Razor Bumps on a Bald Head: Prevention & Treatment Guide

TL;DR

Razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, are small, red bumps caused by ingrown hairs after shaving. They're common with  those with coarse or curly hair. Prevention is key: exfoliate regularly, shave with the grain using a sharp blade, and keep your skin moisturized. For existing bumps, stop shaving, use a warm compress, and apply soothing products like aloe vera. If symptoms worsen, consult a dermatologist.

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional.

Razor bumps are a frustrating reality for many head shavers. They're painful, irritating, and can ruin the smooth look you're going for. Luckily, understanding what they are, what causes them, and how to treat them can help you get back to a clean and comfortable shave.

Let's get to it.

What Are Razor Bumps?

Razor bumps, aka pseudofolliculitis barbae, are small, red bumps that pop up on your skin a few days after shaving. Razor bumps can develop anywhere a person shaves. They happen when a hair that's cut too short curls back and grows into your skin instead of out of it. Your body reacts with an inflammatory response, usually red, tender, itchy, and annoying bumps.

What Causes Razor Bumps?

Several factors can lead to getting bumps on your head:

• Shaving Too Closely: This is one of the most common causes of razor bumps, especially when using a multi-blade razor or pressing too hard. You cut the hair short, and its tip easily retracts and gets trapped under the skin.

• Clogged Hair Follicles: Dead skin cells can block hair follicles, making it hard for hair to grow outward. Hairs can grow sideways and under the skin.

• Hair growth patterns: If you have curly or coarse hair, you're more prone to razor bumps. Statistically, males of African descent draw the short straw. The natural hair curls make it more likely to grow back into your skin.

• Poor shaving technique: Shaving against the grain can also contribute to razor bumps. This technique cuts hair at an angle that makes it easier for it to grow back into the skin. It's a trade-off that often isn't worth the trouble.

• Skin conditions: Underlying skin conditions, like dry skin or eczema, can make the skin more sensitive and prone to inflammation.

• Dull blades: Shaving with dull blades may worsen the situation as they pull and tug at hair, increasing the chances of being cut unevenly and growing back into the skin. Dull blades are a razor bump's best friend and your worst enemy.

How to Prevent Razor Bumps

Preventing razor bumps is possible when you apply these easy hacks:

Exfoliate Regularly

Dead skin cells can clog your skin, making it easier for hair to become ingrown. Removing dead skin by exfoliating a day or two before you shave can help prevent bumps. Using a soft brush to gently exfoliate may help guide hairs out of the pores.

Mechanical scrubs can also help remove dead skin cells and free ingrown hairs, but they may cause skin irritation. Read our guide on how to exfoliate your scalp to learn more. You don't want to trade razor bumps for an irritated scalp.

Shave with the Grain

Changing your shaving technique can help prevent razor bumps. While shaving against the direction of hair growth may give you that baby smooth feel, it's a high-risk, high-reward move.

Shaving with the grain may not give you the closest shave, but it lowers the chances of ingrown hairs. It's the safer, smarter choice.

Use Sharp Blades

This is a no-brainer. Using a sharp blade cuts cleanly and minimizes uneven cuts, even if you have coarse or curly hair. Make sure you're swapping your blades regularly, especially when they start to pull and tug.

Pro-Tip: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using a single-blade razor or an electric shaver can help reduce razor bumps.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Keeping your scalp moisturized helps prevent razor bumps. Dry shaving with an electric shaver may cause painful bumps, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Before shaving, proper preparation is key. Applying warm water and using a high-quality pre-shave oil and a moisturizing shaving cream or shaving gel are good pre-shave steps. After shaving, putting on after-shave lotion or moisturizer can calm your skin, reduce irritation, and prevent razor burn.

Switch to an Electric Razor

Sometimes the best solution is to switch things up. Rotaries like Freebird's FlexSeries Pro cut closely but above the skin, so hair can't grow back in an ingrown fashion. The FlexSeries Pro's ScalpSafe technology blades are super sharp and are designed for sensitive scalps, making them a great option for bump-prone heads.

Try it out today for only $59.95

How to Treat Razor Bumps on Head

So, the bumps have shown up uninvited. Now what? Don't panic. You can send them packing with these simple treatments and home remedies:

Press Pause on Shaving

Don't shave over those pimple-like bumps. It will only cause more irritation and worse become infected. Just avoid shaving for a bit and let your skin heal.

Warm Compress

A warm washcloth can help soothe the affected skin and draw out those stubborn ingrown hairs. Place a warm, damp cloth on your shaving bumps for 10 minutes, twice a day.

Use Soothing Products

Look for products containing aloe vera plant, tea tree oil, and witch hazel. These can help reduce inflammation, irritation, and redness. Do a patch test first to avoid allergic reactions.

You can also try over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone cream for its anti-inflammatory properties or a topical benzoyl peroxide to fight off any bacteria that can cause infections.

Alternative Solutions to Prevent Razor Bumps

If you've tried everything and those pesky bumps keep coming back, it might be time to consider other options to get rid of razor bumps.

Hair Removal Creams

Hair removal creams can dissolve hair quickly, but you must proceed with caution due to possible safety issues.

Laser Hair Removal

This is a more modern but pricey method of scalp hair removal. It uses highly concentrated light to destroy hair follicles. Prepare to spend 6 to 12 sessions and a hit on your wallet before you get the best results. Read our guide on how to shave without a razor for more tips.

Buzz Cut

The simplest solution to get rid of razor bumps for good. Getting a buzz cut is a safer and less expensive option to say goodbye to razor bumps and irritated skin forever. But wait, before you grab your balding clippers, read our guide on buzz cuts to see if it suits you. If not, check out other haircuts for baldies that may work.

When to See a Dermatologist

Most shaving bumps will heal on their own, but sometimes they can get out of control. You should see a dermatologist if:

• The bumps are very large, painful, and filled with pus.

• You see signs of infection, like fever, rashes, or swelling.

• The bumps aren't getting better after weeks of home remedies.

• They're a recurring nightmare, new razor bumps pop up regularly, and you can't find a solution that works.

The Bottom Line

Dealing with razor bumps is a pain, and no one wants to feel like their head is a permanent landing strip for angry red dots. But you've got this. If you want to get rid of razor bumps, you need to be proactive. Put the razor down for a bit, treat those bumps with some TLC, and then get back to shaving with a smarter routine.

Just remember, when they get worse, it's time to let the pros handle it. See a doctor or dermatologist.

FAQs

How to Avoid Razor Bumps on the Head?

The best way to avoid razor bumps on the head is to:

• Exfoliate

• Moisturize

• Use sharp blades

• Shave with the grain

• Use a quality electric shaver

Are All Bumps on My Head Razor Bumps?

Not all bumps on your head after you shave are razor bumps. Other possible conditions cause bumps, such as acne or eczema.

Before you treat your bumps, make sure you know what you're dealing with. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or dermatologist.

Are Razor Bumps and Razor Burns the Same?

No, they are not, but they are often confused. Razor burn is a red rash that appears immediately after shaving due to irritation. Razor bumps show up days later as individual red bumps caused by ingrown hairs.

Do Razor Bumps on the Head Go Away?

Generally, yes. Those nasty bumps on our heads heal in a few days or weeks. If they persist or get worse, see a doctor or dermatologist immediately.

Does Vaseline Help Razor Bumps?

Yes, Vaseline may help with razor bumps. It may help soothe the affected area by locking in moisture and preventing dryness.

Avoid using too much since it may clog pores.

How to Speed up Healing Razor Bumps?

To speed up the process, you can:

• Halt shaving

• Warm compress

• Moisturize

• Use Tea Tree Oil

• Use Aloe Vera Gel

• Use Salicylic Acid

• Use Glycolic Acid

Can I Get Complications from Razor Bumps?

Yes, razor bumps can get infected if left untreated or picked at. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice them getting worse or more painful.