Bilal Jean-Paul of amanady.com sent this comment on razor bumps.
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Razor Bumps:
Razor bumps and ingrown hairs on the bearded skin are medically referred to as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). Razor Bumps are caused by the end of the hair shaft being cut in such a way, as the hair continues to grow it curls into another nearby hair follicle. This introduction of the sharpened end of a hair follicle into another causes an inflammatory response in the skin and leads to a pimple or bump.
Ingrown Hairs:
An ingrown hair is a hair that curls and penetrate the skin with its tip within the hair follicle. When the hair curls and penetrates the skin, inflammation occurs. Sometimes, the small ingrown hair can be seen beneath the raised area. Most ingrown hairs occur in the beard area. Ingrown hairs can also occur in the pubic area and the neck area. Bacteria, yeasts, acne, or fungi infections can further worsen the ingrown hairs.
Razor Burns:
Razor Burns are micro-abrasions. In general, the nicks and cuts from improper shaving. These micro-abrasions usually lead to inflamed red bumps.
Prevent Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hairs, Razor Burns:
One of the best forms of prevention is allowing hairs to grow well above the skin surface. The follicle opening may prevent the hair tip from growing into the skin. However, not many people are willing or able to grow their hairs long enough to prevent their ingrowing. The following are essential key points that will help minimize these shaving problems:
Washing the skin before shaving is helpful in exfoliating. Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) your skin is indispensable when trying to prevent razor bumps, ingrown hairs or razor burn. Daily use of a liquid cleanser before shaving not only unclogs pores, it lifts the hair away from the follicle while softening the hair.
Shave with downward strokes (going with the grain). Shaving too close is one of the triggers for razor bump, ingrown hair, and razor burn. The hair stubs are cut too close, get trapped inside the hair follicle and dig inward or sideways. More info on Shaving Tips.
Use a post-shaving product that contains beta hydroxy acid: Acetylsalicylic acid, the main ingredient in the Imperial Touch Razor Bump Solution. This dermatological-grade ingredient is the active substance producing immediate; visible improvements for razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. It disinfects, mildly exfoliates surface skin cells, which keeps hair follicles and adjacent areas of the skin clean and unobstructed.
son… the only way i can escape razor bumps is by shaving with clippers. i don’t think i’ve been really clean-shaven since 2001 – except for one weekend when i was going to audition for a movie role. other than that, it’s me an the clippers, once a week. sometimes once every two weeks.
Same here.
I used to use that MAGIC stuff on my face (the paste that smelled like chittins). Then I just started using the ol’ clippers and I have been straight ever since.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
oh my goodnes…magic shave. that was the single worst experience of my shaving life — and i used it for three weeks. by the end, i was ready to pull the bottom half of my face off.
Magic Shave… Wow. is there a proper way to use it? It prevented my razor bumps sure. But it burned the hell out of my face and left a really noticiable red mark on certain areas for several days. It might be even worse that razor bumps. Im scared to use it again. WIll any clippers work for shaving to prevent razor bumps? I’m beginning to look like abe Lincoln
Shaver’s Choice products treat the causes, not the symptoms, to prevent the majority of both transfollicular and extrafollicular ingrown hairs. These are non-caustic products that smooth and soften the skin while strengthening and straightening the hair’s natural curl to prevent ingrown hairs and eliminate other minor skin irritations. I will gladly send samples and let the products prove themselves.
My skin is a wreck. Nothing has worked. I don’t want clippers. I want a smooth shave. I see other black men with smooth skin but not me. I’ve spenty a lot of money trying to fix this. Help! I’m sick of this problem!!!
for years I’ve had problems with bumps and i have to be clean shaven for my job. my girlfriend turned me on to this product called bump down which has surprisingly worked really well keeping the bumps at bay. it stings a bit at first but nothing like magic. doesn’t smell bad either. i’m in atlanta and couldn’t find any stores here but bought it from their site at http://www.getbarc.com
shave after you get out of the shower-put water on your face before you pur shaving cream on your face(do not leave the shaving cream on you face for a long time)-than shave downward on your face and under your neck-do not go upward or against the grain on your neck-this will cause razor bump(only people with straight hair can go against the grain on their necks) after you get through-wash your face with soap and than put some lotion on-you will have a baby face
if you have the money get laser hair removal. it worked for me. i got rid of the hairs i didnt want and kept my chin and mustache. little bit of pain but if you’ve got razor bumps its worth it.
also you can get a really close shave with the clippers that are you for lining and parting.
i’ve tried everything and Barc’s Bump Down is the only thing that’s worked for me. I have to use a straight razor for my job which requires me to be clean shaven everyday.
MAGIC SHAVE!!!! OH GOD NO! that stuff tried to burn my poor skin off! i think ill stick with the clippers and high time bump patrol after shave that works great! ^___^