Colonel Cator's Grooming Regimen Lesson #9: Tackling Razor Bumps

This week, our expert helps us deal with the unfortunate aftermath of shaving.

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Complex Original

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Last week, our in-house grooming specialist, Colonel Cator Sparks, gave us tips to keep our teeth looking pearly white. In today's lesson, he teaches us how to treat and prevent annoying razor burn.

One time when I was a freshman in college I shaved my legs on a very drunken dare. I had no idea what I was doing and shaved against the grain. I have never in my life seen so many bumps, bloodied streaks and rashes than in the two weeks after that hangover. Granted, as a white boy I don’t have too many issues with razor bumps but I know my African American and Latino friends gripe about it constantly. Razor Bumps can be a real issue and can be a real embarrassment, not to mention how much they hurt.

So here are my foolproof ways to minimize razor bumps:

  • Shave properly! We have already shown you how. Do NOT shave against the grain. That means you should shave in the direction that your hair grows.
  • Don’t shave every day if you don’t have to.
  • Clean that razor! Bacteria can increase your chances of getting bumps. Pour rubbing alcohol on your razor before you shave.
  • Don’t squeeze, pick, and rub those bumps. That never helps on zits and it doesn’t help on razor bumps! 

And here are the products that help to prevent them:

  • Baxter of California's Razor Bump Relief ($20) Exfoliating gel for ingrown hairs and Salicylic acid (opens up clogged pores and neutralizes bacteria within) work to reduce bumps.
  • Kyoku Razor Repair Balm($34) This product has chamomile, witch hazel, Aloe Vera and ancient Japanese oils in the mix to combat inflammation and redness.
  • One product many dudes have told me about in barbershops and the streets of Harlem and Charleston is High Times Bump Stopper  ($4.17). No it’s not that High Time and people testify to its effectiveness. 

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