How To Prevent Razor Burn When Shaving

Every man wants a really good close shave that leaves his skin feeling soft and silky smooth and looking good. Its part and parcel of most mens daily routine, even if you have a beard as there are always areas on your neck and cheeks that need keeping tidy and stubble free.

But sometimes, straight after shaving your skin can develop a red rash and feel tender or itchy with a burning sensation – this is razor burn. Razor burn is obviously best avoided at all costs and there some ways you can, some of them obvious and others that you may not not have considered!

Here we give you our top 10 tips on how to prevent razor burn when shaving…. 

What causes razor burn?

There are two main causes for razor burn. The most common is dry shaving which is when you shave without using any kind of gel, cream or foam. Using one of these is absolutely essential as they help the razor to remove stubble safely whilst gliding smoothly over the skin.

The second cause of razor burn is shaving against the natural direction of the hair – for example shaving upwards on your cheeks. It is important before you start shaving to be confident that you know in which direction the hair grows on the different parts of your face, as this will help prevent razor burn.

Other causes of razor burn are using a razor with a blunt blade or one with a blade that is clogged with old shaving foam/oil or hair. It could also be that you’re using products that irritate your skin.

How can I treat razor burns?

You can certainly minimise razor burn but not necessarily always avoid it. Because your skin can become red, tender or sore very quickly, it’s probably a good idea to keep some treatment in the bathroom cabinet. Any of the following can take the sting out of razor burn and help soothe your skin:-

● Aloe Vera cream or gel is really soothing

● Coconut oil

● Sweet almond oil

● Tea Tree oil

If you don’t have any of these, a cool face cloth works or you can make a soothing paste easily by mixing bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) with a little water water into a paste and applying it to the reddened skin.

Our very own after balm is specially formulated to calm sensitive skin and contains both Aloe Vera and Tea Tree  oil. You can find out more about it here – Soothing after shave balm

How To Prevent Razor Burn Using A Shaving Routine

Rather than relying on good luck, it is best to establish a good shaving routine that will avoid razor rash. Before you start, you need to check that your razor has a good blade on it. If the blade is blunt it will drag on your skin.

Next, choose whether you’re going to be traditional in your style and use saving soap/cream and a brush or whether you prefer shaving foam or gel. Choose these products carefully as you want ones that are gentle and will not irritate your skin.

10 Tips for a good shaving routine

1. It is best to shave when your skin is warm, clean and wet – straight after a shower is perfect. 

2. Apply the shaving soap, cream or gel to the area you are going to shave.

3. Take your time shaving – It’s not something to rush. Make sure you shave in the direction the hair is growing and use light, short strokes and rinse your razor frequently.

4. Regularly check in the mirror to ensure you don’t miss any areas.

5. Once you have finished shaving, run your hand over your face to ensure that it feels nice and smooth and decide whether or not you need to make another pass.

6. Rinse your face in clean cold water and pat dry gently. 

7. Apply moisturiser gently to your skin.

8. Rinse your razor carefully under running water to clean it and then gently shake your razor dry.

9. Before you put your razor away, check that it’s sharp enough for your next shave – this avoids keeping a blunt razor!  Always keep spare razors/ blades. 

10. Store your razors in a dry place such as a cupboard – well out of the reach of younger family members.

Sometimes, even when you follow all of this advice, it’s still difficult to work out how to prevent razor burn when shaving.

But after following these tips, if you find that you are still getting razor burn, it could be that you are shaving too frequently and you might have to shave every second day.

Alternatively you might need to try using an electric shaver for a while as this could cause less skin irritation. Finally, if your skin still doesn’t get any better, it could be a good idea to pop in and see your doctor for advice.