How to Prevent Razor Burn

Co-authored by Timmy Yanchun

Last Updated: September 15, 2022 References Approved

There is nothing quite as frustrating as cleaning up with a close shave, only to suffer from razor burn -- a common skin irritation that occurs after shaving. Razor burn can appear on any part of your body - from your face to your bikini line. But, there are ways to combat this unsightly and uncomfortable condition. By following the steps below, you can minimize the effects of razor burn and shaving-related skin irritation.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Changes to Your Routine

1
Use fresh razors. Razors that have been used many times become dull and grow bacteria - two problems that significantly worsen razor burn. Use new razors every two weeks or five uses, and clean your razor well after every use.
2
Go in the right direction. Shave with the grain of the hair, in short, deliberate strokes. Shaving against the grain increases the odds of ingrown hairs, irritation, and inflamed skin.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.} Long strokes often cause one to press down too hard on the skin, increasing razor contact and making razor burn more likely.^{[2]
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3
Shave at night. Shaving your hair in the morning typically precedes the application of some product - for example, deodorant after shaving your armpits. Additionally, throughout the day you are likely to sweat and come into contact with bacteria and toxins from the air. The combination of all these things with your freshly shaved face greatly increases the likelihood of razor burn. Prevent this by simply shaving at night before heading to bed, where you will be less likely to dirty the area.
4
Shave in the shower. Even when you dampen your skin before shaving, your hair doesn’t have enough time to soften and become easier to shave. Take a hot shower and shave after a few minutes; the heat and moisture will soften your hairs and make them easier to remove. Don’t wait too long, though, as waiting ten minutes or longer will swell up your skin and leave you with a bit of stubble after you’ve cooled down and dried off.
5
Clean your razor regularly. If you shave without rinsing your blade, you might be increasing your chances for razor burn. The buildup of hair and product in the blades of your razor forces you to push down with more pressure on subsequent swipes, making it more likely that you’ll irritate or cut the skin. Thoroughly rinse your razor after every pass you take on your skin to remove all hair and buildup between the blades.
6
Splash your skin with cold water. After every finished shave, splash your skin with cold water to close up the pores. This will constrict the skin and help to close any small cuts or ingrown hairs that are forming.^{[3]
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7
Dip the blade in rubbing alcohol after the final rinse. Blades last much longer than most people think. The apparent dulling of the blade is due to the formation of microscopic "teeth" on the edge, made up of mineral crystals from the water. These drag against the skin, causing the blade to grab and producing cuts and much of the razor burn. The alcohol will displace the water and the minerals within it, and evaporate without leaving a residue. Store the razor with the blade edges upward.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Treating Razor Burn with Products

1
Use a face wash. Even if you aren’t shaving your face, using a face wash containing salicylic acid will help to kill bacteria and reduce the likelihood of razor burn.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.} Rub the area you are going to shave with a gentle face wash and rinse off before shaving.
2
Use shaving gel. Never dry-shave with just water, and avoid using a shaving cream that can clog pores. Instead, apply a coat of shaving gel to the area you will shave, and rinse your razor after every swipe. The gel will help to protect your skin from the blades without clogging your pores.^{[6]
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- If you don't have any shaving gel or cream on hand, you can use conditioner or moisturizer in a pinch.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Timmy Yanchun
  Professional Barber
  Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.} It's better to use something lubricating than nothing at all.
3
Apply Aloe Vera. After you finish shaving, put a little Aloe Vera gel on the area. This will help to soothe irritated skin and prevent razor bumps. Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water and patting dry with a clean towel.
4
Use an oatmeal mask. Oatmeal has been used for decades as a remedy for skin irritants and works great for razor burn. If you know that you are prone to razor burn or are already experiencing the mild rash, blend oatmeal with a bit of milk and dab it onto your skin. Leave it for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
5
Put on some sour cream. Although this may sound odd or gross, the sour cream contains nutrients that are great for healing razor burn. Additionally, the cold cream feels good on the irritated skin. Swipe on a dollop of sour cream to the area you have finished shaving, and then rinse off after about 10 minutes.
6
Try an antibiotic ointment. After you finish shaving, rub some antibiotic cream into your skin. This will kill the bacteria that clog pores and lead to the unsightly razor rash you are experiencing. Do this for several days or until your razor burn has reduced or disappeared completely.^{[8]
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7
Check for allergens. Look through all the products you apply to your skin to see what they’re made of. There might be something in the ingredients list that you are allergic to, and therefore are reacting to with a rash. Cut out all your skin products for a few days after shaving, and slowly incorporate them back in one at a time to find out which one is the culprit.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you soothe razor burn fast?

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.

Timmy Yanchun

Professional Barber

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Applying witch hazel to your skin can help soothe razor burn. Avoid using alcohol-based astringents since they can make razor burn worse.
Question

What can I do to stop razor bumps?

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.

Timmy Yanchun

Professional Barber

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Wash your face before you shave to get rid of any dead skin that could cause irritation.
Question

Can I use cold water to open my pores as well?

Community Answer

No. Cold water closes your pores. If you'd like to open your pours, you should use warm water instead.

Warnings

Be careful when working with the blades. Don't test the sharpness with your fingertips. If you do get cut, make sure you clean and treat the wound appropriately.

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Helpful 87 Not Helpful 38
Never share razors. If somebody asks to borrow yours, either refuse their request or replace the blades if your razor is one with a detachable cartridge head.

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Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
Don't use a bent or rusty razor.

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