You might presume you have ingrown hairs or razor burn if you develop bumps on your head and neck after obtaining a haircut.
Both of these are possibilities, but there are other ones as well, such as eczema, folliculitis, and acne.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ After receiving a haircut, bumps on the head and neck are typical, but it’s crucial to identify the reason so you can decide when to seek medical assistance.
✅ Mild causes, like razor burn, may go away by themselves in a few days.
✅ Consult a physician if you frequently acquire rashes when getting your hair trimmed or if your present rash is really unpleasant or bothersome.
Read on to discover more.
What might result in bumps on your head following a haircut?
After getting a haircut, rashes can occasionally appear, and these may have lumps. The precise reason may differ. Additionally, there may be infections, burning, or itching as symptoms. Consider your symptoms and discuss the following potential reasons of bumps on your head after getting a haircut with a doctor.
Razor wound
Bumps on your head are frequently connected to haircuts done without scissors and instead with clippers or razors. Razor burn is a widespread rash of tiny pimples and redness.
Razor burn, as the name implies, can cause a searing feeling that gradually disappears as the amount of inflammation reduces. Razor burn is more frequently experienced when shaving facial and body hair, although it can also happen when getting a haircut with a dull or dirty razor.
Barber’s itch, or Tinea barbae
Sometimes people confuse razor burn with a different ailment called barber’s itch. When your hair is shaved in these locations, a fungus called this damages the neck and face.
Large red pimples that may or may not itch are the hallmark of barber’s itch. Additionally, the bumps frequently form acne pustules and crust over.
(Barber’s rash) Folliculitis
You may have folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles, if you get red, itchy, or pus-filled lumps that resemble pimples after getting a haircut. This rash, also known as a barber’s rash, is typically brought on by an infection with Staphylococcus aureus germs.
In contrast to ingrown hairs, these bumps may still have hair growth poking through the skin.
If you also have lumps on your face after shaving, you can have a condition called pseudo folliculitis barbae that is connected to this (also called razor bumps). Men of Asian and African heritage may be more prone to this condition during hair removal, according to research.
Acne
Barber’s rash lumps may scar and harden after they have healed. These are referred to as nuchae acne keloidalis. These pimples may bleed after a haircut, which will worsen hyperpigmentation and size over time.
Additionally, you can discover inflammatory acne lesions that you were previously unaware of following a haircut. Pustules, papules, and nodules can be painful to the touch as well as red and pus-filled.
Eczema (seborrheic dermatitis)
The scalp rashes you feel after getting a haircut can be seborrheic dermatitis if you have a history of eczema (eczema of the scalp). These lumps typically have a flatter appearance and may scab over, but they don’t contain pus. The flakes on the patches, which are white, yellow, or red in appearance, are also irritating and oily.
Given that the tools and chemicals used on already-sensitive skin during a haircut may exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis, getting a haircut should be avoided if feasible. If you scratch at the rashes on your scalp and they bleed, you can also be more susceptible to infections.
Treating the bumps
You might be able to take care of these bumps on your head and the back of your neck at home, depending on the underlying cause. Some situations could need a doctor to prescribe medication.
A home remedy
Home cures could be:
- Warm compresses to reduce discomfort and swelling
- Cream containing hydrocortisone for itching
- Aloe Vera oil or gel for reducing razor burn
- Shampoos for dandruff to treat seborrheic dermatitis
- Shampoo containing salicylic acid for inflammatory acne and seborrheic dermatitis
Medications
A doctor might advise one of the following if your head rash is caused by anything else:
- antifungal drug for treating barber’s itch (topical versions may be used in moderate cases, but oral antifungals may be necessary in more severe cases).
- antibiotics for folliculitis that is infected
- Topical retinoids or steroids to treat moderate keloidalis nuchae acne
How to avoid developing a rash after getting your hair cut
Following a haircut, there are a few ways to avoid head and neck rashes:
- rinsing your hair with cool water to reduce irritation
- using antibacterial soap to wash the affected areas
- using a calming oil or moisturiser on your hair and scalp.
- using warm compresses to any cuts or bumps that are bleeding
In order to avoid bumps on your head after getting a haircut, consider the following advice:
- Always cut hair in the direction that it grows.
- When shaving, avoid pulling your skin taut.
- Keep clippers and blades clean at all times to help avoid bacterial and fungal infections.
- Avoid using burn- or ingrown-hair-causing equipment that are worn out or dull.
- Delay getting a haircut until any open sores or lesions packed with pus have healed.
Do you need to see a doctor?
A doctor should examine any lumps that get worse. Even if haircut bumps aren’t uncomfortable or itchy, persistent rashes might need to be examined by a doctor to rule out any inflammatory diseases.
A doctor should be consulted if you exhibit any infection-related symptoms, such as leaking, swelling, or fever.
Laser treatment or surgical excision may be necessary for severe cases of keloidalis nuchae acne. If these sores are unpleasant or continue to bleed or expand, consult a dermatologist.