A razor bump, also known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or barber’s itch, is a skin irritation caused by shaving your hair from sensitive areas. It is more common in areas with curly hair growth because after shaving, instead of growing out of the follicles, the curly hair strands tend to grow inwards, resulting in infections, pain, inflammation, redness, itchiness, pimples, scarring, pustules, and other skin conditions. However, the best solution for this condition is preventing them (1), (2). Read on to know how to get rid of razor bumps easily.
How To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps
1. Aloe Vera For Razor Bumps
Fresh aloe vera gel Repeat this twice or thrice a day. Application of aloe vera is the best way to get rid of razor bumps. When applied on bumps, it soothes the skin and reduces inflammation and irritation. It also contains mucopolysaccharides that moisturize the skin. Its antiviral and antiseptic components will prevent the development of any infection at the site of the razor bumps (3).
2. Tea Tree Oi To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps
A few drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Do this twice a day till you get relief from the razor bumps. Tea tree oil is a multipurpose essential oil with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It will reduce the swelling caused by the razor bump and also treat any infections that may be aggravating the problem (4).
3. Witch Hazel For Razor Bumps
A few drops of witch hazel extract Apply this twice or to thrice a day. The tannins present in witch hazel act as an astringent. The other components of this herb reduce redness and inflammation and are antibacterial in nature (5).
4. Honey For Razor Bumps
1/2 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
You can also apply only honey. Repeat this twice a day. Honey is a humectant and emollient. It soothes the skin, moisturizes it, and is also antibacterial in nature (6). The yogurt will calm the irritation and alleviate itching and redness (7). This is one of the best home remedies for razor bumps relief.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar For Razor Bumps
Apple cider vinegar Cotton ball
Apply this three to four times a day. The list of uses of apple cider vinegar is endless. When it comes to getting rid of razor bumps, ACV works really well. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and itching and also effectively kill any bacteria (8). If you have sensitive skin, dilute the ACV in water in the ratio 1:3 and then apply.
6. Deodorant To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps
Deodorant stick After you finish shaving, clean the area and liberally rub a deodorant stick over it. Do this every time you shave. Rubbing a deodorant over the shaved area will keep it dry and free of bacteria (9). This will prevent chafing and development of razor bumps. This technique works well for razor bumps along the bikini line. Do not use gel, liquid, or spray deodorants.
7. Lemon Juice For Razor Bumps
Lemon juice Cotton ball
Repeat this every time after you shave to prevent razor bumps. Lemon, due to its acidic nature, is antibacterial and antifungal. Applying it on the razor bumps will kill any microbes present and aid quick healing. Lemon also lightens the skin and reduces scarring (10).
8. Baking Soda To Prevent Razor Bumps
1 tablespoon baking soda A cup of water Cotton ball
Repeat this twice or thrice a day. Baking soda is anti-inflammatory in nature and soothes the irritated razor bumps. It neutralizes the skin’s pH and also kills bacteria (11).
9. Rubbing Alcohol To Prevent Razor Bumps
1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol Cotton ball
Apply this twice a day till you get relief from razor bumps. Alcohol is a widely used disinfectant. It will kill any microbes present on your razor bumps and aid in quicker healing (12).
10. Aspirin Paste For Razor Bumps
4-5 aspirin tablets Water
Repeat this once or twice a day. Aspirin works quickly and efficiently in healing razor bumps because of its anti-inflammatory properties (13).
11. Castor Oil For Razor Bumps
A few drops of castor oil Repeat this twice a day. Castor oil nourishes the skin, removes dead cells, and also kills bacteria. It also aids in lightening the scars that may have formed as it possesses antioxidants that heal the skin (14, 15, 16).
12. White Tea For Razor Bumps
White tea bag Repeat this twice a day. White tea contains tannic acid, which a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Applying the white tea bag on the affected area will help to soothe the affected area and reduce swelling and pain (17).
13. Black Tea To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps
Tea bag Do this four to five times a day. The tannins present in black tea are natural astringents and help to reduce swelling, redness, and pain (18). The refrigerated tea bag helps to soothe an itchy razor bump.
14. Cold/Hot Compress To Prevent Razor Bumps
Towel A bowl of moderately hot water A bowl of refrigerated water
Apply the hot or cold compress twice daily. A cold compress helps to reduce the itchiness of the razor bumps by numbing the nerve endings. Using a cold compress right after shaving will help prevent the razor bumps. Hot compress helps to treat razor bumps by opening the skin pores and freeing the trapped ingrown hair.
15. Cornstarch For Razor Bumps
2-3 tablespoons cornstarch Water Cotton pads
- Mix the cornstarch and water to make a thick paste. 2. Apply this paste on the affected area and 3. leave it for 15-20 minutes. 4. Gently remove the paste by using moistened cotton pads. 5. Apply moisturizer. Do this twice daily or right after shaving to prevent razor bumps. Cornstarch helps to reduce itchiness, irritation, and redness. It provides a layer of protection when used right after shaving, thus preventing the formation of a razor bump (19).
16. Baby Powder For Razor Bumps
Baby powder Sprinkle baby powder on your skin before shaving. Do this every time before you shave. Baby powder is often used to prevent diaper rashes in babies. It has also been found to work effectively in preventing razor bumps or rashes on the skin and in helping to keep the skin dry (20).
17. Coconut Oil To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps
Coconut oil Cotton ball
Repeat it twice a day. Coconut oil is used to treat various skin infections and diseases. It helps to soften the skin, reduce inflammation and redness, and heal the affected area quickly (21).
18. Strawberry Paste For Razor Bumps
Strawberries Mortar and pestle
Repeat this two times a day. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and fiber. These micronutrients help to scavenge the free oxygen radicals, flush out toxins, and help in cell regeneration. These characteristics of strawberries are essential for most skin problems including razor bumps as the strawberry paste helps to reduce redness, regenerate broken skin cell tissues in the affected area, and prevents skin infections (22).
19. Sugar Scrub To Prevent Razor Bumps
1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon coconut oil A clean and soft tissue
Do this daily two hours after shaving and before going to bed. The warm coconut oil and sugar mixture helps to open the pores of the skin and free the ingrown hair. It also helps to reduce swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area (23).
20. Oatmeal For Razor Bumps
1 tablespoon ground oatmeal 1/2 tablespoon yogurt 1 teaspoon honey
- Mix all the ingredients to form a paste. 2. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes. 3. Wash off with cold water and pat dry. 4. Apply moisturizer. Do this twice daily to get quick results. Oatmeal, yogurt, and honey have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin soothing properties, which make them suitable ingredients to treat razor bumps (24), (25), (26).
21. Cucumber And Milk For Razor Bumps
1 tablespoon pureed cucumber 2 tablespoons milk
Repeat this twice or thrice daily to get the desired results. This natural pack made up of milk and cucumber will help to reduce inflammation, prevent bacterial infection, and cool the affected area (27), (28).
22. Essential Oil To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps
1 drop of lavender essential oil 1 drop of calendula essential oil 1/4 cup water Clean cotton ball
- Mix the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes. 2. Dip the cotton ball in the mixture and dab it on the affected area. 3. Leave it on for 10 minutes. 4. Wipe with a clean and soft tissue paper. Do this three to four times daily until you get the desired results. Essential oils help to soothe the skin, reduce swelling and redness, and protect the skin from further damage (29). Depending on the skin’s sensitivity, the nature of the blade, and the technique used to shave, some razor bumps are too painful and stubborn to go away. This is when you should switch to using medications to treat the razor bumps. Here is the list of a few medications that can be applied with ease and give quick relief from the ugly razor bumps.
23. Hydrocortisone Cream To Prevent Razor Bumps
1% hydrocortisone cream Cotton swab
- Apply the hydrocortisone cream on the affected area with the help of a clean cotton swab. 2. Use the other side of the swab to apply it to a second razor bump area to prevent the spreading of infection, if any. 3. Leave it on for 20 minutes. 4. Wash off with cold water. Repeat this once or twice every day depending on the intensity of the swelling. Hydrocortisone helps to reduce swelling, redness, irritation, and inflammation by constricting the blood vessels and restricting the flow of blood to the affected area (30). It works like magic with razor bumps.
24. Glycolic Cream To Prevent Razor Bumps
Glycolic cream Cotton swab
Repeat this once or twice a day for faster results. Glycolic creams help to reduce skin discoloration, swelling, irritation, and skin tissue scarring due to razor bumps. They also help to improve the skin’s texture (31).
25. Antibacterial Creams For Razor Bumps
Any antibacterial cream Cotton swab
Repeat this twice a day. Razor bumps often cause skin tissue damage and can cause painful bacterial infections. This may aggravate the redness and swelling. Antibacterial creams help prevent the occurrence and spread of bacterial infection (32).
26. Retin A Cream For Razor Bumps
Retin A cream Cotton swab
- Dab a little Retin A ointment on the cotton swab and 2. apply it to the affected area. 3. Leave it on for 20 minutes. 4. Wipe it off with the help of a clean and soft tissue paper. Repeat this twice or thrice a day. Retin A cream contains retinoids that help to cure skin tissue damage and improve the skin’s texture. Applying this cream on a razor bump will help to even out the skin (33). Breastfeeding and pregnant women are strictly not allowed to use this cream.
27. Alum Block To Prevent Razor Bumps
Small alum block Rub the alum block on your skin right after shaving. Repeat this only after shaving. Alum has antiseptic properties and prevents the occurrence and spread of infections by closing the skin pores. It also helps to prevent bleeding and scarring of skin tissue (34).
28. Good Practices To Avoid Razor Bumps
Wear Comfortable Underwear
Razor bumps can get infected if you do not wear comfortable underwear. Comfortable underwear made of natural fiber will help your skin breathe. Synthetic underwear traps sweat and causes the bacteria to thrive.
Avoid Picking Or Scratching The Razor Bumps
These bumps resemble acne or pimples, but they are actually skin irritations. Hence, they should not be squeezed, picked, or scratched to keep chances of infection and scarring at bay. Avoid shaving in the affected region for some days to allow the bumps to ebb.
Avoid Using Old And Dirty Razors
Old and dirty razors contain microbes and can cause infections in sensitive areas. Also, old razors can make your skin more prone to cuts. Therefore, it is best to use a new razor every time you shave.
Use Disinfected Tweezers
Thin, disinfected tweezers can also be used to pull out or release the extra-follicular hair gently from within the skin, thereby inhibiting the development of these ugly bumps.
Soften The Hair With Warm Water
Softening your hair with warm water before shaving will prevent the formation of razor bumps or cuts.
Do Not Shave Against The Hair Growth Direction
Shaving against the direction of hair growth can lead to ingrown hair, irritated skin, and infected razor bumps. Always move the razor in the direction of the hair growth. Do not press the razor hard.
Do Not Shave Too Frequently
Shaving too frequently can cause the skin to be inflamed, itchy, and red. This can lead to the spread of bacteria, which will ultimately lead to infected and painful razor bumps. Let the hair grow, and let the skin heal from the previous shave before you shave again.
Use A Moisturizer To Soften Your Hair
If your hair grows thick in certain areas of your body, use a moisturizer to soften the hair follicles. This will prevent you from pressing the razor hard on your skin or using improper shaving techniques.
Use Aftershave Lotion To Avoid Germs
Shaving can cause the hair follicles to open up or result in skin tissue damage. This can cause the germs to enter the body and lead to infections. To avoid this, use an aftershave lotion that will disinfect the area right after shaving.
Use Depilatories Or Hair Removal Creams
Depilatories or hair removal creams contain chemicals that help to dislodge the hairs that are present on the skin. These creams gently remove the hair without being harsh on the skin, thereby helping to avoid razor bumps.
Scrubbing Or Exfoliation
Scrubbing or exfoliation helps to remove dirt, microbes, and dead skin build-up from the epidermis, thereby giving way to a close and ideal shaving experience with no after effects like shaving bumps. Hence, exfoliate regularly!
Use Alcohol To Wash The Razor
Use alcohol to wash the razor before and after shaving. This will help prevent the spread of germs and infection.
Do razor bumps go away? If so, how long does it take? Razor bumps can take any time between a week to 15 days to go away by themselves. However, this period can be longer or shorter, and depends a lot on your skin type and hygiene. It is advisable to use simple home remedies to heal these bumps quickly and not aggravate any infections. Why do razor bumps itch and how to prevent itching? Razor bumps can itch mainly due to three reasons: To prevent this annoying itching sensation, use a hydrating shaving gel or cream for shaving. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil. Always keep your skin well moisturized in between shaves. Should I shave if I have razor bumps? Avoid shaving the area if you have razor bumps. Wait till it clears up to avoid inflammation. Should I pop my razor bumps? No, popping the razor bumps can cause infection and leave a scar. Does Vaseline help razor bumps? Vaseline may not help treat razor bumps. However, you can apply it to soothe burning and itching sensations after shaving. Can deodorant help razor bumps? No. Deodorant may not help razor bumps. However, if you have razor bumps, you can apply an antiperspirant to reduce itching caused by sweat. Does peroxide get rid of razor bumps? No. Peroxide may help as a disinfectant but may not help get rid of razor bumps. Does baby oil help razor burn? Baby oil may help soothe the skin and reduce itching or burning after shaving. Therefore, you may apply it if you have razor burn.
