There’s only one really good type of ”burn” and that’s generally reserved for a daily workout at the gym. If you’re feeling the burn when you’re shaving — you guessed it, this is not a good sign.
Razor burn among men is fairly common, but it can be itchy, uncomfortable and doesn’t look great either. Here’s how to keep this annoying rash at bay with a few shaving and aftercare dos and don’ts.
What Exactly is Razor Burn?
Also known as a shaving rash, it’s characterized by skin irritation caused by poor shaving techniques. Razor burn generally starts to appear a few minutes after shaving, spreading across the face and neck in the form a rash.
Bear in mind that raised bumps under the skin are classified as razor bumps — a clinical condition caused by ingrown hairs. It’s not the same thing as razor burn and often requires more serious treatment.
Ingrown hairs can be caused by certain shaving methods, but also by removing the hair with waxing and plucking. An ingrown hair has basically grown back at an angle, which causes it to regrow into the skin.
Men (and women) with curly or coarse hair are most susceptible to ingrown hair. If you develop red, swollen bumps, which look similar to acne, as well as swelling, and tenderness, you have most likely developed ingrown hair.
Top Tips to Help You Prevent Razor Burn
Shaving is not rocket science. But there are a few important dos and don’ts of this self-care routine that should be strictly adhered to.
However, if you’re sculpting a beard and prefer to avoid shaving altogether, check out these beard trimmers here: https://www.mistershaver.com/7-best-beard-trimmers-reviews/.
Otherwise, let’s get into the tips:
1. Refresh Your Razor Blades
One of the number one causes of razor burn is using a blunt blade to shave with. Make it a priority to replace your razor blades as soon as they feel blunt.
If you feel like you need to apply more pressure in order to achieve a cleaner shave, it’s time to swap out your blades for fresh ones.
2. Forget About Re-Strokes
On average, most men use 170 strokes to complete a face and neck shave. However, almost three-quarters of these strokes are re-strokes. This is yet another major cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Be mindful of how often you shave over a certain area, as less lubrication means an increased likelihood of skin irritation. Try to shave over each spot once, but do it well.
3. Lather, Lather, Lather
The key to a good shave is lubrication — this should be a no-brainer. Make sure you apply enough good quality shaving foam before you go in for your first shave.
If you’re a fan of a second shave, don’t forget to re-lather again. This is super important in order to keep dryness, redness, irritation, and skin nicks at bay.
4. Rinse Well and Repeat
Once you have completed a stroke, always rinse your blade in warm water. Then go in for the next stroke. One of the biggest no-no’s of shaving is using a foam and hair-covered blade for a re-stroke. This is a fast-track to skin irritation and ingrown hair.
Once you have completed your shave completely, rinse your face well with cool water.
5. Don’t Force It
Believe it or not, your skin is far more soft and delicate than you realize — no matter how tough you think you are! So it’s important to be tread lightly when it comes to shaving.
Try not to apply too much pressure during each shaving stroke — keep it light! If your shave is not clean enough, this means your blade is dull, not that you need to apply more pressure.
It’s also important to shave with the grain i.e. in the natural direction of your hair growth. Don’t shave upwards and against the grain as this can cause ingrown hair.
6. Start With Warm Water, Then Keep it Cool
It’s best to use warm water during your shave or try to shave immediately after a hot shower in a humid bathroom. This means the hair is softer and creates a suppler shaving environment.
Immediately after your shave is complete, rinse your face with cool water and apply a soothing moisturizer. Don’t go for heavy creams or alcohol-based aftershave.
7. Exfoliate
A top tip to prevent razor burn and ingrown hair is to exfoliate your skin on a regular basis.
Basically, this helps to remove a buildup of dead skin cells which can clog your razor blades and tire them out quicker. It also makes for a cleaner, smoother shave and less dry environment overall!
How to Treat Razor Burn
Unfortunately, there’s no quick-fix when it comes to treating razor burn. You have to give it some time to heal itself. But here are a few handy ways to relieve discomfort and swelling:
Otherwise, you can create your own home remedy by dissolving an Aspirin tablet in a little water to create a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area as a mask. Keep it on for a few minutes to allow the salicylic acid to soothe inflammation and redness.
Get Your Gentleman’s Updates Here
Razor burn is the pits — not only can it look unsightly but it can be really uncomfortable, too. We hope these tips help you to avoid the rash altogether!
If you’re looking for more on men’s health, lifestyle, fitness, fashion, and more, be sure to check out this website for your gentleman’s fix…
