How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast
August 28, 2025
By: Truly Beauty
Discover experts tips and treatments for how to get rid of razor bumps fast.
Razor bumps are a painful and unpleasant aftermath of shaving. Not everyone deals with them, but if you shave regularly, you’ve probably experienced razor bumps at some point or another. So, how do you get rid of razor bumps quickly?
In this article, we’re going to show you some steps you can take to treat razor bumps fast. From soothing skincare products to simple razor bump remedies, you’ll be feeling smoother in no time at all.
What are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps, medically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), are red bumps that can develop after shaving, and the hair gets trapped beneath the skin. Razor bumps can appear on the face, legs, armpits, or pubic area. Basically, wherever you remove hair. According to dermatologists, they’re a form of ingrown hair.
Razor bumps typically occur where a hair follicle emerges from the surface of the skin. They can look a lot like acne. When the hair follicles become irritated, folliculitis can occur, causing redness, irritation, and swelling in the form of bumps.
Here are some photos of razor bumps to help you identify them.
What Causes Razor Bumps?
In order to know how to get rid of razor bumps fast and prevent them in the first place, we need to know why they form. Razor bumps occur when the hair follicles are irritated from poor shaving techniques. For instance, shaving in the wrong direction or on dry skin without shaving cream can all cause the hair to grow in the wrong direction, leading to razor bumps.
Razor bumps are more common in darker skin types, and in those who have coarse, curly hair. That’s why you’re more likely to get razor bumps on your bikini line—as that’s where the hair is thicker and coarser.
How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast
Razor bumps happen to all of us. While you can’t get rid of them instantly, you can enjoy quick relief with the right treatments. Here’s how to get rid of razor bumps quickly.
#1: Cold + Warm Compresses
Warm water, cold water, and ice can all help curb redness and sensitivities. Try applying a cold or warm compress to the affected area. Repeat throughout the day until the irritation subsides.
Alternatively, take a warm or cool bath. Both work well at soothing inflammation and taking the redness away for improved comfort after shaving.
#2: Exfoliate
Exfoliating helps clear the pores of dead skin cells and allows the trapped hair to surface.
Truly's Smooth Legend Scrub is a sugar-based scrub that gently exfoliates the pores and follicles to clear buildup, revealing smoother skin. And because it's enriched with nourishing plant oils, it actually supports your skin so you're not left feeling irritated.
#3: Apply Antibacterial Ingrown Oil
Antibacterial ingrown oils contain antibacterial, antimicrobial ingredients like tea tree oil and witch hazel to quickly heal painful razor bumps.
This lightweight oil is great for treating and preventing razor bumps, razor burn, and redness while keeping the skin feeling hydrated and soft. Apply serum as needed on areas prone to redness and razor bumps, including pubic area, underarms, legs, brows, and chin. And the best part? It works FAST.
#4: Hydrocolloid Patches
Hydrocolloid is a wound healing agent that can help treat everything from wounds to bumps and breakouts. It works by creating a protective seal on the wound, keeping bacteria out, while absorbing gunk to speed up healing. It’s a great easy treatment option for razor bumps.
These blemish patches are designed for pimples. That being said, you could try using them to heal razor bumps after shaving. Simply apply a patch to the affected area, leave it on for 6-12 hours, and re-apply until your razor bump disappears.
How to Prevent Razor Bumps
Now you know how to get rid of razor bumps fast, here’s how to stop them in the first place. By following these steps, you can prevent painful bumps and enjoy smoother, more comfortable shaves.
Use Shaving Cream
Shaving butter, gel, or cream...just make sure you use it! A moisturizing shaving cream will prime your skin for a smoother razor glide without tugging and friction. Shaving dry skin is a recipe for razor bumps and ingrowns. Avoid them by always using shaving cream before putting razor to skin.
Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
One of the most common causes of razor bumps is shaving in the wrong direction. This increases friction and ultimately the chances of razor burn, bumps, and irritation. Aim to shave in the direction your hair grows. The result might not be as close, but it will prevent painful red bumps.
Invest in a Good Razor
Prevent razor bumps by using a high quality razor with at least three blades. If you’re shaving the bikini line, five blade razors are even better. Also, be sure to always use a clean razor and swap it out often so that it’s always sharp.
Exfoliate Before Shaving
Gently exfoliating your skin removes the buildup of dirt and dead skin cells, which prevents your razor from getting clogged. This allows your razor to glide easily for a smooth shave without razor bumps.
Finish With After Shave Treatments
Most people forget about it, but it’s so important to pamper your skin after shaving. Shaving is a form of exfoliation that can dry out your skin and leave it feeling itchy and irritated. Always finish your shave with a soothing after shave serum and hydrating moisturizer. There are plenty of topical over the counter (OTC) treatments you can try to ward off razor bumps and finish your shave silky smooth.
How Long Does it Take for Razor Bumps to Go Away?
Without treatment, razor bumps can last anywhere from days to weeks, according to dermatologists. That’s why it’s a good idea to use treatments like the ones listed above as this will speed up the healing of razor bumps.
When it comes to how to get rid of razor bumps fast (and prevent them too!), make sure you follow the steps above and invest in a good shave routine.