How to Avoid Razor Bumps

Shaving is one of the many grooming techniques that make you feel neat, clean and tidy. But the grass does not always stay green on the other side. I am speaking about one of the bothersome and painful woes of shaving - razor bumps. People who have less body hair do not have to bother much about this problem. But those with significant hair growth, especially those with thick or curly hair growth, are the ones who are more susceptible to develop such bumps, than those with straight hair. This is because when this type of hair is cut at an angle, it tends to grow back in an inward direction. This causes the hair (which has become sharper now) to penetrate the skin. And this response is taken as a foreign invasion trying to infect the skin. So the body protects itself by causing swelling of the pricked skin thus, causing the characteristic red raised area known as razor bump. Now, till this point, the matter is still a mild one. However, if the problem area is not treated, then it may get infected by staph bacteria.

Preventing Razor Bumps

• The best way that is recommended to evade razor bumps is not to shave at all, if you know that you are prone to this problem. But this may not be such a good choice for those with good body hair growth.
• You must give your skin a gap of at least 2-3 days post a close shave. However, if you use an electric shaver than you can keep the gap of a day.
• Take a warm shower before shaving. As I said, one main reason for the bumps to form is when the hair gets cut an angle. So when you take a shower, you are making your hair soft and skin relaxed. This would help the hair stand straight, and ensure that the cut is more even.
• With each shaving session, use a new blade. The sharper the blade the lesser the risks of razor bumps. A blunt blade won't trim the hair but scratch against the skin. This will cause skin inflammation. Also remember, a hair-clogged blade is as good as a blunt blade. So get rid of the hair after each stroke.
• The recommended way to shave is to go with the direction of the hair growth. Going against it injures the skin and increases the risk of razor bumps. And don't go 'scratch' 'scratch' more than once in place for a smoother shave. Instead use a good shaving cream and give it some time to make the area soft and moist. Doing this is enough to get you a smooth shave with one stroke.
• And, as a final advice, it is a good idea to disinfect the blade before and after shaving. You can use rubbing alcohol for this purpose. Simply wiping off the blade with it will ensure lesser risk of bacterial infection.

When it is too late for prevention, a natural way to treat your razor bumps is by massaging coconut oil or almond oil post shaving. And if the bumps have formed in the pubic area, then apply a paste of crushed aspirin tablets. You may also benefit by using hydrocortisone cream. However, use it on rare occasions, as it may do more harm than good, if its use becomes a habit.