Razor bumps or shave bumps are common in men who shave, obviously. These knocks are particularly more common in men of color. Some black men have to live with consistent distress due to numerous razor bumps in their facial hair area. Who knew skin care in black men can be a hell of a bumpy ride?
As though it weren’t sufficient work battling skin inflammation, you’ve likewise got to stress over how to avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs! But, you don’t have to suffer from the discomfort caused by razor bumps much longer.
We have some helpful tips that can help steer clear painful razor bumps and prevent ingrown hairs.
#1: Grow your facial hair.
In the case where growing your facial hair is a doable option, you can finally avoid razor bumps. Here’s why we think growing your facial hair works in getting rid of razor bumps.
Razor bumps occur when you cut your facial hairs too short. Assuming you have wavy, coarse hairs, these hairs that are cut too short can bend into your skin and gets trapped. Your skin, thinking the ingrown hairs are foreign objects, responds and thus, you get razor bumps.
Once you quit shaving for a while, the short facial hairs grow out of your skin. When the caught hairs spring out, then your skin will eventually heal.
You may also grow new hairs before the razor bumps clear out. This is expected because the hairs that were cut too short grew long enough and curved once more into your skin. But don’t worry, these hairs will grow back out in time.You ought to see less razor bumps in a month or less, and in three months, these bumps should be cleared for good.
#2: If you have to shave, change how you do it.
For starters, you have to find out the direction your facial hairs grow. This information is critical if you want to have a bump-free post-shave face.
Look in the mirror, and grab on the skin in your facial hair area. Lift your head and look closely under your chin how your facial hair grows.
This is probably every black man’s problem. While these thick curly locks are beautiful. They can also be a major pain to deal with.
Curly facial hairs usually grow in different directions. If your facial hairs are like this, it’s recommended to train the hairs to spring out in one direction with the use of a soft-bristle brush. Make sure it’s clean—anything you use on your face should be clean to avoid breakouts and irritations.
Now that you know which way your facial hair grows, it’s time to prep your skin and shave away!
Cleanse your face.
Invest in a good facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Cleverly Beauty has reviews and buying guide for you!
Make sure you do circular motions as you apply the cleanser. You may want to use the soft-bristle brush to remove unwanted dead skin cells that clog your pores. This reduces the chances of your facial hair curving back in. Use warm water when you rinse off.
Apply warm compress.
This method helps your trapped facial hairs that caused bumps to loosen up. Use a washcloth and soak it in warm water. Squeeze the washcloth to remove excess water, and then apply it to your facial hair area for a few minutes.
Don’t forget to apply shaving cream!
Apply shaving cream and let it stay on your skin for a minute or two. But, make sure it’s still wet before you hold up the razor. If the shaving cream has dried out before then, rinse your face and reapply the cream. Always remember not to dry shave.
Use a clean, sharp razor.
It’s recommended that you use an electric razor or a razor with a single blade. But, whatever razor you use, make sure it’s sharp. Dull blades pose high risk of bumps.
Now it’s time for the aftershave.
Never skip this important step! Ingrown hairs may harbor bacteria. So when you’re shaving, you could be spreading them around your facial hairs area. Thus, in the case where you have new ingrown hair, there’s a chance it could get infected.
Choose the right aftershave that works for you, and use it post-shave. It not just tightens your skin, but it also works as a disinfectant on your skin after shave.
The Takeaway
Now that you know the basic rules for black men who shave, you can say goodbye to painful razor bumps for good!
However, if you still get bumps even after performing this shaving method, you may want to visit your dermatologist for treatment. Consistent razor bumps should not be taken too lightly as it may cause permanent scarring.
Rule of thumb: never squeeze out the bumps as this can only lead to skin infection.
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