Thread: Razor Bumps / Ingrown Hairs

Any tips on managing razor bumps. I've always been under the impression that razor bumps are ingrown hairs, but I really don't know for shure. I personally am not experiencing this problem but I'm curious if the community here has any ideas about reducing them, or eliminating them. I am also under the impression that the exfoliating nature of consistant SR shaving alone will gradually reduce razor bumps. Again not sure if that's true or not.

Originally Posted by Slurryer

Any tips on managing razor bumps. I've always been under the impression that razor bumps are ingrown hairs, but I really don't know for shure. I personally am not experiencing this problem but I'm curious if the community here has any ideas about reducing them, or eliminating them. I am also under the impression that the exfoliating nature of consistant SR shaving alone will gradually reduce razor bumps. Again not sure if that's true or not.

Part of the reason I switched from disposable to straight was because of this. Used to get ingrown on my chin with the gillette, no issues with the straight.

The exfolliating nature of the shaving brush (especially face lathering with a badger brush) and the cushioning action of the lather holding the hair off of the skin will help a lot with preventing / curing ingrow hairs. Another thing to look out for if you have issues is to not try for the BBS every where. If you end up cuttinng the hair below the skin line the hair can grow "off center" and start to grow under the skin..... razor bumps.

To answer you last question, a wet shaving routine will definetly help as far as razor bumbs go.

With a cartridge I think I had them every day. A week after switching to a straight, they were all gone and haven't come back.

I'm getting a few of these on the hollow parts of my neck (on the sides) with the straight. Anyone have any technique suggestions to improve this? I am skin stretching, but maybe there is a better way to do so. Also, would a smiling razor be a good consideration?

A smiling razor makes it easier to shave the hollows of the neck, but isn't necessarily required.

I will get then on each side of my chin if I go for a BBS and do ATG strokes. Using only WTG and XTW strokes eliminates the bumps. YMMV

The best way I've found to reduce razor bumps (aside from shaving with a straight razor or DE razor) is to consistently exfoliate with a stiff-bristled brush, something like this:


These are usually marketed as "fingernail" or "foot" brushes, and they're cheap. Use that thing to scratch your neck and face in all directions while you're in the shower washing your face, especially on days where you'll be shaving. The stiff bristles do a great job of lifting hairs from close to or under the skin. I guarantee anyone who has issues with ingrown hairs will see an improvement.

Originally Posted by zappbrannigan

The best way I've found to reduce razor bumps (aside from shaving with a straight razor or DE razor) is to consistently exfoliate with a stiff-bristled brush, something like this:


These are usually marketed as "fingernail" or "foot" brushes, and they're cheap. Use that thing to scratch your neck and face in all directions while you're in the shower washing your face, especially on days where you'll be shaving. The stiff bristles do a great job of lifting hairs from close to or under the skin. I guarantee anyone who has issues with ingrown hairs will see an improvement.

Awesome tip. I've suggested similar solutions using a regular hair brush, but this fingernail brush is an excellent idea!

Originally Posted by criswilson10

With a cartridge I think I had them every day. A week after switching to a straight, they were all gone and haven't come back.

That has been my experience as well. I would switch out my disposable razors weekly, and by the end of the week they were getting pretty dull. That's when I would notices the bumps starting. Daily SR shaves keep the hairs so low that I'm not seeing bumps at all. Not yet anyway. Hopefully not ever.