Razor bumps

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borisvodofsky

Diamond Member
Feb 12, 2010
3,606
0
0
I apparently fail at shaving. Two days after a shave my skin gets irritated and razor bumps start appearing. If its bad enough I stop for two weeks and try again. I've been lazy about it for a while but I've managed to go a week without them getting too bad.

Looked into it and apparently all the 3-5 blade shit makes them worse, so I've been considering getting one of these these things.

switch to electric... DOiiiiii
 

Born2bwire

Diamond Member
Oct 28, 2005
9,840
6
71
I hate to mention this because I bet you've already heard of it, but have you tried the Bump Fighter brand of razors?
 

SViper

Senior member
Feb 17, 2005
828
0
76
I have been using a DE for a few months now, and while it is probably the best shave I've had so far, it still leaves something to be desired. I can't really ever get a close shave, and if I try, I get really bad razor burn.

Would this have something to do with the frequency with which I shave? I only shave once every 5 days or so, trimming with my electric on other days.

I have a DE Merkur I use and I get irritation bumps if I don't shave at least twice a week (once every 3-4 days). Any less often than that, I get irritation bumps. Your shaving frequency may be causing your issue.

To answer the OP, multi-blade razors lift the hair from the skin before cutting it, and the remaining hair recedes back into your hair follicle. When the hair grows again, it curls under your skin. This is the most frequent cause of razor bumps.

I used to use a 4 blade Gillette turbo razor and would get crazy shaving bumps. My fiancee bought me a Merkur DE razor and I haven't looked back since. It is a single blade that cuts hair at the skin, so you don't have the same problem you have with multi-blade razors. I hardly get any razor bumps.

I've even cut against the grain and I still don't get any bumps. Your face feels as smooth as a baby's bottom after a DE razor shave against the grain.

But actually cutting the hair is only one aspect of the shaving experience that could cause irritation bumps. You also may have a dirty face prior to shaving. I always use a hot wash rag on my face for a few minutes to both wash my face and open my pores. Some people shave while in the shower or just after to ease shaving.

I also suggest using a badger hair brush and shave soap. Your trade-off is that it will take longer than 2 minutes to shave, but the quality of shave will be much better. The badger hair brush lifts the hairs from the skin, making it easier for the razor to do its job.

After shaving and rinsing with hot water (again to open pores), don't use alcohol as an aftershave! Your skin is beat up and you need to use a product that both cleanses and moisturizes. I personally use Noxzema as my aftershave. It cleans the skin and moisturizes it. It may or may not work for you, as Noxzema can be a skin irritant. I let it sit on my skin for about 5 minutes for it to work, then rinse it off with cold water to close your pores back up.

The whole process of shaving probably takes me 15-20 minutes, with the actual cutting part taking about 3-4 minutes. If you take care of your skin, you can definitely tell a difference.

Let me know if you have any questions about DE shaving.
 

slpaulson

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2000
4,414
14
81
Definitely look into DE razors. I used to get ingrown hairs all the time, and a DE razor has eliminated them for me.

Make sure you get a blade sample pack before committing to a large number of blade. There is quite a difference between different blades.
 

Jaepheth

Platinum Member
Apr 29, 2006
2,572
25
91
I haven't actually tried a DE razor. I went ahead and just jumped to a straight edge.
It's nice shaving with something that simply can't clog.

I also second getting a natural alum block (should be translucent)
best $10 I ever spent on shaving equipment. It turns bad shaves into decent shaves, and decent shaves into good shaves.
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
4
81
No it is not...

<---Black guy


Do yourself a favor OP and get the razor you posted. It will take longer shaving, but well worth it. Remember, let the blade do the work.
yeah, ive loved my DE razor once i got used to it

i also use an unscented face lotion when im done shaving. i dont get the bumps.
 

Elcs

Diamond Member
Apr 27, 2002
6,278
6
81
Save with the grain not against the grain. Problem solved.


It won't be as close of a shave and you'll have to shave more often but you shouldn't get any more razor burn or ingrown hairs.

I typically wash, exfoliate, cream/gel/foam/oil up, let it sit for a minute or two then shave with the grain and moisturise afterwards.

I still get bumps and burns.

Even with an electric shaver, I get terrible burn on my neck.