What Are the Treatments for Bumps on the Neck From a Hair Cut?

If you just got a hair cut, you may notice bumps on the back of your neck. These are razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, and are an inflammatory reaction from ingrown facial hair that often occurs after shaving. There are several treatment options to you to achieve relief from these annoying and uncomfortable bumps.

Grow Out Your Hair

• The first step to eliminating razor bumps and ingrown hairs is to let your hair or beard grow out. Avoid using tweezers or razors for at least 30 days to allow the hair to grow out. When you do cut your hair the next time, use either a single-blade razor or electric hair clippers to avoid cutting the hairs too short and prevent the bumps from reoccurring. Even if electric hair clippers were used, the setting may have been too close of a cut and caused the razor bumps.

Topical Antibiotic

• If the bumps are causing you pain or discomfort, see your doctor about antibiotics. The bumps may have gotten inflamed or infected, and your doctor can prescribe you a topical antibiotic. Apply the antibiotic to the area as instructed by your doctor and pharmacist. Avoid shaving while you are still using the antibiotic and clean the area with a polyester skin-cleansing pad twice a day. If the area is severely infected from scratching, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic.

Lotion

• There is a lotion with a special ingredient you can use to help reduce the bumps and prevent new inflamed spots from forming on your neck or face. Find a skin lotion with the ingredient glycolic acid in it. This ingredient acts as a skin exfoliant to remove the surface skin cells and keep the area clean. Apply the lotion every night before bed to help control the bumps.

Laser Hair Removal

• One of the best ways to prevent and control skin bumps after shaving is to avoid the act of shaving altogether by having laser hair removal. Laser hair removal can be done just in the back of your neck or face so the next time you get a hair cut, your barber will not have to use the electric shaver in these areas. Laser hair removal will remove the hair follicles that are causing your ingrown hairs, and ultimately the razor bumps.