No matter which method of hair removal you choose (if you do choose – because body hair is entirely your business), they all come with their own set of pros and cons. Waxing? Great for longevity but ouch. Laser? Effective, but requires commitment (and cash). And shaving? The quickest, most budget-friendly option – but often comes with the dreaded aftermath: razor bumps.
You know the ones: those tiny, angry red bumps that appear just as you’re admiring your freshly smooth legs, bikini line, or underarms. Annoying? Absolutely. Unavoidable? Not necessarily. Whether you’re prone to them or they only pop up occasionally, here’s what’s causing your razor bumps – and more importantly, how to prevent and treat them like a pro.
What are razor bumps?
Razor bumps (also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae) happen when hairs curl back into the skin instead of growing straight out. This can lead to inflammation, irritation, and sometimes even painful, pus-filled spots. Essentially, it’s your hair getting a little too ambitious and deciding to grow in the wrong direction.
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They’re most common in areas where hair is naturally coarse or curly (hello, bikini line and underarms), but they can show up anywhere you shave. They also tend to be worse if you have sensitive skin, if you shave frequently, or if your technique involves aggressively dragging a razor over dry skin (we’ve all been there).
6 best ways to avoid razor bumps
Prevention is always easier than treatment, so if razor bumps are a recurring issue for you, start by making some tweaks to your shaving routine:
1/ Prep your skin properly
Shaving dry or barely damp skin is a fast track to irritation. Always soften your hair and skin with warm water before shaving – ideally by taking a shower or soaking in the bath for a few minutes. This helps open the hair follicles and makes for a smoother shave.
2/ Use a sharp razor (and replace it often!)
That razor you’ve been using for months? It’s probably doing more harm than good. Dull blades tug at the hair instead of slicing cleanly, increasing the risk of ingrown hairs. Ideally, replace your razor or blade after every five to seven shaves.
Keep forgetting to buy a new razor? Sign up to a subscription model like Estrid and they'll send you new blade refills so you don't forget.
3/ Invest in a quality shaving cream or gel
A little lubrication goes a long way. Using a hydrating shave gel (rather than dry shaving or using just water) helps reduce friction, making it easier for the razor to glide over your skin without causing micro-tears that lead to irritation.
4/ Shave in the right direction
It’s tempting to go against the grain for the closest shave, but this can increase the chances of razor bumps. Instead, shave in the direction of hair growth first, then go against it only if necessary for a closer finish.
5/ Avoid multiple passes over the same area
The more you go over one patch of skin, the more irritated it becomes. If your razor is sharp and your skin is prepped, one or two passes should be enough.
6/ Moisturise post-shave
Shaving removes more than just hair – it also strips the skin of natural oils. Apply a fragrance-free, soothing lotion or an aftershave balm with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to calm any irritation.
5 best ways to treat razor bumps
Already dealing with an outbreak of bumps? No stress – here’s how to soothe and clear them up:
1/ Apply a warm compress
Pressing a warm, damp cloth onto the affected area can help soften the skin and loosen trapped hairs, encouraging them to grow out naturally.
2/ Use anti-inflammatory ingredients
Look for products with salicylic acid (which gently exfoliates and unclogs pores), witch hazel (which calms redness and inflammation), or tea tree oil (a natural antibacterial that helps prevent infection).
3/ Exfoliate – but gently
Light exfoliation can help lift trapped hairs and prevent new ingrowns. Use a mild chemical exfoliant (like glycolic or lactic acid) or a soft flannel to buff the area a couple of times a week. Avoid anything too harsh, like a rough scrub, which can make irritation worse.
4/ Resist the urge to pick
We know, we know – it’s tempting. But squeezing or digging at razor bumps can push the hair deeper into the skin and lead to scarring or infection. Instead, let treatments do their thing and give the bumps time to heal naturally.
5/ Give your skin a break
If possible, avoid shaving the irritated area until the bumps subside. This allows the skin to heal and reduces the risk of further irritation.
More beauty stories this way:
- A photo guide to 20 types of raised skin bumps you might find on your body
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- Is the viral Weleda Skin Food really worth the hype?
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