Bumps aren’t new to anyone who has used a razor – on any part of their body. Don’t you hate it when you’re shaving your legs to wear that great dress for a night-out with the girls, and you notice a bump (or two)? Or when you’re shaving yourself to look good for the dinner date you have with that charming woman you met the other day, and your face breaks out in bumps? We sympathise. But guess what? Dealing with hair and shaver bumps just got easier – we’ll tell you how to manage those monsters, and simple, smart, and effective home remedies to get rid of razor bumps.
Here are some of the most common causes of razor bumps:-
- Subjecting your body to a very close shave
- The act of shaving itself is problematic, because it sharpens the end of the hair, giving it more scope to pierce the skin and become ingrown
- Using bar soaps, which do not provide enough lubrication to ensure a smooth shave – the smoother the shave, the lesser the chances of developing itchy hair bumps
- Using a razor for more than ten shaves means you are using blades that have started to become dull, and therefore ineffective, resulting in bumps and redness
- Curly hair (yes, unfortunately) – because it tends to grow out of the skin and then back inwards
- Shaving against the direction of hair growth to give yourself a smoother shave, especially if the length of the hair is not short enough
- In case of women, using men’s razors, assuming that they are more effective – this is not necessarily true
These are the symptoms:-
- Appearance of raised, inflamed bumps on any part of the body that you might have recently shaved
- You might look like you have developed a serious case of acne, no matter how unlikely the spot for developing acne or pimples
- They might also look like rashes rather than pimples or acne
- Any raised bumps that develop on a recently shaved area, with white pustules at the top
- Any hair that appears to have been overlooked while shaving, but upon closer look, turns out to be ingrown hair
- Signs of irritation or a burning sensation on any area that is shaved regularly, such as underarms for women, and the face for men
- For women, we would advise that you regularly keep checking the bikini line, especially if you feel any irritation or experience inflammation there
But worry not, we’re here to help!
15 best, most time-tested home remedies for razor bumps
1. Avoid shaving if possible
It would be best if you could stop shaving, especially in case of women who have the option of waxing or using hair-removal creams. However, if that is not possible, especially in case of men who prefer remaining clean shaven, use a clean needle to release the shaft when you notice a razor bump forming – this will ensure that the bump does not grow.
2. Aloe vera
If you have razor bumps on any part of your body, especially in the extremely sensitive vaginal area, aloe vera is your best friend. If you have an aloe plant at home, break off the tip of a leaf and apply the gel directly to the inflamed area. If you don’t, buy an aloe gel, but be sure to opt for one that contains no artificial components. Even your skin specialist would tell you how treatment for getting rid of razor bumps on vagina.
3. Cold compress
It’s commonplace for women to experience burning sensations on the skin in and around their pubic region and the underarms after shaving. This simple remedy can help a lot to overcome the itching and burning. Ice cubes wrapped in a piece of cloth or towel will make the burning sensation subside. Not only will it help reduce inflammation, it will also prevent the razor burn from growing in size.
4. Also, hot compress
Unlike the cold compress, the hot compress, which you can make by dipping some cotton wool in warm water, will open up your pores and allow the hair in the affected region to become free. This remedy is best for right after you have shaved.
5. Aspirin
Yes, believe it. Aspirin mixed in a teaspoon of water to form a paste, if applied twice a day on the affected area, is sure to help. Be sure to leave it on for ten minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
6. Witch hazel
For anyone who can get access to witch hazel, we would advise strongly that you use it, because it is one of the best remedies available for razor bumps. Apply it directly on the inflamed area to reduce redness, itchiness, and irritation.
7. Lemon juice
Lemon juice, owing to its acidic properties, is sure to help with razor bumps by keeping bacteria away. Rub it onto the sore areas to keep all problems at bay. Use it with caution, however, because it will react with the painful part of your skin, and sting a bit.
8. Honey
Not only is honey a soothing option, it also contains anti-bacterial properties – these are sure to ensure that you can get rid of the razor bumps with ease – and fast. It will prevent the affected area from becoming infected, and keep your skin well moisturized. You can apply some honey, leave it to dry, and rinse it off with cold water; alternatively, you can mix honey and plain yogurt, apply it to the affected area, and wash it off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.
9. Tea
Only use black tea for this, though. Moisten a black tea bag in warm water, and allow it to cool. Rub this over the razor bumps for a couple of minutes or so. The tannic acid will help reduce redness and irritation. The best part? As with nearly all other remedies on this list, you can do this as many times a day as you feel necessary, till you see those itchy hair bumps subside.
10. Tea tree oil
Clearly, tree is great not only for drinking, but also really helps with those bumps! Tea tree oil, being an anti-bacterial agent, will help you deal with razor bumps on legs with ease. Make sure that you dilute it with a little water before using it directly, however.
11. Hydrocortisone cream
This isn’t quite a traditional home remedy, but chances are, you have some of this lying around at home for skin burns and inflammations anyway. Just apply some on the affected area, and you’re good to go.
12. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar will keep inflammation at bay, and it contains acetic acid, which will prevent any infection from developing.
14. Baking soda
Baking soda contains anti-inflammatory properties which will keep any burning sensation and itchiness at bay.
15. Cucumber
Cucumber is soothing, contains anti-inflammatory properties, and is full of vitamins. Refrigerate a few slices, and apply to get rid of razor bumps on the vaginal area.
16. Olive oil
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Mix with tea tree oil, leave it on for a while, and rinse off to cure hair and shaver bumps.
Precautions:-
- Taking a hot shower before shaving will open up your pores, and prevent bumps
- Wash the shaved region with cold water right after shaving
- Use a good-quality shaving gel
- Avoid using soap bars, as they give you a rough shave
- Shave in the direction of the hair growth
- Moisturize the shaved area