How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast
Want to learn how to get rid of razor bumps fast? Razor bumps are a painful and unpleasant aftermath of shaving. Not everyone deals with them, but if you shave regularly, you’ve probably experienced razor bumps at some point or another. So, how do you get rid of razor bumps quickly?
In this article, we’re going to show you some steps you can take to treat razor bumps fast. From soothing skincare products to simple razor bump remedies, you’ll be feeling smoother in no time at all.
What are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps, medically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), are red bumps that can develop after shaving, and the hair gets trapped beneath the skin. Razor bumps can appear on the face, legs, armpits, or pubic area. Basically, wherever you remove hair. According to dermatologists, they’re a form of ingrown hair.
Razor bumps typically occur where a hair follicle emerges from the surface of the skin. They can look a lot like acne. When the hair follicles become irritated, folliculitis can occur, causing redness, irritation, and swelling in the form of bumps.
What Causes Razor Bumps?
In order to know how to get rid of razor bumps fast and prevent them in the first place, we need to know why they form. Razor bumps occur when the hair follicles are irritated from poor shaving techniques. For instance, shaving in the wrong direction or on dry skin without shaving cream can all cause the hair to grow in the wrong direction, leading to razor bumps.
Razor bumps are more common in darker skin types, and in those who have coarse, curly hair. That’s why you’re more likely to get razor bumps on your bikini line—as that’s where the hair is thicker and coarser.
How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast
Razor bumps happen to all of us. While you can’t get rid of them instantly, you can enjoy quick relief with the right treatments. Here’s how to get rid of razor bumps quickly.
#1: Antibacterial Ingrown Serum
The best thing you can do when faced with razor bumps? Apply a product especially designed to treat ingrown hairs. Ingrown serums contain antibacterial, antimicrobial ingredients like tea tree oil and witch hazel to quickly heal painful razor bumps.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, lavender, jojoba, primrose oil
This lightweight serum is great for treating and preventing razor bumps, razor burn, and redness while keeping the skin feeling hydrated and soft. Apply serum as needed on areas prone to redness and razor bumps, including pubic area, underarms, legs, brows, and chin. And the best part? It works FAST.
#2: Exfoliation
To speed up the healing process, treat your razor bumps with exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or a gentle scrub. Exfoliating helps clear the pores of dead skin cells and allows the trapped hair to surface.
Just be careful not to overdo it with exfoliating as it can irritate your skin further. Ideally, you want to aim to exfoliate once every couple of days. Or if you have sensitive skin—just once or twice a week.
Key Ingredients: African black soap, salicylic acid, charcoal, 24k gold
This cleanser uses a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation via sugar and salicylic acid to buff away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and clear razor bumps. It’s also enriched with African black soap and charcoal to absorb bacteria and impurities for visibly clearer, smoother skin. You can use it before or after shaving to both treat and prevent razor bumps.
#3: Hydrocolloid Patches
How to get rid of razor bumps fast? Try hydrocolloid patches. Hydrocolloid is a wound healing agent that can help treat everything from wounds to bumps and breakouts. It works by creating a protective seal on the wound, keeping bacteria out, while absorbing gunk to speed up healing. It’s a great easy treatment option for razor bumps.
Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid
These blemish patches are designed for pimples. That being said, you could try using them to heal razor bumps after shaving. Simply apply a patch to the affected area, leave it on for 6-12 hours, and re-apply until your razor bump disappears.
#4: Cooling After Shave Serum
Aftershave serums are excellent for providing quick relief against dryness, redness, razor bumps, and skin irritation. We recommend applying them after every shave to prevent future irritation.
Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, white tea, vitamin E,
This cooling after shave serum quickly alleviates dry, irritated skin while healing razor burn and bumps. It melts into skin without leaving behind a greasy residue for long-lasting silky smoothness with a delicious coconut and vanilla scent.
#5: Soothing Moisturizer
If you’ve got dry, irritated skin after shaving (and razor bumps, of course), you can help your skin to recover by applying a soothing moisturizer. It could be a body serum, lotion, or butter. Either way, make sure it’s packed full of nourishing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, shea butter, vitamin E
A luxe body moisturizer that deeply hydrates and protects with a sweet vanilla glaze scent. It melts into skin for quick razor bump relief while leaving behind a dewy glow that lasts all day. Plus, it strengthens skin barrier function to ward off redness and irritation. You’ll love how silky and soft your skin feels after using this.
#6: Cold + Warm Compresses
How to get rid of razor bumps fast with home remedies? Warm water, cold water, and ice can all help curb redness and sensitivities. Try applying a cold or warm compress to the affected area. Repeat throughout the day until the irritation subsides.
Alternatively, take a warm or cool bath. Both work well at soothing inflammation and taking the redness away for improved comfort after shaving.
@trulybeauty smoothest skin in minutes💫 #shaving #hairygirl #skincare #trulybeauty #ultabeauty #trulysmooth @Ulta Beauty ♬ original sound - Truly Beauty
How to Prevent Razor Bumps
Now you know how to get rid of razor bumps fast, here’s how to stop them in the first place. By following these steps, you can prevent painful bumps and enjoy smoother, more comfortable shaves.
Use Shaving Cream
Shaving butter, gel, or cream...just make sure you use it! A moisturizing shaving cream will prime your skin for a smoother razor glide without tugging and friction. Shaving dry skin is a recipe for razor bumps and ingrowns. Avoid them by always using shaving cream before putting razor to skin.
Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
One of the most common causes of razor bumps is shaving in the wrong direction. This increases friction and ultimately the chances of razor burn, bumps, and irritation. Aim to shave in the direction your hair grows. The result might not be as close, but it will prevent painful red bumps.
Invest in a Good Razor
Prevent razor bumps by using a high quality razor with at least three blades. If you’re shaving the bikini line, five blade razors are even better. Also, be sure to always use a clean razor and swap it out often so that it’s always sharp.
Exfoliate Before Shaving
Gently exfoliating your skin removes the buildup of dirt and dead skin cells, which prevents your razor from getting clogged. This allows your razor to glide easily for a smooth shave without razor bumps.
Finish With After Shave Treatments
Most people forget about it, but it’s so important to pamper your skin after shaving. Shaving is a form of exfoliation that can dry out your skin and leave it feeling itchy and irritated. Always finish your shave with a soothing after shave serum and hydrating moisturizer. There are plenty of topical over the counter (OTC) treatments you can try to ward off razor bumps and finish your shave silky smooth.
Best Shaving Sets for a Bump-Free Shave
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the bestselling, TikTok-famous shave routines for the silky shave of your dreams. Treat yourself to a more luxurious shave today.
Get smooth and glowing with this scrumptious routine featuring a scrub, shave butter, after shave oil, and moisturizer, plus a five blade razor and gold ice cream scoop.
Ideal for sensitive skin, this soothing shave routine intensely hydrates skin and combats razor bumps with a shave butter, after shave serum, and moisturizer plus an aloe-infused razor and the cutest bag.
Ingrown prone? Try this 4-step shave set featuring a shave butter, after shave oil, moisturizer, and ingrown-fighting deodorant. You’ll feel and smell as amazing as you look!
How Long Does it Take for Razor Bumps to Go Away?
Without treatment, razor bumps can last anywhere from days to weeks, according to dermatologists. That’s why it’s a good idea to use treatments like the ones listed above as this will speed up the healing of razor bumps.
When it comes to how to get rid of razor bumps fast (and prevent them too!), make sure you follow the steps above and invest in a good shave routine.
