How To Prevent Cuts While Shaving Your Face
For many men, shaving is part of their daily routine but it can become quite off-putting when you are constantly cutting yourself while shaving. In fact, we all have suffered from harsh nicks and cuts while shaving.
No matter how long you’ve been shaving, harsh cuts and nicks are part of the shaving routine. In this article, we will discuss how to not cut yourself while shaving. Then, continue reading to know some necessary shaving measures that will help you prevent cutting yourself.
Easy ways to not cut yourself during shaving
1. Choose A Better Razor:
Multiple blades are proved quite effective by distributing the razor pressure equally on the face to limit cuts, nicks, and razor burns during shaving.
They also help in covering a larger surface area in fewer strokes reducing friction between skin and blade.
Here are some good razor options:
Also, standard razors are recommended to be replaced after every few months due to poor efficiency as compared to electric razors.
Therefore, replace your current dull razor that no longer prevents nicks and cuts, and choose a sharp electric razor with extra protection to make your shaving clean and smooth. Change your razor if it is dull and if you are unsure, we cover how long you should use a razor.
2. Improve Your Skincare Routine:
Following a good skin care regimen before playing with your razor decreases the chances of nicks and cuts during shaving.
If you think splashing water on your face is enough to start shaving then you certainly need to look for a better skin care regimen.
It doesn’t need to be complicated either. Simply spending a few minutes with some simple shaving products like a wash, moisturizer, and scrub once in a while will help the razor glide more smoothly all over the face. On the other hand, you could go for a simple but effective system like Tiege Hanley.
With that said, here is a step-by-step guide for you to adopt an effective skin-care routine before and after shaving.
Exfoliation: Whether you shaved a week ago or haven’t done it in ages, exfoliating the skin to eliminate dead skin and ingrown hairs keeps nicks and cuts at bay. For that, you can buy a body-scrub exfoliator or make one at home. Either exfoliator you choose, make sure it has tiny scrubbing particles that can peel out the dead skin to prevent the razor from clogging while shaving.
How To Exfoliate: Gently rub an ample amount of exfoliator with a bristled brush in a circular motion for a few minutes. In case you’re allergic to chemicals then make a simple plus natural coffee, sugar, and honey scrub by adding aloe vera gel for extra moisturisation.
Shaving cream: Having a quality shaving cream that suits your skin type and doesn’t cause any irritation later is an important prerequisite to follow for effortless and safe shaving.
Using any lubricant makes a layer of protection between the skin and the razor to not cut yourself while shaving. Even if you have sensitive skin, you can find gentle shaving creams out there.
However, dry shaving with an electric razor doesn’t require applying shaving cream on the face.
To use shaving cream, apply a generous quantity of shaving cream on your wet face and make enough lather out of it before whipping out the razor.
Make sure the desired area is thoroughly covered with lubricant so you don’t miss any skin patches during shaving.
A shave after a hot water shower will do wonders in keeping the process smooth, and clean, and will also soften the hair follicles to be shaved easily. Once you’re done shaving, wash your face with cold water to close the pores and get a radiating face glow.
3. Shave With The Grain:
Shaving in the direction of the grain will get you the expected clean, smooth, and painless shaving experience.
Following the grain means shaving in the direction of your hair growth so that the razor moves on the skin safely while avoiding cuts, nicks, and razor burns.
Whether you have short hair growth or long; shaving along grain will help in applying less force during shaving and eradicate the hair safely.
To follow the grain while saving, try to make gentle and slow-paced strokes in the downward direction, especially when you’re trying a close-shave. It also works excellent for one-time straight strokes and saves time by not shaving the same area again.
However, avoid applying unnecessary pressure on the razorblade as it may cause painful cuts and nicks. Instead, have a tight grip on the razor but shave the hair gently according to the grain.
4. Maintain The Blade:
First of all, ensure you get a good blade. No matter which razor you use, maintaining the blade once you’re done shaving ensure a better shaving experience for the next time.
Dull, damaged, unclean, or infected blades not only nick or cut your skin but can also cause harmful unsanitary bacterial and fungal infections. Thus, here are a few ways to maintain the blades of your razor effectively.
- Change the razor: Razors don’t last forever in fact some razors should be changed after a week depending on usage. Check out our guide on how long razor blades last.
- Clean the blades: Soaking the blades in alcohol for a few minutes before and after shaving helps in sterilizing the blades. Also, don’t forget to rinse the razor in cold water after every stroke to keep it clean from hair, cream, bacteria, and stickiness.
- Sharpen the blades: Dull razor blades fail to smoothly remove the hair and require more force to move the razor than sharp razor blades. They also make the skin dry after shaving and are liable to cause nicks, cuts, and razor burns. Hence, an easy way to sharpen the blades is by running the razor along the length of any old jeans 4-5 times. For example, here is a guide on how to sharpen straight razor blades.
- Store it safely: Storing the razor in wet places like on the sink or top of the bathtub can lead them to rust, corrosion, or inviting surrounding bacteria. Therefore, thoroughly dry the razor after shaving and store it in a dry place with good ventilation.
If you are using disposable blades, ensure that you limit them to a single-use and dispose of your used blades properly.
How To Treat A Shaving Cut?
From shaving speedily against the grain to applying extra unnecessary razor force, several factors can cause harsh skin cuts.
In case you get any cuts while shaving, put small pieces of toilet paper on the open cut to stop the bleeding. Lastly, never apply pressure on the wound as it can get worse and pain more.
Once the bleeding is stopped, rub any antiseptic balm to prevent bacteria from entering and causing infections in the wound. As soon as you’re done with shaving, massage ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth to get relief from the burning sensation caused by the cut.
Here is a complete guide on what to do if you cut yourself while shaving. Please remember, shaving cuts can be dangerous, so be careful. First, determine why you keep cutting yourself while shaving and figure out how to prevent shaving cuts.
Why Do I Keep Getting Cut While Shaving?
It is possible that you are shaving too hard or shaving in the wrong direction. Dryness and abrasion could also be a cause- or a rusty blade.
Is It Common To Cut Yourself While Shaving?
While shaving cuts are common, they are preventable. All you need to do is ensure you’re properly moisturized and your blade is in good condition. When they happen, stop the bleeding and treat the wounds as soon as possible.
Other Ways to Stop Having Shaving Cuts
Shaving cuts can be prevented by properly lubricating and moisturizing the shaving area before shaving. Shaving cream and the soap should be used generously, the more the lather, the better. They will help soften the bristly hairs and reduce tugging, allowing for a smoother shave.
Make sure to get the right blade, maintain it well and properly moisturize. Also, be careful to shave in the direction of hair growth and keep from going against the grain to avoid friction. Dispose of old and rusty braids and be careful with new and sharp ones.
Shaving Gel To Prevent Cuts
The use of shaving gel instead of foam or cream is also a good idea to prevent shaving cuts because shaving gels are transparent which makes it easy to see the skin below. Check out our article on shaving gel vs shaving foam to learn more.
Conclusion:
Bear in mind that shaving naturally brings the likelihood of cuts, nicks, or razor burns, and your mistakes while shaving can worsen the problem. Take every precaution that you feel can enhance your shaving and make it painless and nick-free.
