Why do I get ingrown hairs and razor bumps? How can I prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs?

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are a result of using products and methods that were not designed for those with coarse or curly hair.  Properly shaving with high quality products and tools designed for you helps reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Hairs cut beneath the skin can grow back in a slightly different direction and can consequently burrow into your skin. Coarse or curly hair needs to be cut cleanly and at the skin level to avoid this.

1. Never shave against the grain. It provides a slightly quicker close shave, but usually brings on razor bumps. Shaving against the grain allows hairs to be cut beneath the skin. Once that happens, they continue growing into the skin....creating razor bumps. Click here for our guide on mapping out your own grain before you get started! (Everyone's grain is unique)
   
   
2. Multiblade cartridge razors can tug at the hairs and this can potentially lead to inflammation. On some of these cartridges, the blades are placed so closely together that coarse hairs can become trapped between them. Once trapped, this could lead to the hair being yanked out which then can lead to irritation and swelling.
   
   
3. This also happens when skin is pulled to get that extra close shave.  It’s not worth it.  When you let go of your skin, it pops right back over the hairs you've just cut.  Now they start growing into your skin causing razor bumps.
   
   
4. Not shaving enough. If you are prone to razor bumps, we strongly suggest you allow no more than one day between shaves. Unless your skin is just too sensitive, shaving daily is optimal.
   
   
5. Too much Pressure! If you've used some of those plastic disposable razors on the market, no matter how fancy the commercial made it seem, or how many blades it has, you know it can be very lightweight and sometimes you're forced to apply more pressure during the shave. This can lead to the hairs being cut beneath the skin. When you move the razor away, the skin can pop back into place, but the hair beneath it can be poised to start growing into your skin.. Aside from the incredible design, the first thing you'll notice when you hold the Bevel Razor is its weight. Absolutely no pressure is required. It's precisely weighted with solid brass to help cut your hair, at skin level.
   
   
6. Some electric trimmers can cause razor bumps and irritation too. A couple issues here. If your hair is coarse and/or curly, the sharp jagged end left by some electric trimmers can start to curl and burrow into your skin causing razor bumps. And considering the hairs aren't always being softened before the shave, things can go south quickly. Moreover, if not properly cleaned, you or your barber can wreak havoc on your skin by infecting the bumps with bacteria. Not a good look.
   
   
7. Another issue:  not properly preparing the skin and hair to be shaved!  We strongly suggest you start off with a hot shower to soften your skin and hair and open the pores.  And don’t skip out on your Bevel Pre-Shave Oil.  It further softens your skin and hair and acts as a layer of protection on your skin.  Furthermore, the Bevel Shave Cream is specially formulated to condition thick and curly hair and lubricate the skin so the razor can glide across, tug-free.
   
   
8. Rinsing the shaving cream off is not the final step. Lock in moisture and keep the hairs soft with Bevel Post-Shave Balm. The witch hazel and tea tree oil in it soothe and prevent inflammation. While gentle amounts of lactic and salicylic acid exfoliate. And of course, it's enriched with jojoba oil and shea butter to keep your skin moisturized and protected all day.
   
   
9. Lastly, reusing blades makes the problem worse.  They become dull and dirty. Coarse/thick beards require blade changing much more often. We really need a sharp blade.  Bevel Bundles include enough blades to ensure a sharp blade each shave.