How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps for Men

Prepare your face properly before shaving.

Men with curly hair or sensitive skin are all too familiar with the bumps that can pop up after shaving. Concentrated clusters of these razor bumps often resemble bad acne. You may think this is the price you have to pay if you don't want a beard, but you can get rid of and prevent razor bumps by following a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Mild facial cleanser
• Small face towel
• Moisturizing shaving cream
• Razor
• Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
• Soft cotton pad

Instructions

1. Let your face rest two or three days after shaving with a razor. Use an electric shaver or trimmer, if necessary, to give your skin time to recover.

2. Wash your face with a mild facial cleanser.

3. Use warm water to prepare your face before shaving. The warmer the water, the better. Apply the water to a towel and then wrap it around your face. If your skin tends to turn red and break out in a rash after shaving with a razor, use cool water instead, recommends "The Complete Book of Men's Health." You can do this by splashing your face or wrapping it in a cool, wet towel.

4. Apply a moisturizing shaving cream while your face is still warm and wet. Let the cream sit on your face for a few minutes to soften your skin and hair even more.

5. Shave in the direction of the hair growth. Use smooth, even strokes. Shaving against the grain can lead to razor bumps.

6. Rinse your face with warm water to remove all traces of shaving cream. If you have sensitive skin, use a cool water rinse instead. If you like, you can reapply the cool towel to help soothe your skin.

7. Apply witch hazel astringent or rubbing alcohol to your face with a soft cotton pad to kill bacteria and prevent infection. If your skin is extremely dry, avoid applying alcohol.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a razor, don't shave the same area more than once.

• Don't pop or squeeze bumps. This will only worsen outbreaks and sabotage your efforts to get rid of razor bumps.

• Avoid using a dull razor or working too quickly.

References

• "The Complete Book of Men's Health"; Men's Health
• Ebony: Everything You Need to Know About Shaving