How to Prevent Razor Burn
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Had enough of razor burn?
If you’re one of those who shave regularly, you would have experienced this some time ago.
It’s common among shavers, but it is usually considered a minor nuisance since it fades away after a few minutes.
For those with sensitive skin, though, it can last for days, causing discomfort. It also doesn’t make you look good with the red welts over your newly shaved chin.
But don’t worry! Here’s your ultimate guide on how to prevent razor burn and achieve a smooth, irritation-free shave.
- What is Razor Burn?
- How to Prevent Razor Burn?
- How to Soothe Razor Burn
- Prevent Razor Burn with a Straight Razor
What is Razor Burn?
Razor burn in action—proof that disposable razors aren’t always the best choice.
Photo by PeopleImages.com on Depositphotos
A razor burn1 is a skin irritation usually occurring among 50% of the shaving population. This happens due to improper shaving when the razor cuts the hair and some skin cells. While it doesn’t result in an open wound, it irritates the skin enough to respond by increasing the blood flow to the shaved area, resulting in redness and inflammation.
How to Prevent Razor Burn?
Our first advice is to use a straight razor rather than a piece of plastic to shave your face. However, this article will help you get a better shave no matter what you use.
Shaving is more about your skin than the hair you are removing. It is a good form of exfoliating or removing dead skin cells. But as with most things, too much of it isn’t a good thing.
Overdoing it, like shaving daily, can cause redness, razor bumps, and unnecessarily expose tender skin to a sharp blade.
Tips for Preventing a Razor Burn
A straight razor and proper technique—your key to a smooth, razor burn-free shave.
1. Opt for a Wet Shave Instead of a Dry One
A wet shave preps the skin for easy, smooth shaving. In contrast, a dry shave increases the chances of a rough shave because it doesn’t use moisture to help the blade glide smoothly across the skin, which can irritate the skin.
You can do your wet shave while in the shower or afterward. In either case, you must take a steamy shower. The steam softens your skin and hair, allowing the skin cells to relax and the hair strands manageable enough for cutting.
To maximize the warm moisture, close all the doors and windows in the bathroom and let the hot water flow for a few minutes before you get in. If you’re in a sauna, stay inside for 5-10 minutes to build up a nice sweat before going out to start shaving.
Lather up with natural shaving cream. Throw away your canned shaving cream and get a shaving puck and brush. If you want a fantastic experience, grab a shaving scuttle.
Next, massage shaving cream into your face and neck in a circular motion and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. The circular motions help lift the hairs, soften them, and spread the shaving cream evenly.
2. Make Sure Your Razor is Sharp
A lot of guys use old blades that tug the hair and cause tiny tears in the skin. Not only does this feel like a cat is shaving your face with its claws, but it also doesn’t give you a clean and smooth shave.
A sharp blade is key to reducing razor burn. If you feel any tugging while shaving, ditch your razor and swap it for a new one. If you use a straight razor, give it a good stropping before putting the blade on your face.
Attack the thickest part first. Give the thickest hairs the most extended time to soften with the shaving gel or cream. Start with the sides of your beard, then move to your neck and up your chin, and end with your mustache. I used to go after my mustache area first, but my shaving routine became much more manageable once I moved it to last.
3. Go with the Flow
Shaving against the grain may give you a closer shave, but dermatologists say this can increase the risk of skin irritation.
This is because when one shaves against the grain, the blade cuts the hair below the skin's surface, resulting in a close shave for the time being.
When hair begins to grow back, it curls back on itself and grows inward, forming a razor bump. These bumps will give you hell the next time you shave because your razor will cut them when it passes over them, irritating the skin.
In contrast, cutting with the grain allows you to shave in the direction of the hair without hitting the skin layer.
4. Reduce the Pressure—Think Zen
You don’t have to push hard to get a good shave—be zen-like. Shaving like you’re scraping paint off your face will only irritate the skin.
To avoid rough handling, you can use a razor with a well-balanced scale with weighted ends to help decrease the pressure you apply.
5. Rinse as Often While Shaving
Wash the razor under warm water after every one to two strokes to remove the stubble and shaving cream from the blade. A clean blade lessens the risk of nicking your skin. If you need to reapply shaving cream, grab your brush and make another pass or two on the dry areas with some fresh foamy soap (I know it looks tasty, but don't eat it).
How to Soothe Razor Burn
Now, what should one do if one inadvertently gets a razor burn?
Jeffrey Benabio, M.D., physician director of healthcare transformation at Kaiser Permanente2, recommends taking a few days off to heal if you’re red, dry, or itchy.
One can also apply an aftershave to help your skin heal.
Prevent Razor Burn with a Straight Razor
The Naked Armor Safir Straight Razor glides effortlessly across the skin, reducing friction, irritation, and razor burn for the ultimate smooth shave.
At Naked Armor, we believe that if you’ve been struggling with razor burn for too long, it’s a sign that you need a better razor.
The Naked Armor Safir Straight Razor is designed specifically for a smooth, irritation-free shave, making it an excellent choice for men with sensitive skin. Crafted from high-grade Japanese stainless steel, this razor delivers a precise and effortless shave while maintaining exceptional durability. Paired with an elegant sandalwood scale, it offers both style and superior control for a truly premium shaving experience.
Upgrade your shave and say goodbye to razor burn with the Naked Armor Safir Straight Razor today.
Why continue to settle for a plastic disposable when you can have the Naked Armor experience? Click Add to Cart to get a new straight razor now.
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Pimples After Shaving: How to Prevent Razor Bumps
References
- Razor Burn. (2022, July 30). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23583-razor-burn
- Balcerzak, A. (2017, March 1). How to Prevent Razor Burns. Men's Health. https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19531862/prevent-razor-burns/
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