Physician-Supervised · Skin of Color
Razor Bumps & Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) Care: Skin of Color Specialists, Safe for Every Skin Tone
Razor bumps are clinically called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). They happen when shaved coarse or curly hairs curl back and re-enter the skin. This triggers inflammation, bumps, and sometimes dark marks or scarring. PFB is especially common in people with coarse, curly hair and melanin-rich skin. In these cases, inflammation can also leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We have deep expertise in melanin-rich skin and treat patients of all skin tones safely.
Request a ConsultationOpening June 26, 2026
Understanding the Condition
Razor Bumps & Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) Care: Skin of Color Specialists, Safe for Every Skin Tone
Razor bumps are clinically called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). They happen when shaved coarse or curly hairs curl back and re-enter the skin. This triggers inflammation, bumps, and sometimes dark marks or scarring. PFB is especially common in people with coarse, curly hair and melanin-rich skin. In these cases, inflammation can also leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We have deep expertise in melanin-rich skin and treat patients of all skin tones safely.
This page is for patients with curly or coarse hair and melanin-rich skin who deal with recurring razor bumps, ingrown hairs, irritation along the beard or body, or the dark marks they leave behind. We are specialists in melanin-rich skin and welcome every skin tone.
Our Approach
How We Treat It — Carefully, for Skin of Color
We focus on reducing the cycle of irritation and inflammation. That can include guidance on shaving and hair-care technique, supportive topicals to calm the skin, and — for appropriate candidates — physician-supervised laser hair reduction using settings and device choices suited to darker skin. When PFB has left dark marks, we address those carefully as post-inflammatory pigment. Plans are conservative and matched to your skin.
Calibrated Options
Treatments We May Consider
Every plan is matched to your skin during a physician-supervised consultation. Some options are used cautiously, or not at all, for Fitzpatrick III–VI skin.
RF & Laser
Laser hair reduction (calibrated)
For suitable candidates, reducing hair growth can break the razor-bump cycle. Device and settings are chosen for Fitzpatrick I–VI and used under physician supervision. Learn more
Peels & Skincare
Supportive topicals & technique guidance
Calming topicals plus guidance on shaving and hair care help reduce inflammation and the dark marks PFB can leave on melanin-rich skin, and are safe for every skin tone. Learn more
Common Questions
Questions, Answered
Why are razor bumps more common in coarse or curly hair?
Coarse, curly hairs are more likely to curl back into the skin after shaving and re-enter it, causing the inflammation behind razor bumps. This is why pseudofolliculitis barbae is especially common in people with curly hair and melanin-rich skin, and we safely treat all skin tones.
Is laser hair reduction safe for dark skin?
For appropriate candidates it can be, when the device and settings are chosen for melanin-rich skin and used under physician supervision. Not everyone is a candidate, and some energy-based options are used cautiously in Fitzpatrick III–VI skin — we assess this during a consultation, and our care is safe for every skin tone.
Can PFB scarring be improved?
Reducing ongoing irritation is the first step. Dark marks left by PFB are a form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and can often be improved gradually with gentle, calibrated care, though textural scarring may only partially improve.
What at-home steps help?
Adjusting shaving technique and frequency, using gentle products, and following a calming routine can reduce flares. We provide specific guidance during your visit based on your skin and hair type.
Not ready to book? Let us call you.
Tell us what you're curious about and our team will reach out, usually the same day.
Prefer to text? Text us at (571) 376-9991
Not sure which approach fits your skin?
The safest first step for melanin-rich skin is a physician-supervised consultation. We will tell you honestly what may help — and what to avoid. Kintsu Medical Aesthetics opens June 26, 2026 in Manassas Park, VA.
Last updated: June 2026