Preventing, treating & curing: Razor burn, redness, shaving irritation, bumps & ingrown hairs
One of the more frequent questions we receive for the Ask Aaron articles is with shaving blemishes and problems affecting the skin. Many complain of razor burn, redness, irritation, bumps, ingrown hairs and many other maladies. These issues can make shaving difficult at best and painful at worst! Thankfully there are many solutions to these problems to offer relief!
Razor rash is a problem for many men around the world
First let us deal with what is the most frequent complaint, razor burn. Razor burn is usually a redness soreness, or inflammation of the skin. These conditions are cause by the blade scraping against the skin removing the top layers of epidermis. To ease the inflammation and burn, if possible, give your face several days rest from shaving. Apply a moisturizing after shave balm such as Proraso, The Bluebeards, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Men-U, Castle Forbes, and E-shave to aid in helping the skin to heal. Use as little pressure as possible while shaving. If you are shaving with a double-edge razor make sure the angle of the razor is around thirty degrees, and you keep your wrist locked using your whole arm for the movement instead.
Ingrown hairs are less common than razor burn, but the more painful affliction shavers complain about. With an ingrown hair the hair grows under the surface of the skin causing damage, spots, and sometimes infection. The human hair has the same hardness as copper wire of the same diameter, so no wonder it hurts as a freshly cut hair grows and digs under the skin! If you currently have ingrown hairs avoid shaving the area for a few days and use a gentle scrub to bring the hair up to the skin’s surface. You can also use an old, clean toothbrush to brush at the hair and pull it to the surface as well. Keep the area well moisturized with lotion or balm to aid the healing process. Another remedy is crushing and creating a simple paste out of an aspirin or vitamin C. Applying the paste to the affected area helps to apply the healing acids in the aspirin and vitamin C and gives some pain relief as well.
To prevent ingrown hairs avoid shaving against the direction of hair growth
To prevent ingrown hairs avoid shaving against the direction of hair growth, especially if your hair grows closely parallel to the surface of the skin. Also consider using a razor that has as few blades as possible to shave with. Modern cartridge razors work on the principal of the first blade pulling the first hair up, the following blades cutting the hair, and the cut hair settling back down under the surface of the skin. With the freshly cut and sharp hair this is an immediate setup for an ingrown hair, especially if you already have trouble with them or have very curly hair.
“Masking” or a discoloration of the shaved area of skin is a malady that can be caused by poor technique or product, too much pressure, an allergic reaction to a certain ingredient (lime and sandalwood essential oils, or preservatives being the most common irritants), or a variety of other common factors. As with other troubles examine razor angle and technique, use a healing ski food or balm, and if possible allow the skin to rest for several days before shaving again.
Dumping the multi-bladed cartridge razor and investing in a DE safety razor can help to improve the quality of a shave
If you use a multi-bladed cartridge razor and are experiencing these or other skin problems, try a transition to a double edge razor. Many of the men we have corresponded with experience an alleviation of symptoms after switching. If your symptoms persist after trying the solutions above or worsen consider a consultation with your doctor or dermatologist as there may be underlying issues that may need addressing. We hope that if you are experiencing some of the problems above that you can find some relief in this advice soon! As always we wish you smooth and happy shaving!
Ask Aaron Q/A: Redness & rash around goatee after shaving
Aaron is asked to provide tips on how to reduce shaving rash around the goatee area after shaving
David Prest, from UK, asks:
“I have a goatee and when I shape it with my razor I end up with red areas and small red spots around the edges of the beard. I try to be very gentle with my razor (single blade) but still get the red areas and small red spots. What advice would you give me? Many thanks. David”
Some very nice facial fuzz!!!
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Prest,
I too have a goatee, and feel your concern over keeping it nicely shaped and having healthy skin around it. I would recommend making sure you are shaving with shaving cream applied, don’t shave without the lubrication it provides! Also you might want to look into using a shaving oil instead of the lather to be able to see more clearly and still have lubrication.
Also make sure you are properly preparing your beard area to shave, and properly restoring your skin with a good aftershave balm. Following these techniques will help improve your shave and your skin.
If you continue to have redness & bumps please write again and we will troubleshoot some more!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Neck irritation after shaving
Charles Culverwell, from UK, asks:
“I have been wet shaving for about four months now. I have a Futur, 38C barber pole, Gillette ’1964′ superspeed, and an Edwin Jagger DE89. I use Taylor of Old Bond St Shaving Cream. Despite varying the razor and the blade (feathers or derbys usually) I still get irritation at the base of my neck where the last bit of hair is. The direction of growth is a bit strange as it goes sideways. I have tried going up and down but still find I get a red ring like I’ve had a rope around my neck. This issue continues to my Adam’s apple area which I can’t shave across the grain without huge irritation and bleeding! Could you please suggest anything else to try.”
Can't get rid of neck irritation?
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Culverwell, I certainly understand your frustration, the hair on my neck grows in the same way changing direction to grow sideways at the collar line. This growth pattern does make it difficult to shave, however let me share some techniques and products that I have found that have helped.
First use a shaving oil whether by itself or as an under layer to the shaving cream. This keeps the skin and hair extra moist leaving it much easier to shave. The oil also adds an extra layer of lubrication helping the razor “glide” instead of catching and causing irritation or redness.
Second use stretching techniques to keep the skin flat and taught. A flatter surface is always easier to shave and you can accomplish this by stretching your neck up, turning your head side to side, or even using your opposite hand to pull the skin down or to the side. This step reduces the curves in your skin giving the razor a flatter, easier surface to shave.
Lastly use a good quality post-shave balm, not an alcohol based lotion on freshly shaved skin. The moisturizing and healing agents found in post-shave balms will greatly benefit your skin in combating and healing from razor burn, rash, ingrowns and other issues that plague the shaver. There are many balms out there to choose from including The Bluebeards Revenge, Proraso, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Men-U, and Edwin Jagger just to name a good, select few.
I hope these tips help with your shaving, if you continue to have problems please write again and we will troubleshoot some more!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Preventing ingrown hairs on the cheek
Cos DiLuca, from the UK, asks:
“Since I’ve started using The Goodfella Chrome Safety Razor with Israeli Made Double Edged Razor Blades or Feather blades, together with Truefitt & Hill shaving creams or Taylor of Old Bond, I start getting in-hair growth on the cheeks. I’ve tried several things to prevent this, but none of them have worked. Can you suggest anything please?”
Aaron advises using a decent facial scrub like this one from Men-U
AARON SAYS
“Mr DiLuca,
Ingrown hairs are a common problem and can be quite painful. Try shaving only with and across the grain, and not against the grain. Against the grain cuts the hair the shortest and if you have curly hair or hair that grows very parallel to the skin’s surface this can cause the sharpened hair to grow underneath the surface. Also use a facial scrub to help bring the ingrown hairs to the surface and then a aftershave balm to keep the skin moisturized and soft. I hope this helps!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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How to get rid of razor bumps, razor burn & razor rash
Many men suffer from shaving related irritation. Whether it appears in the form of razor burn, bumps, rash, or red patchiness these symptoms are unsightly and definitely uncomfortable. Often these symptoms are just put up with as normal or even ignored.
However, there are some simple steps that can be followed for relief. If you follow these tips below you’ll find yourself feeling and looking better than ever.
¨ Use a good quality shaving cream that can be applied with a shaving brush such as The Bluebeards Revenge
¨ Before you shave prepare your skin. If at all possible shower beforehand but if that is not possible wash your skin with a gentle face wash or scrub.
¨ Once you step out of the shower or finish washing apply a small amount of pre-shave oil over the beard area. This will insure that your face and hair will continue to be hydrated before and during the shave.
¨ Use a good quality shaving cream that can be applied with a shaving brush such as The Bluebeards Revenge, Truefitt & Hill, Taylor of Old Bond Street or Geo. F. Trumpers. Specially formulated to be gentle to the skin and safe for the environment, these creams also contain no propellants that can actually dry out the skin and cause irritation.
¨ Very importantly use a clean sharp razor blade, if you use a dull blade it can lead to pulling, excessive pressure, irritation and razor burn!
¨ Last but certainly not least finish off with a good quality aftershave balm. The balm will nourish, protect and hydrate the skin keeping it safe from outside irritants plus reducing or eliminating any affects from the shave.
If nothing else remember these three easy words: Prepare, Shave, Protect. These three words can easily summarize the above steps and can lead to you that smooth, irritation free shave.
Aaron Wolfenbarger
The Shaving Shack’s Grooming Expert
Shaving-Shack.com
Ask Aaron Q/A: Oily skin and spots after shaving
Jason Hearne, from the UK, asks:
“I’m about to switch to DE shaving and have now set my heart on the Merkur HD as my first step away from 5 blade plastic monsters. My question though is about my skin type. At 30 I still suffer from oily teenage skin that’s prone to clogged pores and spots (if I don’t shave regularly). What I wanted to know was what is likely to be the best soap/cream for my shave and what balms you’d suggest to keep the grease away post shave? Here’s hoping you can help. 
”
The Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm (100ml)
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Hearne,
The first thing I would suggest is to use a daily cleanser/face wash. This will help you to remove the excess oils that our skin can produce and also eliminate dirt, which can cause the acne and blackheads. Using a cleanser consistently will help PRE-shave. For the shave itself most available soaps and creams will do just, fine just avoid products containing lanolin. Lanolin can aggravate some skin types. For a POST-shave solution use a light balm (some being The Bluebeard’s Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, and Proraso). You can also lighten a balm by keeping your face moist after rinsing and applying a small amount of the balm. This helps thin and spread the balm. I hope this helps!
Smooth Shaving (and skin!)
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: I Always Get A Red Neck After Shaving
Peter Ford, from the UK, asks:
“I use a Mekur safety razor with Gillette 7 o’clock blades and Cyril Salter cream, I always shower 1st and shave straight after using warm water. I always have to shave against the grain on the 2nd or 3rd lather to get even close to a close shave, but this is leaving me with permanent red neck and cheeks. Is there anything I can do or any pre or post shave products that will get rid of this?”
Taylor of Old Bond Mr Taylors Aftershave Balm (75ml)
AARON SAYS
“Mr Ford,
Thanks for your question! Before I recommend some post-shave products let me first say that using good prep is the first step in getting great shaving results. Be sure to use good technique and hold the razor at a proper angle. My first thought is that you might want to try a few different brands of blades, the 7′oclock may not be the best for you. If you have done this and have found that the this blade is good for you, use a replenishing aftershave balm. One that moisturizes and restores the face’s natural oils and helps to heal any nicks and cuts is ideal. The Bluebeards Revenge, Proraso and Taylor of Old Bond Street balms/balsams you will find on the Shaving Shack shop are all great choices for this. I hope this helps! If you continue to experience problems please write in again and we’ll revisit the issue!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Ahmet Kalem, from Denmark, asks:
“Hi Aaron, I am new in shaving with a safety razor and are very impressed of it. I have a little problem – ingrown hairs – can you give me a tip to prevent this problem. Thank you very much. Greetings from Denmark.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Kalem, Thank you for your question! You’ve already made a big leap in helping prevent ingrown hair by switching to a safety razor! If you are like most men your ingrown hairs occur on your neck. The first thing I would recommend is know which directions your hair grows on your face. Then be careful to not shave against the direction of growth. This might not provide quite as close a shave, but it is a big help in preventing ingrowns. Another thing is to make sure your skin is soft and moisturized by using a pre-shave oil or cream before shaving, and an after shave balm after shaving. If you still have some problems, crush a tablet of aspirin and mix it with a tiny bit of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area for a few minutes to help alleviate the systems. Also take an old toothbrush and massage the affected hair with it to help bring the hair to the surface. I hope these tips help you! Welcome to traditional shaving!
Shave well!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Preventing razor burn & razor bumps
Matt Herridge, from the UK, asks:
“Hi there, I’ve recently started shaving with a DE razor, I always get a very good close shave with no irritation, nicks or cuts even after shaving against the grain which I often have to do as I am in the British army, until the day after, that’s when I wake up with red bumps and very tender feeling skin especially under and on the front of my chin and my neck. My cheeks and top lip stay fine, any help would be greatly appreciated.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Herridge,
It sounds as if you’re getting some razor burn and bumps. I would suggest paying very close attention to your razor angle, and making sure it’s not too shallow on your face. Also, try some stretching techniques to flatten and smooth those areas. This should greatly help! Also, use a nice soothing aftershave balm to help calm the areas, and a lotion or moisturizer before bed.
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: How to avoid white-heads & bumps
Jamie Hare, from the UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron, Thank you for this opportunity. Occasionally, I tend to get small white-heads/white bumps on the area below my nostrils/above my top lip. Do you know how to avoid this?”
AARON SAYS
“There are a number of things that could be causing the irritation and bumps you describe. I wouldn’t want to directly diagnose exactly what is going on, but let me offer some tips to help and alleviate the issue. Make sure that when you are finished shaving you clean this area well, rinsing with warm water first, then cold water. If you are shaving with a Safety Razor watch the angle of the blade, making sure it’s close to a 30 degree angle. If you are not shaving with a safety razor, I recommend switching over; the cartridge may be causing the irritation. In reducing the hair go with the direction of growth only, but if that is not close enough go across after that. See if these things help to alleviate the bumps and feel free to contact us again if you need more help!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron ”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
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