Pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly known as "shaving bumps," is a chronic inflammatory disease of hair-bearing areas incited by shaving. It frequently occurs among populations where naturally curly hair is common. The close shaving of curly hair causes the hair to penetrate the wall of the follicle and extend into the dermis as it grows back or curves back on itself and pierces the skin, such as with an ingrown hair. The condition is more common among Black men, particularly policemen and military personnel, who may be required to be clean shaven.

Methods of close shaving that predispose to the development of pseudofolliculitis barbae include using razors with multiple blades, plucking hairs with tweezers, shaving against the grain of hair growth, and pulling the skin taut while shaving. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is primarily a cosmetic concern, but it can lead to scarring, infection, hyperpigmentation, and keloid formation.

Pseudofolliculitis pubis is a similar condition that occurs in the genital area after pubic hair is shaved. Shaving of the axillae may cause a similar condition.