Banishing Razor Bumps

One of the most common questions I receive from African American men deals with razor bumps. It is estimated that up to 80% of African American men suffer from razor bumps at some point during their lives.

Razor bumps, also called Pseudofollicultis Barbae , can occur in any area that hair is temporarily removed by shaving, waxing or tweezing. These painful bumps and pustules occur when hairs curl back into the skin causing your body to perceive them as “foreign” (like a splinter) and produce an inflammatory response. This inflammation can cause bumps, pus, discoloration and keloidal scars.

As every man cannot wear a full beard as well as James Harden or George Clooney, there are many who desire a more conservative look. For those that “fear the beard,” the prospect of razor bumps can be daunting.

Here are a few tips to help put the bumps to rest and keep you smooth, neat and office-ready.

Preventing Razor Bumps:

1. Don’t cut hair too closely. Focus on looking “clean-shaven,” not necessarily feeling “silky smooth.” If using a razor can be avoided, use electric clippers to trim hair to about a millimeter in length. This is short enough to be considered office appropriate and keeps bumps at bay.

Read More: http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/eliminating-razor-bumps-guide-black-men-skin/

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