I'm joining the air force but get razor bumps bad, what can i do

Question

i heard about a waiver but do i need to shave first and prove i get bumps and do i need to get rid of my mustache before i leave for boot camp. i really cant handle the bumps and they take months to go away

Answer 1

You have a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae. One where the facial hair grows inward and, when cut off by a razor, produces skin bumps. The military exchanges of all the military services sell shaving products to help with that. But, if your condition requires frequent treatment it is considered disqualifying for entry into the service. The source below is that medical standard.

Answer 2

I think they will accommodate you. Wait until you get there and they will tell you what to do. They are not as evil as you may have heard.

Good luck and thanks for serving.

Answer 3

Buy yourself some antibiotic salve, you get it over the counter at just about any store. Don't get the kind with quick heal stuff in it. Once you are shaved, rub the salve into your head. Do this twice a day, when you get up and go to bed and you won't get bumps.

Besides, they normally buzz cut you, not bic you. bic-inc is what normally causes the bumps. You'll have about a quarter inch hair left and that shouldn't cause bumps at all.

Bumps are when a hair folical is cut to the skin and then gets infected. That's why the antibiotic salve stops it from happening.

Good luck.  

Answer 4

You can get what is called a "No shave chit" in the USMC and USN, and I don't know what the other branches call it. It is a form you carry on you, signed by a military doctor, that allows you to keep a very trimmed beard/stubble. It is common with black males serving. They will also give you "magic shave" and other products that may help. Generally, as long as it is legit and you don't try to grow a beard, it is perfectly acceptable in the military.

Answer 5

I was in the USMC, a lot of the dark-skinned Marines had that problem.  They made them shave anyway and live with the bumps.

Answer 6

my brother has the same issue he suggests try dry shaving with an electric razor that has the 3 circular blades that what he does and it works for him plus it takes less time and was more convientient when he was in iraq so good luck

Answer 7

this might sound kinda g*y i had the same problem get ur face kinda damp with water then put some lotion on ur face like shaving cream and then shave u will be amazed

Answer 8

try shaving with water and shaving cream

Answer 9

I don't know about the air force but there are several males in my Army unit that have shaving profiles because they get them serverly. All you can do is ask.

Good luck.

Kudos for joining.

Answer 10

stop using crappy razors, spend a little extra and buy an old school DE razor, or use a strait razor to shave.  also dont use crappy areosol can shaving cream, go to a barber shop and buy a good shaving stick.