How to Avoid Razor Burn When Shaving
If you dread shaving your face because of the nasty red bumps that always ensue, take heart. A few simple steps can minimize your discomfort and improve your appearance.
1. Put a new, sharp blade in your razor. Shaving with a dull blade will inflame your skin.
2. Shave carefully, applying only as much pressure as necessary.
3. If you're shaving off a beard or several days' growth, change blades as needed.
4. Rinse off the shaving cream with cold water.
5. Apply aftershave or another alcohol-based product.
6. Dry your face well.
7. Use lotion on any dry patches.
Tips: Certain shaving lotions and creams are designed to prevent razor burn. The use of electric shavers may cut down on or eliminate razor burn.
Hair Shaving Tips From Dedicated Depilators
Am I the only one who does this? : In addition to the other mentioned methods for preventing razor burn, I rub an ice cube on my face and neck after I'm done shaving. It works for me.
Make your blades last months : I buy Mach3 blades, and they're pretty pricey. I read a great tip in GQ: Make sure your blades are bone dry when they go back in the cabinet. Apparently, it's the water crystals and mishmash of shaving products which really dull the blades. By whacking the razor on a towel and blowing on it a few times, I've made one blade last between four and twelve weeks before it was uncomfortable to use.
Keep your disposable razor sharp : After a few days of use with a disposable razor, you can soak the blade in some rubbing alcohol. This will help refresh the blade and make it last longer.
Consider a prescription shaving cream : There are certain prescription
shaving creams that contain medication that prevents razor burn and other skin conditions that occur due to shaving. If you have a particularly bad reaction when you shave, you may want to consult a dermatologist.
Use homemade cold wax instead : It works great, but only on longer body hair. Recipe: 2 C. sugar; 1/4 C. lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best); 1/4 C. water. Heat until 250 degrees and then allow it to cool. Use cotton strips, which can be washed and reused.
Shave in the shower : The hot water and steam of your shower work well to soften a tough beard. Lather your face immediately when you get in, and allow whiskers to soak in the shaving cream. Be sure to rinse with cold water to close your pores.
Direction : When shaving, go in the direction of growth to stop the possibility of pushing a hair beneath the skin. Also, don't use shaving gel, as it cools the skin and closes the pores.
Use a shaving brush and soap : By using the brush and mug, you can make a good hot lather to apply to your face. This opens the pores, softens the beard and generally makes shaving more fun as well. Get a good-quality badger brush and it will last a lifetime.
The right shaving cream & moisturizer : If shaving is a painful experience, use a cream with a benzocaine (or some type of ..."cain") that will dull the nerves temporarily, and also use a moisturizer. Kiehls makes some good, but expensive, stuff.
Relief for razor burn : Use an after shave gel with aloe vera in it. This is a natural way to heal and cool the skin. Also, lather in a circular motion, as this raises the hairs.
Try using lotion, too : If you have skin very prone to irritation and razor bumps, try applying a generous layer of hand lotion to your beard immediately before applying your shaving cream/gel. The razor will glide effortlessly across your skin.
Razor-burn prevention : You can apply baby oil to the legs - it keeps them moisturized and helps prevent razor burn.
Aftershave lotion for ladies : For bikini area, ladies should use men's aftershave lotions or gels or witch hazel to avoid burns.
Conditioner : I use hair conditioner to shave my legs; it makes them softer than normal shaving cream and gives a close shave.