Top 6 Reasons You Get Shaving Bumps & Ingrown Hairs (especially if You Have Skin-of-Color) and What to Do About It

Shaving can be a tricky task, especially for individuals with skin-of-color. While achieving a smooth shave is the goal for everyone, shaving bumps and ingrown hairs are often an unfortunate side effect for those of us with dark skin and curly and/or coarse hair. Given that, here are the top six reasons why you get shaving bumps and ingrown hairs and what-to-do to prevent or treat it when it happens.

Shaving Bumps & Ingrown Hairs Reason #1: Curly Hair Texture

What Happens: People with skin-of-color often have hair that is curly or tightly coiled. This hair type can easily curl back into the skin after shaving, leading to

ingrown hairs.

What to Do About It:

1. Exfoliation: Regularly exfoliating your skin before shaving can help prevent ingrown hairs by lifting the hair away from the skin's surface.
2. Single-Blade Razors: Consider using single-blade razors as they can minimize the chances of shaving the hair too short, which can lead to ingrown hairs.

Shaving Bumps & Ingrown Hairs Reason #2: Curved Hair Follicles

What Happens: Many of us with dark skin have naturally curved hair follicles. This can cause the hair to grow in a direction that makes it more prone to becoming trapped beneath the skin after shaving.

What to Do About It:

1. Shave with the Grain: Shaving in the direction of hair growth can help prevent hairs from curling back into the skin.
2. Regular Moisturizing: Keeping the skin well moisturized can help soften the hair and reduce the likelihood of it becoming trapped.

Shaving Bumps & Ingrown Hairs Reason #3: Razor Bumps

What Happens: Razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, occur when shaved hairs curve and re-enter the skin, causing inflammation, bumps, and discoloration.

What to Do About It:

1. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected area before shaving can often help soften the hair and open up the pores.
2. Salicylic Acid Products: Using serums that contain salicylic acid can help exfoliate the skin and prevent ingrown hairs. 

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Shaving Bumps & Ingrown Hairs Reason #4: Improper Shaving Techniques

Why It Happens: Using a dull razor, shaving too closely, or applying too much pressure while shaving can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs.

What to Do About It:

1. Sharp Razor: Always use a sharp, clean razor to ensure a clean and precise shave. A sharp razor will have no problem cutting through hair.
2. Light Pressure: Avoid pressing too hard while shaving and let the razor do the work. Shave with gentle, controlled strokes. Pressing too hard with the razor can lead to cutting the hair beneath the level of your skin; which leads to hair getting a head start on curling beneath your skin level. Nobody wants that.

Shaving Bumps & Ingrown Hairs Reason #5: Poor Post-Shaving Practices

What Happens: Inadequate post-shaving care can increase & aggravate ingrown hairs and shaving bumps.

What to Do About It:

1. Moisturize: After shaving, apply a soothing serum or moisturizer to hydrate the skin and prevent irritation.
2. Avoid Tight Clothing: Wearing loose-fitting clothing can prevent friction and irritation on freshly shaved skin.
3. Fight the Inflammation & Infection: Apply a serum that heals, treats, and prevents skin inflammation & infection (twice-a-day). The best serum for this contains Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, among other skin nurturing ingredients.

Shaving Bumps & Ingrown Hairs Reason #6: Lack of Pre-Shave Preparation

What Happens: Neglecting proper pre-shave preparation can contribute to ingrown hairs, shaving bumps, and dark spots.

What to Do About It:

1. Pre-Shave Oil: Applying a pre-shave oil can help soften the hair and create a protective barrier between the razor and the skin.
2. Hydrate the Hair: Take a warm shower before shaving to hydrate the hair, making it easier to cut. You might even choose to shave while in the shower. I find that this leads to far fewer ingrown hairs and shaving bumps.
3. Fight the Dark Spots Caused by Inflammation & Infection: Apply a serum that fades & prevents dark spots, and heals & treats skin inflammation & infection. The best serum for this contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, among other skin nurturing ingredients.

Bottomline

Shaving bumps and ingrown hairs can be a persistent concern, particularly for men & women with light brown to very dark skin. However, armed with the right knowledge and techniques, it's possible to achieve a smoother, less aggravating shaving experience. By understanding the unique characteristics of your skin and hair, and by implementing the suggested tips, you can minimize the occurrence of shaving bumps and ingrown hairs, and enjoy a more comfortable and irritation-free shaving routine.

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