so, what are those pesky little red bumps that pop up the morning after you shave? they look a little like pimples, they feel irritated, and maybe they’re even a bit itchy.
known as razor bumps, this reaction to shaving is super common, and it can happen when you use a manual or electric razor. razor bumps happen to a lot of people after shaving their facial hair or body hair, but we have some tips and tricks that might help you prevent it (and get rid of it).
it all starts with hanni.
shaving is skincare
we all know that shaving is part of grooming your body hair, but did you know that shaving is skincare? your skin deserves the absolute best, and that’s why hanni has you covered. we’re making the shaving process as simple as can be so that you can give your skin a little tlc.
we think that everyone should have a few self-care rituals that help them feel a little more like you. setting aside time in your day to do something thoughtful for yourself can make a big difference in your attitude.
it might not be the first place your mind goes when you think about r&r (we’re usually thinking face masks, bubble baths… you get the picture), but shaving can be an incredibly relaxing ritual. Whether you shave daily, weekly, monthly, or just on special occasions, shaving can be a big part of your self-care Sunday.
so, the next time you reach for your razor, think of it as treating yourself. in order to really do this, you need a routine that will be kind to your skin. we love shaving, of course. still, sometimes if it’s done too quickly, you could end up irritating your skin.
how does shaving affect your skin?
we’re going to focus on shaving bumps here, but first, what are some other ways that shaving might affect your skin?
we want you to have the best experience every shave, but it’s always good to know what to be on the lookout for if your skin seems to be having a negative reaction.
every time you shave, the razor blade is grazing across your skin as it removes the trapped hair on the surface. if you don’t slow down and take your time, this can cause friction on the skin and lead to irritation. it’s best to be gentle.
besides razor bumps, other post-shave skin concerns can include rashes, inflammation, redness, and razor burn. these are usually the result of shaving too fast and skipping some moisturizing pre-shave, so they’re actually avoidable in most cases.
the hanni shave pillow is going to be your bestie for razor bump prevention. this mess-free, fragrance-free stick is a moisturizing tool that can help you avoid skin irritation from shaving. better than any shaving gel, this hydrating formula creates a cushioning barrier between your skin and the razor blade, leaving your skin smooth as can be.
best of all, it’s easy to travel with, so you can just throw it in your bag when you’re on the move.
shaving can do so many great things for your skin, so it’s better to be safe than sorry! take your time, and take care of your skin.
shaving can be a great tool for exfoliating the skin during the process when it’s done mindfully. shaving with a single-blade razor exfoliates the skin by lightly shaving away the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. this, when combined with some moisturizer, leaves you with the smoothest baby-soft skin.
does hair type affect shaving?
everyone has different preferences when it comes to shaving, and that should be considered when you’re crafting your shaving routine.
some people shave their legs weekly. some people like to have a smooth, freshly-shaved face every morning. some shave their bikini line monthly. others still only want to shave occasionally or never!
no matter what part of your body you choose to shave and why, it always helps to be prepared. hanni’s got you!
you can use the hanni razor anywhere on your body. the way you shave, though, differs slightly depending on what area you’re focusing on. for example, you can just slowly slide the razor across your legs. when shaving your armpits, though, you should hold your skin taut to avoid any nicks or cuts.
understanding your own skin and being aware of the area you are shaving can be huge when avoiding razor bumps, razor burn, and other issues that could come up. one of the most important things you can do is pay attention to the direction of hair growth.
way to grow!
dermatologists recommend only shaving your hair following the direction it grows in. this is especially helpful when shaving your face or bikini area, and it helps reduce your chances of getting razor bumps.
if you can’t immediately tell what direction your hair is growing in, try pulling your skin taut and looking closely at it. you can even hold a mirror to the area if that helps. it’s also easier to see once the hair has grown out a bit.
some people have a tougher time figuring out what direction their hair grows in. this is especially true for people with curly hair. some don’t even have an identifiable direction that the hair grows.
if this is the case with your own hair, you can actually train it to grow in a more uniform way. all it takes is a clean toothbrush and patience. if you brush your hair in the same direction with a toothbrush every day, could eventually grow that way.
hopefully, this technique will reduce your chance of razor bumps!
what are razor bumps, really?
razor bumps are one of the most quickly-detectable reactions to shaving. if you do end up with some razor bumps, you’ll be able to easily recognize them — and stop them in their tracks.
you can get rid of razor bumps with some home treatment options if you don’t feel like letting time run its course.
thankfully, most razor bumps will disappear within one to three weeks on their own and even quicker if you treat them. these little red bumps are so common that, most often, they can be diagnosed and treated at home. if you do have any concerns, definitely reach out to a skincare expert.
we call these pesky lil pals razor bumps, but dermatologists have some more scientific names for them: this rash-like situation is officially called pseudofolliculitis barbae (pfb), pseudofolliculitis pubis, folliculitis barbae traumatica, or even just barber’s itch.
we’ll stick to razor bumps, though.
if your razor bumps last longer than a few weeks, occur every time you shave, or are painful, you should check in with your dermatologist. they can offer you some expert guidance for how to treat razor bumps that are a little too much, so you can continue on with your skincare routine as it was. This might be the right call if your razor bumps are painful papules that hurt to touch.
when should you see a dermatologist?
skin care experts like dermatologists might recommend using a topical treatment on razor bumps. these include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinoids, or anti-inflammatory treatments. going to a dermatologist for additional help is the best option if your razor bumps are just too frequent.
this can get in the way of achieving the smoothest shave possible, and they can become even more irritated if you shave over them.
when razor bumps do show up too often after shaving, they can lead to other problems. if they aren’t healed or taken care of properly, shaving over them can actually lead to permanent scarring. that’s a big no for us.
ok, so how do these razor bumps really happen?
before you even know what causes them, they’re probably not the best thing to wake up to the morning after you shaved. razor bumps show up when hairs get stuck inside the hair follicle.
according to dermatologists, this skin condition is especially a problem for people with curly hair. In the case of curly hair, the hair grows into the top layer of skin and that’s where the unsightly red bumps come from.
because of their cause, they’re often called ingrown hairs. the hair is stuck under the skin within the pores, but the hair continues growing inward and irritating the skin further. sometimes these can be pulled out with tweezers, and sometimes they resolve themselves on their own with gentle care.
razor bumps vs. razor burn
we know all about what razor bumps are now, but what about razor burn? these two temporary reactions often go hand-in-hand. if you have sensitive skin, you’re unfortunately more prone to having to deal with these annoyances.
don’t worry — we can help you out. a hanni routine and a mindful shaving experience can help you avoid a negative reaction.
razor burn is another one of the most common post-shave skin reactions. razor burn could show up anywhere on the body, depending on where you decide to shave. your face, legs, bikini line, or armpits could all be the unfortunate new homes of razor burn.
symptoms of razor burn
after you shave, if you notice that your skin isn’t looking or feeling the best, check it for the symptoms of razor burn:
1. tenderness: does your skin feel sensitive to the touch?
2. burning sensation: does your skin feel warm and inflamed?
3. itchiness: does your skin feel itchy and uncomfortable?
4. small red bumps: does your skin have little raised red bumps where you shaved?
treatments for razor burn
after looking at this list of symptoms, if you realize that you’re experiencing razor burn and not razor bumps, there are a number of solutions that could help.
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apple cider vinegar: apply to the razor burn to reduce inflammation.
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aloe vera: apply to the skin after a cleanser to help soothe itching.
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tea tree oil and water: combine equal parts tea tree oil and water.
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hydrocortisone: this is one of the most popular solutions to razor burn and is recommended by dermatologists. hydrocortisone is an itch-relieving cream that will help to reduce swelling and redness that comes with razor burn.
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Aquaphor: this ointment keeps the skin hydrated as it heals.
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lotion: any gentle and fragrance-free lotion will help moisturize the damaged skin. generously apply shave pillow to the skin.
this all should help if you’re experiencing razor burn, but how can you avoid this and razor bumps in the first place? hanni’s range of shaving tools and products will give you a smooth shave — no razor burn in sight.
here comes hanni: the routine for you
the absolute best way to prevent razor bumps from even happening is to lean into a shaving routine.
if you don’t already, start to see shaving as a form of self-care. take time to meditate and think through the day ahead while you shave. listen to some music or have a little quiet time to yourself. enjoy the warm shower, or use it as a little me-time when you’re on the go.
no matter how you shave, it’s important to take it slow and be gentle. hanni’s range of shaving products will get you the smoothest shave with a routine simple enough for anyone to perfect.
it’s pretty easy to get the hang of things once you have the right products for it. that’s where hanni comes in. we have a few tips, tricks, and tools to help you put together a shaving routine that works for you.
setting up your weighted razor
let’s say you just ordered the hanni shave set. after it arrives right at your doorstep (in all recyclable packaging, of course), you’re ready to go. just about everything you need is in that little box.
next up is the important part: putting together your hanni weighted razor. to open the clasp, twist the bottom of the razor. next, unwrap the blade, hold it by the short end, and place the blade right in the razor. twist it back closed, and then you’re all ready to go!
the shave pillow
before you get to shaving, remember all that we’ve been saying about hydrating your skin for a smooth shave? that’s where the shave pillow steps onto the scene. it is a mess-free moisturizing stick, and it’s perfect for people who are on the move.
last-minute shavers, rejoice! you don’t even need water to shave when you use the shave pillow. too many of us shavers have had that moment of propping our leg up on the bathroom sink to shave just seconds before walking out the door.
the shave pillow is so hydrating that all you need to do is apply it before shaving, and you’re all set.
first, remove the shave pillow’s cap. apply it generously directly on the skin you plan to shave. the shave pillow is a fragrance-free stick, so it’s incredibly easy to travel with (even on planes). just toss it in your bag or suitcase before you head out, and you’ll have quick access to moisture on the go.
using your weighted razor
now is when things start to get really fun. it’s finally time to reach for your hanni weighted razor. this razor pairs perfectly with hanni’s swedish stainless steel blade. the hanni razor is designed with a single blade which means you’ll get the closest shave of your life. it also means that we recommend taking things slow as you shave.
after applying the shave pillow, glide the razor across your skin. use slow and short strokes for the best results. the metal weighted handle applies the perfect amount of pressure while you shave, so you don’t even need to press the razor to your skin. it does all the work for you!
the finishing touch
once you finish shaving, just pop the razor into the hero holder or the in-shower holder. the hero holder sits on top of your bathroom counter or shelf. the in-shower holder, of course, goes in your shower. an adhesive sticker allows you to stick it to the wall of your shower.
avoiding razor bumps
understanding your own skin and all its quirks is the first step to avoiding razor bumps and other concerns from shaving.
is your skin oily, or is it dry? are you prone to acne, or do you have naturally clear skin? if you tend to have more complex skin concerns, we recommend chatting with your local dermatologist before trying out any new kind of skincare routine that could disrupt your skin.
no matter what your skin is like, everyone deserves a smooth shave. there are a number of things that anyone can do to avoid razor bumps.
all about the technique
truly one of the best steps you can take toward a smooth shave is shaving in the direction of hair growth. before you even touch the razor to your skin, look closely to make sure you know what directions your hair grows in.
shaving every day can increase the chances of skin irritation too. for better results, leave a couple of days in between shaves.
moisturize and prep
prepping your skin before shaving is a major part of a perfect shave. trying to shave over dry skin will inevitably lead to irritation.
the hanni shave pillow is no ordinary shaving cream, though. this mess-free stick lets you easily apply moisturizer to your skin pre-shave. you don’t even need water to shave if you use the shave stick! just take it along with you whenever you need some skin hydration on the go.
the right blade
the hanni weighted razor is designed with a single blade. this is the perfect tool for exfoliating the skin while also getting a close, smooth shave. it’s so important to remember that a sharp blade is the best blade when it comes to avoiding razor bumps.
we recommend switching out blades about every two weeks or weekly if you choose to shave every day. shaving with a dull blade tugs on the hair and irritates the skin, leaving a mess of razor bumps behind.
the importance of exfoliation
gently exfoliating your skin before even applying shaving cream is a game changer. though not totally necessary, this extra step could step up your shaving routine.
using some warm water and the hanni shower scarf, gently scrub the skin you want to shave. the warmth will open your pores and the shower scarf will softly wipe away dead skin cells.
how to remedy razor bumps
you could be as careful as can be and still run into razor bumps. even after exfoliating, moisturizing, applying shaving cream, and taking your time. sometimes, irritation just happens.
some of us have sensitive skin and are more prone to bumps. or maybe you’ve overslept and just didn’t have time to take your time. either way, we can help you get past the razor bumps and onto a smooth shave.
as unfortunate as it is, sometimes razor bumps are inevitable. thankfully, they heal pretty quickly. if you notice that your razor bumps are excessive or too painful, there could be a different underlying cause.
before you treat your razor bumps at home, it is best to check in with your dermatologist if you suspect something else might be up. sometimes these rashes can look similar to other conditions.
if it really is just razor bumps (more common!), there’s a whole number of ways you can treat them. they are relatively easy to get rid of using home remedies and medication prescribed by a dermatologist.
try these treatments the next time razor bumps make a surprise appearance:
1. prescription antibacterial lotion
2. a warm compress and green tea bags
3. over-the-counter steroid creams
4. aloe vera
5. tea tree oil
6. a gentle exfoliating scrub
your smoothest shave ever
when you go to shave, no matter where or how often, we know you’ll want the smoothest shave you can get. we won’t let razor bumps get in the way of that.
thankfully, there are so many ways to prevent razor bumps as well as ways to get rid of them. having a mindful shaving routine with hanni can help to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh with each shave.
viewing shaving as a form of self-care can be one of the biggest things in creating a great shaving routine. the hanni shave pillow gives your skin some much-needed tlc before you get into actually shaving. the single-blade razor gently exfoliates the top layer of skin while giving you a close shave.
no matter what your skin type is or how you choose to shave, hanni has you covered from start to finish. razor bumps are no fun, but they’re nothing you can’t handle with hanni.
Sources:
how to get rid of razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hair | nbc news
everything you need to know about razor burn | healthline
razor bumps: causes, home remedies, and treatment | healthline
razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones | american academy of dermatology
