How to Prevent Razor Bumps on the Neck

An electric razor lessens the incidence of razor bumps.

Razor bumps occur when the hair curls back into the skin after being cut by a razor blade. The hair penetrates the surface of the skin and causes the skin to react by forming raised, red bumps. The bumps are unsightly and irritating to the person's skin. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent razor bumps and decrease the likelihood of experiencing this unpleasant side effect.

Things You'll Need

• Warm, steamy shower or hot, damp towel
• Warm water
• Shaving cream or soap for sensitive skin
• Clean, sharp single-edge blade razor
• Towel
• Sensitive-skin moisturizer
• Lotion with glycolic acid

Instructions

1. Take a warm, steamy shower or place a towel dampened with hot water on your neck to soften the hairs and make them easier to remove.

2. Examine the hairs on your neck to see the direction of growth.

3. Lather your neck with shaving cream or soap for sensitive skin. Shave the hairs with a single-edge blade razor, making short strokes in the direction of hair growth. If the hairs are growing upward, shave upward. If the hairs are growing downward, shave downward.

4. Splash warm water on your neck to rinse and pat your neck dry with a towel. Do not rub the skin. Apply a lotion for sensitive skin to the freshly shaved area.

5. Wash your neck at night with warm water and gentle soap. Pat dry and apply an exfoliating lotion that contains glycolic acid to remove dead skin and discourage the growth of ingrown hairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an electric trimmer for a less irritating shave.

• Throw away disposable razors after one use to avoid contaminating your skin with bacteria.

• Avoid aftershave products that contain alcohol as these have an irritating and drying effect on the skin.

References

• Daily Glow: Get the Jump on Razor Bumps