Question for African-American members.

[Teddyboy]

With regards to the well-known razor bumps that many African-Americans get after shaving, I was wondering if any of the following variables have been widely agreed upon as diminishing the appearance or severity of the razor bumps - or does YMMV apply to razor bumps as well:

1] Does it make a difference if the razor is mild or aggressive?

2] Is the sharpness or smoothness of the blade important? Is there any agreement as to which blades may decrease or increase razor bumps?

I have a friend who could use this info, but he is not a BBer so I am asking for him.

Is it known what causes razor bumps? It seems like an interesting medical phenomenon as it arises rather quickly after shaving.

Thanks.

 

[mhdena]

Don't shave ATG in spots that may bump

 

[TallyShave]

There is a great thread around here somewhere showing the journey of a member fighting bad razor bumps. It is amazing the progress he made and it discussed all the steps he was taking. My search skills are terrible, but it is a fairly long thread if you search for it. Would be a great resource for anyone fighting razor bumbs.

 

[MondoJ]

There is a great thread around here somewhere showing the journey of a member fighting bad razor bumps. It is amazing the progress he made and it discussed all the steps he was taking. My search skills are terrible, but it is a fairly long thread if you search for it. Would be a great resource for anyone fighting razor bumbs.

I think this might be it http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...s-black-male-seeking-a-solution...?highlight= a couple of thoughts as I am helping a co worker with bump issues, I would start with the bump fighter razor and use witch hazel after the shave. Good luck and don't give up

Edit, found one more http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...Warning-not-for-the-faint-hearted)?highlight=

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

With regards to the well-known razor bumps that many African-Americans get after shaving, I was wondering if any of the following variables have been widely agreed upon as diminishing the appearance or severity of the razor bumps - or does YMMV apply to razor bumps as well:

1] Does it make a difference if the razor is mild or aggressive?

I'm not sure. but I have a Medrkur's 38C & 23C which are both considered mild razors and I love them both!!!

2] Is the sharpness or smoothness of the blade important? Is there any agreement as to which blades may decrease or increase razor bumps?

I beleive there is a correlation between ingrown hairs and dull blades. My shaves definitely improved (less ‘weepers’ and ingrown hairs), because
blades are so cheap, it works and change your blades more often.

Read More: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...blades?highlight=dull+blades+vs.+sharp+blades

Read More: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...commendation?p=4315349&highlight=#post4315349

I have a friend who could use this info, but he is not a BBer so I am asking for him.

Is it known what causes razor bumps? It seems like an interesting medical phenomenon as it arises rather quickly after shaving.

Thanks.

Teddyboy:
Also as a 'man of color', I have used a toothbrush to exfoliate my mug and "High Time Bump Stopper 2 Double Strength" in the past for my ingrown hairs (the sides of my chin, jaw and neck line), but I've lately found that member Barber-Eile's advice (who is a qualified barber...http://barbereile.blogspot.com/2011/...rown-hair.html), to use "regular gentle exfoliation" (I employ a small natural bristle brush...http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ngrown-hair...), morning and night has helped my ingrown hair condition greatly.

I also found her advice, "If it is just one or two present, the trapped hair can be gently [lifted], with sterilized tweezers [or needle],. The hair should only be coaxed out from under the skin and not plucked out so as to avoid scarring and possible recurrence", to be of a great benefit.

If you can't use a DE razor and all other methods fail, then I suggest getting a professional opinion from a dermatologist who has experience with the condition of
Afro-American males.

"Laughter is the best medicine". Unknown Author

 

[jtb]

For me, yes I am African America, I tend to get them on my neck.

I prefer my razor on the mild side, my razor of choice is the progress set low at 1 or 1.5. Same with the futur.

I tend to like a sharp blade, Gillette blue lately but I do like many other blades too.

What has really been working for me lately is a good shower, washing my face first, allowing the soap and water to sit while I shower. Once I rinse and finish up, I leave my face wet the immediately use Proraso preshave. Then I build my lather. I face lather exclusively. I shave against the grain! There, I said it. Two passes against the grain, then some touch ups.

I follow up with bump patrol, which really works for me. Then an after shave, sometimes balm, sometimes splash.

I have a theory about the against the grain only, I think the ingrowns are caused when the hair is cut at an angle, as can happen with a hair that lays flat and is cut with the grain. I think it can cause the hair to get a sharp point or jagged tip that can curl back under the skin easier. Going against the grain creates a cleaner cut. That's my current theory and this method has been working very well for me.

 

[mftoms59]

When I'm asked for help I first try to get them off the can Shaving Creams since most can be drying to the skin, the second important lesson is mapping and getting them to use proper technique; Whisker Hydration, Blade Angle & Pressure.

My co-worker is a "Man of Color" to quote the Count, though he wasn't interested in DE shaving and preferred carts, I convinced him to switch to the Bic Disposable Single Blade. I advised him to shave WTG &XTG after helping him map his growth, use less pressure and maintain proper Blade Angle. He does use Brush & Cream and a couple of Latherless Creams I gave him, with the Bic and shaving tips, his complexion has completely cleared and eliminated his bump problem.

 

[Fredboy]

1. Not as much as technique, prep and beard mapping does.
2. Yes, I love Blue Birds and Astras aren't bad either.

I can shave against the grain under my chin and on my neck if I am careful, but I usually settle with 2 WTG passes with my mergress set at 2.5.
For me, prep matters the most. Softening my beard before hand (using a couple of hot towels and AOS pre-shave oil) makes a world of difference. Surprisingly, showering beforehand makes absolutely no difference to me as long as I prep properly. Feel free to ask if you have anymore questions.