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!
Shaving is no longer a chore – How double edge shaving turned a daily chore into a daily pleasure
For many men around the world shaving is regarded as a daily, but necessary chore. You reach in the cabinet for your multi-bladed cartridge razor and foam or gel and shave the way you always have. You finish, rinse of your face and then clean your razor.
This was also the case for Christopher Maguire, who hated shaving so much that he only shaved once a week, sometimes only once a fortnight. But Christopher’s mindset changed overnight after he was introduced to the wonderful world of double edge shaving. Chris now looks forward to his daily shave, and wants more men to follow his lead and dump the multi-bladed cartridge razor and embrace the world of double edge shaving.
Chris making a luxurious lather
Here is Chris’ story:
“I stumbled into the world of wet shaving by accident, it started because by girlfriend bought me a shaving kit for Christmas. It didn’t come with a razor but it did have a shaving brush, shaving cream and a bowl to lather the cream. Seeing the brush took me back to when I was a little boy when I used to see my grandad shave with a brush, soap and a double edged razor.
That morning I used the brush and soap and had the most enjoyable shave since I first picked up a razor.
The following days I did more research into wet shaving. Learning that if you have sensitive skin, suffer from razor burn or ingrown hairs, a double edged razor can significantly help to reduce these problems. Partly due to exfoliating with the brush and also by using a single blade, so less passes are made and thus reducing irritation.
Chris gets to work on the shave
I suffer from really bad shaving rash on my neck which a lot of the time come out in spots, also I seemed the get ingrown hairs on my cheeks quite often which turned into boils. This made me not shave quite as much as I should, much to the disappointment of my girlfriend. Luckily I don’t have to be clean shaven for my job so I only shaved once a week, some times once every 2 weeks.
Another reason this type of shaving appealed to me was the price of cartridge razors. At least ten pounds for 4 cartridges compared to 3 pounds on 10 blades. Which is a problem when money is tight at times due to me being a part-time student and my girlfriend being at university, so often I would use blunted blades causing a painful rash on my neck.
After doing a fair bit of research I bought a Merkur 33c. When it arrived I used it straight away. I was a bit nervous at first, mainly because I didn’t want to cut my face to bits. It took me about 10-15 mins the first time and I couldn’t get over how close of a shave it was. I did have a couple of nicks but practice is all it takes to find a technique. Turns out I really enjoy shaving and do it more often, without the rash or ingrown hairs.
I’m glad i found this type of shaving as it will save me lots of money in the long run but also because it seems to have turned into a new hobby of mine. I now look forward to shaving, which is quite strange for me.“
Do you have a wet shaving story to tell the world? If you would like see your article posted on The Shaving Shack Blog, email nick@shaving-shack.com.
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?
CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: How to prevent ingrown hairs & razor bumps
James Chapman, from the UK, asks:
“For pretty much all of my life I have suffered from ingrowing hairs, razor rash and razor burn. I have originally twin blade razors, then Mach 3 and finally Fusion razors. My condition has got progressively worse, to the point where the razor burn has become both embarrassing and intrusive. I have tried a safety razor, for short spells, but again have suffered from razor burn, and so have returned to multi-blades. Any advice would be gratefully received.”
Ingrown hairs are a common problem
AARON SAYS
“Mr Camp,
Ingrown hairs can be quite painful, let’s see what we can do to help. First off if you can tell that the ingrown hairs get worse as you move up in blade count, I think it’s safe to assume that you need as few blades as possible in your razor. My first question would be how long did you shave with the DE Razor? It takes a few weeks for your skin and technique to get used to shaving with a single blade. Use a good sharp blade, and dull blade or one that is not the right type for your skin and hair can increase problems with ingrown hair. Next is to use a good facial scrub to cleanse the face and reveal any ingrown hairs. Lastly use a good aftershave balm that will soften and moisturize your skin. You should find that these tips should help your irritations. Please let me know if I can help any more!
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
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