Razor bumps: here’s the deal
Razor bumps and ingrown hair start with a genetic tendency toward extremely curly hair. The irregular shape of curly hair shafts and the curls themselves make hairs prone to pushing back into the surface of the skin as they regrow after being cut. This genetic factor makes ingrown hair and razor bumps very common in men of African or Indo-European descent. It is important to note that not all razor bumps are PFB, so if you believe you are experiencing this condition, a good first step is always to consult your dermatologist for diagnosis and management of symptoms of ingrown hair.
In addition to genetic factors, there are a few things that can happen during shaving that make you more likely to have an outbreak of razor bumps. When the hair shaft is dry, it’s much harder for your razor to cut, leading to more tugging and pulling. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it also can cause the hair tips to be cut at an angle, making it even easier for the hair to penetrate back into the skin as it grows and increase your risk of a razor bump outbreak.