Health
Razor Bumps:
An Unnecessary Evil
By Will Williams
No matter their education, age, or socio-economic status, it’s a fact that
most African American men have a problem with razor bumps. Why do so
many of them settle for not having the smoothest skin? Why do brothers
accept razor bumps as a necessary evil?
The truth of the matter is, if you are using a straight edge razor
correctly, then there is no reason in the world that you should ever get razor
bumps. It’s ironic that although African American men spend more time and
attention on grooming and looking good than anyone else, they are the ones
who suffer from razor bumps the most.
In today’s image conscious world, first impressions mean everything. You truly will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
It’s like having an Armani suite with some Chuck Taylors on. You wouldn’t do
that. Why? Because just like shoes are part of the total package, so is your
skin. And, it’s apparent that men are starting to understand that because
they are spending now more than ever on male grooming, skin care, and
hair products. In fact, men are spending more than $4 billion a year on such
vanity products and services.
Razor bumps don’t just look bad, they feel even worse. They are
painful, irritating, and they can itch, especially with anything like a tight collar,
or anything else rubbing against them.
But, don’t just think of razor bumps on the face or on the neck,
razor bumps can attack anywhere you shave. That means if you shave your
back or if you are doing a bald head fade, or even sporting a completely bald
head, then you need to make sure you are shaving the right way and taking
the necessary preventative steps to keep those razor bumps at bay. So,
when men ask me what they should do to avoid razor bumps, my answer
is always the same:
• Prevent razor bumps before they start by using lots
of warm water to soften and moisturize hair before
shaving whether we’re talking about your head,
your face, your neck or anywhere else on your body.
• Always lather hair to trap in moisture and lubricate the skin.
• To eliminate razor bumps, tweeze ingrown hairs in the
direction of growth.
• Be sure to always shave in the direction of hair
growth.
• Use an aftershave everywhere you shave, every
time you shave
Remember, at least seventeen value judgments are made in the first 11 seconds
when you first meet someone. So, be sure to put your best face forward
at all times and make the most of every impression, be it the first, second,
or last. You should always be well coiffed, well groomed, and smooth. Be
smooth from head to toe, especially your face. BOM
Will Williams, director of education and new product development for M&M Products Co. is a 30-year veteran of the beauty
and grooming industry. Williams is a Master Barber and Certified Master Cosmetologist. To learn how to map your face, techniques for shaving, and products to get you smooth and keep you
that way, visit bumppatrol.com.
40 | barbersonlymagazine.com | Dec./Jan. 2011