One time when I was a freshman in college I shaved my legs on a very drunken dare. I had no idea what I was doing and shaved against the grain. I have never in my life seen so many bumps, bloodied streaks and rashes than in the two weeks after that hangover. Granted, as a white boy I don’t have too many issues with razor bumps but I know my African American and Latino friends gripe about it constantly. Razor Bumps can be a real issue and can be a real embarrassment, not to mention how much they hurt.
So here are my foolproof ways to minimize razor bumps:
- Shave properly! We have already shown you how. Do NOT shave against the grain. That means you should shave in the direction that your hair grows.
- Don’t shave every day if you don’t have to.
- Clean that razor! Bacteria can increase your chances of getting bumps. Pour rubbing alcohol on your razor before you shave.
- Don’t squeeze, pick, and rub those bumps. That never helps on zits and it doesn’t help on razor bumps!
And here are the products that help to prevent them:
- Baxter of California's Razor Bump Relief ($20) Exfoliating gel for ingrown hairs and Salicylic acid (opens up clogged pores and neutralizes bacteria within) work to reduce bumps.
- Kyoku Razor Repair Balm($34) This product has chamomile, witch hazel, Aloe Vera and ancient Japanese oils in the mix to combat inflammation and redness.
- One product many dudes have told me about in barbershops and the streets of Harlem and Charleston is High Times Bump Stopper ($4.17). No it’s not that High Time and people testify to its effectiveness.