Shaving bumps.  Any man can get them, and no man wants them – this goes doubly for the below the belt variety. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for red, itchy bumps to rear their ugly little heads following a trim.  But a couple of simple changes in the old shaving routine may just be enough to prevent shaving bumps in the future.  The ten simple shaving tips given below can help to promote a smooth, blemish-free and healthy male organ.

Tips for Avoiding the Dreaded Razor Burn

1. Allow male organ bumps to heal: Give any existing bumps a chance to heal by taking 3 or 4 days off from shaving.  Once the area is smooth and clear, start over with a new and improved shaving routine.

2. Trim long hair first: Long pelvic hair is not only more likely to clog the razor; it can also pull the hair, making the shaving process very uncomfortable.  To eliminate this issue, it is best to trim the pelvic hair before shaving.  A beard trimmer – using the 0 or 1 setting – will cut very close to the skin, making it easier for the razor to glide without pulling.  No beard trimmer? Use scissors instead.

3. Take a hot shower:  A nice hot shower softens the hairs and opens hair follicles, making shaving      a breeze.  Some men prefer to take a warm bath instead of a shower, as sitting down grants easier access to the equipment.  Either way, hot water will help the process immensely, so it is recommended that men soak their boys for about 10 minutes before getting after it with a razor.

4. Exfoliate: Exfoliating the skin helps slough off dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to ingrown hairs and bumps post-shaving.  Men should always exfoliate before shaving – not after – as the skin is more likely to become irritated following an encounter with a razor.

5. Use a shaving oil:  Shaving oil is different from a shaving cream, as it pretreats the skin and moisturizes it to prevent and lessen razor burn.  It helps the razor move over the skin without friction, which reduces those pesky red bumps.

6. Use high-quality supplies: There is much to be said for using a good razor and quality shaving cream to reduce below the belt bumps.  Men should avoid using a week-old razor, as it is more likely to cause friction and therefore bumps.  A shaver with 3 blades or more is best for achieving a close shave; and lathering up the goods with a quality shave oil or gel can leave the area much more clean and smooth than a discount brand or bar of soap.

7. Rinse the blade: Keeping a clean blade will help with the closeness of the shave, reducing the number of passes needed to remove the hair.  It is important to be sure to fully rinse hair out of the razor between each swipe of the blade.

8. Shave with the grain:  Though it may seem like shaving against the grain removes hair faster, doing so is a surefire way to get shaving bumps.  Going with the grain reduces ingrown hairs and irritation caused by the razor.

9. Pull the skin taut: Loose skin is more likely get nicked by the razor while shaving – ouch! Keep the skin pulled tight as the razor is passing over each area to prevent a painful nick.

10.  Skin treatment:  Upon exiting the shower, pat the area dry and immediately apply a high-quality male organ cream to the male skin. A male organ health formula (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) will replenish the moisture that shaving saps from the skin, helping to keep the area supple and healthy.  Additionally, a male organ cream containing vitamins and minerals can help fight bacteria, which is a major culprit in contributing to the infected hair follicles that crop up post-shaving.  Adding a male organ treatment to the post-shaving routine can help keep the male organ healthy and bump free all year long.

For men who are concerned about improving their male organ health: Find out more about treating common problems such as a sore male organ, dry skin, redness and loss of male organ sensation. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.