What should you know about bumps after shaving your head?

A close shave can irritate follicles or leave cut hairs pointing back toward the scalp. Ingrown hairs may be itchy, tender, or raised. Folliculitis can produce multiple red or pus-filled spots around hair follicles, sometimes worsened by sweat, hats, clippers, or shared equipment. Rough bumps that were present before shaving may have another explanation, including keratosis pilaris. Flaking, scaling, or hair loss changes the picture and should be mentioned during an examination.

Pause close shaving until the bumps improve. Clean the scalp gently and avoid scratching, picking, tight headwear, and oily or fragranced products that may trap heat. Do not share razors, clippers, towels, or brushes. Before shaving again, disinfect equipment according to its instructions, soften the hair, use lubrication, follow hair growth, and avoid pressing hard. If bumps keep returning, consider discussing a less-close trim or laser hair removal with a qualified clinician.

Arrange a dermatology review if scalp bumps recur, spread, scar, cause patchy hair loss, or fail to settle after stopping close shaving. Seek prompt care for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, fever, severe pain, or a rapidly enlarging tender area. A clinician can check for folliculitis, ingrown hairs, infection, or a scalp condition that shaving merely made visible.

Are the bumps centred on follicles? Do I need treatment for folliculitis or ingrown hairs? Could my clippers, products, or shaving depth be contributing? What hair-removal option is suitable if the problem keeps returning?