Razor bumps are common complications from shaving that can take days to weeks to go away. So, how do you get rid of razor bumps?
There are some steps you can take to prevent razor bumps, plus available treatments you can apply when these skin issues pop up. From pre-shaving products to post-shaving creams, many formulas are available in the market to leave your legs feeling smooth in just a few days.
Whether you're heading to the beach or need to show off your new jean shorts, we talked to experts for do's and don'ts on shaving and caring for hairy areas. Here are dermatologists' tips on getting rid of razor bumps and products to add to your beauty and shaving routine.
What is a razor bump? | How to prevent razor bumps | Pre-shave products | Shaving products | Post-shave products | How we chose | Meet the experts
Expert-approved shave gel$4.25$5.90
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What is a razor bump?
Anyone who’s ever had a razor bump can tell you how aggravating these pesky raised bumps are. They're typically found where a hair follicle emerges from the surface of the skin, and sometimes razor bumps can be mistaken for acne.
“Depending on the color of your skin, razor bumps can look like red bumps in Caucasians, but in darker skin types the bumps are usually darker brown in color,” says Dr. Noelani González, a dermatologist with Mount Sinai West in New York City.
Much like acne, razor bumps can feel tender or painful when inflamed, but what you experience as a razor bump might be a bit different than what your friends see or feel.
“A razor bump is a colloquial term for redness and bumps after shaving, not something specific. But dermatologically, it can include any number of issues, most commonly folliculitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae,” says Dr. Robert Anolik, a dermatologist with the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York.
When hair follicles become irritated, folliculitis can occur, causing redness and swelling in the form of bumps. “It tends to appear dotted because the majority of the inflammation is at the hair root,” Anolik says.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, on the other hand, is a bit different. “It’s an inflammatory reaction to the hair shaft reentering the skin — like with ingrown hairs,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist in New York City.
How to prevent razor bumps
Shaving can be tedious and sometimes tempting to rush through the process. But following these shaving best practices can help prevent razor bumps down the line.
- Shave in the right direction: “If you shave in many different directions, you increase the chances of razor bumps, irritation and even ingrown hairs," Engelman says. "It is best to shave in the direction your hair grows or against it."
- Don’t shave too close to the skin: “When you pull your skin taut to get that close shave, once you release it, your skin goes over that hair shaft that you just cut and the hair will start growing under your skin, causing the bumps. This is especially common if you have thick, coarse or curly hair,” González says.
- Use the best razors: “Prevent future razor bumps and ingrown hairs by making sure you are using a sharp razor,” Engelman says. And don’t forget to keep your razors clean, and swap them out often!
- Exfoliate regularly: "Getting rid of dead skin cells on the surface before you shave can help you avoid hairs getting caught under your skin," González says.
- Keep skin moisturized: "Use a moisturizing cream or shaving gel, and also moisturize right after you shave. Try using a moisturizer with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin," González says.
Try as you might, you can't always avoid a razor bump, and some people are just more naturally prone to them.
"Razor bumps are more common in darker skin types, and in people who have thick, coarse and curly hair. Same goes for those areas of the body that have thicker, coarse hairs like the pubic area and beard area in men," González says.
How to get rid of razor bumps
Razor bumps happen! And when they do, you typically want immediate relief. Although there's no instant cure-all for razor bumps, there are a few ways to help send them quickly on their way.
- Douse your skin with cool water after shaving to help soothe it.
- Head to the drugstore and pick up some over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or hydrocortisone.
- Combine a retinoid, topical steroid and/or an antibacterial product, González suggests.
- Consider using a toner with ingredients like aloe, witch hazel and willow bark to tackle inflammation and kill bacteria. But tread lightly, as toners can sometimes irritate raw skin.
- If you notice regular razor bumps, visit a board-certified dermatologist and try laser hair removal to get to the root of the problem.
Must-have pre-shave products
Scrub like you mean it: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Hard to squeeze
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acids | Good for: Sensitive skin
"As someone prone to bumpy, 'strawberry' skin after using body wash or shaving, " says associate editor Sierra Hoeger "this one works well for little spots that tend to develop in the underboob and bikini area after working out."
This fragrance-fee formula works well for Hoeger, even though the bottle is hard to squeeze in the shower. "This exfoliator leaves me with bump-free skin for about two days, before I start to notice spots again. Which, for how little product I use, is to be expected. Overall, I love this product because of how well it works and how easy it is to use especially for someone who is a first-time exfoliator user," adds Hoeger.
Retinol first: Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Lotion Treatment
- Buttery texture
- Doesn't work on cellulite
Size: 4 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C and retinol | Good for: All skin types
Board-certified dermatologist Mary Lupo recommends using a retinoid to prevent dead skin buildup that can keep hairs from clearing the surface of your skin. This one from Paula's Choice helps refresh skin with a blend of antioxidants.
Rollers for the win: Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic with AHA and BHA
- Applicator is easy to use
- Roller dries over time
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: AHA and Glycolic acid | Good for: Normal, dry, combination and oily skin
"I hate to admit it, but I’ve always dealt with ingrowns. But since using this serum, I’ve seen less and less since using. Exfoliating before shaving is an important step, but I never realized how important it was to exfoliate in-between shaves, too," says editorial assistant Madison San Miguel.
"I love how easy this is to use every day or every other day since all you need to do is roll it on. Plus, I find it super gentle so I’ve never felt a burning sensation or have been irritated by it after use. It’s a game-changer!"
Must-have shaving products
Oat is not only for breakfast: Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
- Great for sensitive skin
- It's foamy
Size: 7 oz. | Key ingredients: Oat and vitamin E | Good for: Sensitive skin
Hydrated skin shouldn't be complicated and this dermatologist-recommended product is an ideal choice for sensitive skin. This gel "contains natural colloidal oatmeal to soothe and protect the skin and is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin," says medial aesthetician Carley Jamison.
Oily sensation: eos Cashmere Bikini Shave Oil Serum
- Hydrating texture
- Helps achieve a smooth shave
- Scent can be strong for some
Size: 5 oz. | Key ingredients: Vanilla cashmere | Good for: All skin types
"I was never a shaving cream or product person (I used to just shave with whatever body wash or soap I had on hand), but after I started using this serum I realized I was seriously missing out," says writer Emma Stessman. Aside from its scented formula, this oil is bikini-area-friendly and super moisturizing.
This helps me get a much smoother shave and since I started using it, I’ve noticed I’m far less prone to razor bumps. I love that it’s moisturizing too, so my legs feel soft after every shave.
One step process: Schick Intuition Sensitive Care Women's Razor
- Affordable option
- Lather decreases after a while
"I’ve never loved a razor as much as I do this one. When it comes to disposable products, I’ve never really had an attachment to them, until my mom gifted this to me last Christmas in a self-care basket," says Hoeger.
Basically, your skin gets moisturized and shaved simultaneously with this product. "It has refillable blades and each has a lining of soap surrounding them, so you don’t have to worry about buying shaving cream," she adds.
"Shaving used to be a whole everything-shower ordeal, and now it’s incorporated into my daily shower routine. This razor truly takes the work out of shaving and has made it less of a chore!"
Efficient removal: Athena The Razor Kit
- Comes with a magnetic holder
- Not as sustainable
Blades: 5 | Good for: All skin types
"I have been using Athena Club razor for six months and love how high quality it is and that it comes with a magnetic shower holder that I’ve had up for ages and has not fallen (this was a concern for me in the shower)," says commerce editor Vivien Moon.
If you're always struggling to find your blazer for a last-minute shave, this one promises efficiency and is built to last.
"The handle has some weight to it which I appreciate as well. Overall, I love it for the quality and how well it does what it’s meant to do!" adds Moon.
Quick fix: Marlowe No. 145 Body Hair Trimmer
- Rechargeable
- Not ideal for coarse hair
Good for: facial, chest and groin hair
If razors are not your style, Moon also recommends this trimmer from Marlowe. The ergonomic design allows for an easy handle and its cordless design makes it efficient to reach difficult areas.
"When I’m in a rush and don’t have time to jump in the shower to shave my legs, this is a quick fix that I always turn to. I love how closely it buzzes my hair off and that it’s rechargeable, making it a great travel companion as well. It’s also very chic and looks good in my bathroom. I’ve had this one for years and haven’t had any issues with it," says Moon.
Must-have post-shave products
Soothe the burn: Cortizone 10 Plus Ultra Moisturizing Cream
- Works on sensitive skin
- Feels slightly greasy
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Hydrocortisone | Good for: All skin types
Dermatologists swear by cortisone to help with itchy, irritated skin, so it's always good to have a tube on hand in case a razor bump pops up.
"I've used this product mainly in my bikini area when I get razor bumps or irritation. It works really fast and usually the problem area feels smooth after 24 hours," says commerce writer Jannely Espinal.
Just the essential: CeraVe SA Lotion
- Non greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- Weird scent
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredients: Ceramides, salicylic acid and vitamin D | Good for: Rough skin
For extra hydration, Jamison recommends this smoothing lotion from CeraVE "which contains salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation."
"It is enriched with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and restore the skin barrier and is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used on the body," says Jamison.
Until the last drop: Fur Treatment Oil
- Feels lightweight
- Very hydrating
- It's scented
Size: 2.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Tea tree oil | Good for: All skin types
"This lightweight oil is great for preventing ingrown hairs and keeping the skin feeling hydrated and soft," says Vivien Moon.
While this product is advertised for the private area, it works wonders on other parts of the body. "After shaving/waxing, the skin can be a little dry or sensitive so having a product like this in my arsenal is great. I also love how it’s an oil that isn’t too oily and has a really great citrusy scent," adds Moon.
How we chose
We selected products based on the ingredients and tips recommended by the dermatologists we interviewed. We divided the products by three categories including: pre-shave, shave and post-shave, and added those recommended and tested by our Shop TODAY editors.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Noelani González is a dermatologist with Mount Sinai West in New York City.
- Dr. Robert Anolik is a dermatologist with the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a Manhattan-based dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic surgery.
- Carley Jamison is a medical aesthetician with over 15 years of experience in the aesthetics industry at PureMD.
