Razor bumps are essentially ingrown hairs that cause inflammation to the surrounding skin. Medically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, shorn hairs curl back into the skin, triggering an immune response in your system.

Razor bumps on the face, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, are caused by ingrown hairs; as hair grows, it curves back into the skin, causing inflammation and the appearance of the characteristic bump. Because this condition is often caused by curly facial hairs, it is most common in African American men.