How can I get rid of the bumps that I get from shaving
(previously published in The Experts Magazine)

These bumps, called, ingrown hairs or razor burn, (pseudoficulitis barbae) happen when some hairs growing out from the follicle bend or curl and become trapped within the top layer of the skin. This can become infected or inflamed resulting in swelling, soreness, and possibly a tiny pimple. They can be found in every part of the body in both men and women.

Causes of ingrown hairs or razor burn:

• Shaving on a daily basis
• Poor shaving techniques
• Hereditary (Coarse, curly, wiry hair)

Prevention

• Use a clean sharp razor each time.
• Shave after your shower or after the hair has been wet for at least 5 minutes. Hair that is wet can be cut easily but hair that is dry can be very strong and tough. As the razor passes over, the hair is pulled up from the follicle. After it is cut it retracts below the skin surface and grows into the surrounding tissue and simply can not find its way out.
• Always shave in the direction of the hair growth. Cutting with the grain and not against it will help you prevent the hair being cut too short causing it to retract.
• Avoid passing the razor over the same area numerous times. Repeated strokes can also result in the hair being cut too short.
• Shave with the skin in a relaxed condition, not stretched too taught. A little pressure may be necessary, but excessive stretching can again result in hair being too short.
• For some people using shaving oil or gel rather than a cream may help to avoid clogging the pores. For others a cream may be better, so experimentation may be needed.
• Never shave over ingrown hairs or razor bumps. You make the situation worse as the blade can cut open an irritated pustule and cause bleeding. Also never dig or yank out an ingrown hair. Instead use, use a sterile needle and tweezers to gently tear out or unfold the hair.
• For those who wax or sugar the unwanted hair exfoliate the skin with exfoliating mitts (that can be thrown into the laundry to sanitize), which prevents the dead skin from accumulating over the follicle opening, especially in the bikini line, underarms, and legs. When hair has been removed from the follicle it takes awhile for a new fine hair to grow in. In the mean time, skin grows over the mouth of the follicle and there is no way out. Use a hydrating, hypoallergenic, non comedogenic lotion to help keep the skin smooth and supple. Also prevent ingrown hair by not wearing tight clothing (nylons etc) over freshly treated areas.

For those who still have problems, I would recommend Bump Solutions, the spa approved toner formulated for ingrown hair, redness, waxing irritation, razor bumps, or razor burn. It is made with salicylic acid which is safe for use in cosmetics (not acetylsalsylic acid which passes a risk to consumers).

It comes in TWO formulations designed specifically for MENS and WOMENS skins and it can be used immediately after waxing, shaving, or electrolysis.

It works fast and minimizes redness and irritation 15-20 minutes after treatment and improves or eliminates ingrown hair, razor bumps, or razor burn within 24-48 hours.

You can find this amazing product at Masters School of Hair Design- just ask for Bump Solutions and say goodbye to razor burn.