Razor cuts and nicks are unpleasant and sometimes painful, but they are a part of shaving. In most cases, they are minor, but they still need proper treatment and care.

In this article, we talk about what to do if you cut yourself while shaving and how best to avoid cutting yourself in the first place.

If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, first get some clean tissue or cloth and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Next, clean the area with clean warm soapy water, and pat it dry. Next, apply an antibacterial ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin. Finally, cover the cut with a Band-Aid.

You can also use a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding and disinfect the area. If you do not know what a styptic pencil is, here is an article on what is a styptic pencil and how to use one.

Why You Should Avoid Shaving Cuts

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been shaving and trimming facial hair or body hair, the fact is even the expert shaver does slip up every once in a while and nicks himself. However, if you are always cutting yourself while shaving, then you have a problem.

Of course, you want to avoid nasty cuts in the first place. Cuts on the face in particular pose a serious problem because there’s nothing like having your face patched with band-aids to put a hitch in your stride and mar your overall appearance. Moreover, shaving cuts can be dangerous.

Your best option is to avoid shaving cuts altogether. Check out our article on how to prevent shaving cuts.

Ultimately, a good shave comes down to technique and the right tools and products. But when it comes to ridding themselves of unwanted bodily and facial hair, it’s an open secret that most men are creatures of habit.

Time and time again the average shaver will spurn new products for less fashionable ones, choosing to stick with the devil they know rather than try something new.

A good example of this trend toward the familiar is the market preference for cartridge razors over single blade razors which are a safer proposition.

How To Enjoy A  Better Shaving Experience

Shaving takes a lot more than just casually dragging a razor over one’s face and stoically enduring a few nicks and cuts.

If done properly shaving should always be preceded by a fair amount of prep work. While some men may not be particularly keen on exfoliating, nowadays it is considered acceptable to exfoliate before shaving, even for men.

The good news is a wide range of exfoliators are readily available across pharmacies and supermarkets, anything from scrubs for sensitive skin to extremely grainy scrubs for the skin that can take a hiding and come back for more. An excellent option is the Brickell Men’s Renewing Face Scrub for Men.

Whichever scrub you choose to use, rest assured that it will slough away dead skin cells and make for a better shave.

Moreover, exfoliation improves circulation and brings benefits beyond clearing away dead skin and prolonging the longevity of razors.

In addition, if you have a zit or a cut right in the area you’re going to shave, use an electric razor instead of a standard razor or give shaving a break for a few days.

How To Prevent Shaving Cuts

Nothing prevents irritation and razor burn like the shaving lubricant that goes between your skin and a shaving blade. A good choice is the Wild Willies Shave Lube Premium Shaving Gel with Jojoba & Eucalyptus.

Lathering up and shaving with warm water is one way to avoid a horrid experience that leaves behind cuts and angry skin rashes.

Whether you use oil, cream, gel, or even soap, it’s important to choose a shaving lubricant that agrees with your skin.

Unlike in the past when choices were limited, these days various shaving lubricants are widely available including those that contain aloe vera and double up as a moisturizer. However, it would be remiss not to tip a hat to the humble soapy suds that have served generations as perfectly good shaving lather.

Proper Shaving Technique To Prevent Shaving Cuts

Your technique is a large part of the shaving experience. For best results, it is recommended to use a sharp razor. if you are using a straight razor, make sure you sharpen it.

It may seem counterintuitive, but the extra pressure applied to a dull blade can render it a more dangerous instrument than a sharp blade. If your razor is dull, change it. 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.

If you’re looking to cut through hair like you’re cutting through hot butter, it is advisable to shave with a razor that’s been run under warm water.

By all means, keep lathering up until you’ve finished shaving. Take care to avoid rookie mistakes and shave along the grain.

Shaving against the direction of hair growth might bring your blade in closer contact with the skin, but it’s a technique that inevitably increases the risk of zits, razor burn, razor bumps, and general skin irritation.

How To Stop Shaving Cut Bleeding

Obviously, the first thing to do once you’ve nicked yourself with a shaving blade is to staunch any bleeding.

This rationale applies whether you’ve nicked yourself on the face, underarms, or even legs.

Beyond merely dabbing at the bleeding area, you also want to ensure that infection does not set in.

Conventional wisdom dictates that one should apply a warm cloth to cuts and gently pat the area until the bleeding stops.

However, in practice, most people are liable to reach for tissue paper and blot merrily away at gashes and cuts. The better option is to use a warm cloth.

Using Astringents To Stop Shaving Cut Bleeding

As far as containing profuse bleeding is concerned, it might be necessary to apply an astringent in order to constrict blood vessels at the site of the abrasion or cut.

While they do sting quite a bit and may even bring tears to your eyes, astringents such as witch hazel (and witch hazel substitutes) not only stop bleeding but are handy for their sanitizing and antibacterial properties as well. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t mess with expired witch hazel.

But if you’re looking for solutions closer at hand, you’ll be glad to know that ice cubes or an ice pack held against the skin can serve to constrict blood vessels.

Whatever you do, do not forget to wrap ice in a plastic bag or towel before applying it to your skin, and never leave ice on your face for prolonged periods.

Also useful as astringents are the ever-ubiquitous whitening eye drops. Since some people already have eye drops to hand, they can at a moment’s notice use them to soothe and seal bleeding cuts.

How To Disinfect Shaving Cuts

After the bleeding has stopped, it is a good idea to disinfect the area before applying Band-Aid.

Swab the entire shaving area including cuts with an antibacterial ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin or even alcohol-free aftershave.

No doubt you’ll soon notice that alcohol-free aftershave replenishes your skin with essential oils whilst disinfecting cuts and spurring faster healing. Yes, aftershave can be used as a disinfectant.

And for a shaving experience that grooms but is rejuvenating as well, traditional alternatives to aftershave include apple cider that’s been diluted in water and even good old-fashioned pure water. Your pores will thank you for splashing cold water on your face immediately after a shave.

Alternative Methods To stop Shaving

While some people are perfectly happy to resort to unorthodox methods to stem bleeding from facial cuts, be warned that lip balm and petroleum jelly will only suffice to stem bleeding from minor cuts and not deep gashes.

Not to mention that unsanitary lip balm and poorly preserved petroleum jelly can aggravate rather than disinfect a cut.

Consider also the impracticality of stepping out into the street with prominent bits and pieces of your face covered in lip balm and petroleum jelly. Rather unsightly.

What To Do If You Cut Yourself While Shaving Pubes

So, what should you do if you cut yourself while shaving your pubes? If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving your pubic area, you can soothe the area by taking a bath and washing the area with mild soap and water. Make sure you smooth the area with soapy water, and pat dry.

Avoid using certain types of perfumed soaps because they will sting. However, if you have no issue with that, you can use it or use rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. In addition, keep the cut clean and dry. If you need additional to conform, use warm soaks.

What To Do If You Cut Yourself While Shaving Your Legs?

So what should you do if you cut yourself while shaving your legs? f you accidentally cut yourself while shaving your legs or underarms, be careful to clean the area with

If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving your legs or underarms, clean the area with warm soapy water. You can even have a shower. After that, be sure to pat the area dry. You could also apply some antibacterial ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin. In addition, you can cover the cut with a Band-Aid to keep it dry and safe.