

Men's Shaving Chart

What to avoid

• Products with soaps, detergents, perfume, colour and sulphates
• Products for shaving or after shave with alcohol that dries out the skin
• Harsh exfoliators that do more damage than good
• Products with menthol can close the pores and stiffen the beard
• Foaming agents that may look good but don’t help the skin
• Hot water, always use lukewarm
• Rubbing dry  – try  to gently pat the skin dry
• Dull, tired blades past their use by date