We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Avoid Razor Burn?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,699
Share

As young men and women learn how to shave, legs or face, they soon discover that to avoid razor burn is a laudable goal. A little practice can help get you accustomed to the right pressure needed so you aren’t cutting yourself and causing more razor burn. Yet there are additional steps to avoid razor burn that will still help you get a close, clean shave, without itch or irritation.

Choice of razor is important. Most self-styled “experts” on this subject suggest a sharp single blade. Essentially, the greater number of blades, the more likely you are to get razor burn. Disposable razors with a single edge are probably best. Each time you use the razor it becomes less sharp, and is more likely to cause both cuts and razor burn. Women can probably get two to three uses out of a disposable razor and men may get four to five uses.

Many people shave in the shower, which is a great choice. Wait for a few minutes in the shower before you start shaving. If you don’t use the shower for shaving, using hot, wet washcloths on the area for about 30 seconds. This softens the hair, meaning it will be easier to cut, and will help you avoid razor burn. For ladies who don’t like to shave in the shower, shaving while bathing is a terrific choice. Allowing the legs to soak for a few minutes prior to shaving can really help minimize skin irritation.

Use some type of soap, gel or shaving cream to avoid razor burn. This can really help since the razor more easily glides across the face or legs. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to avoid most gels and creams, and no one should use deodorant soap since it can naturally irritate freshly exfoliated skin. Any lubrication of the skin is going to help avoid razor burn, but many suggest that shaving gels tend to be most effective. It’s really a matter of personal preference.

Go over the skin once with the razor, with minimal pressure. Sometimes you may need to touch up just a bit in an area or two, but try for one pass only, since more shaving of an area means more skin irritation. Avoid areas of the skin that are cut, have a rash, or have a pimple, as these will only get more irritated if you shave them.

Use a cold water rinse after shaving to help close the pores, and apply simple moisturizer. If you want to use an astringent, pure witch hazel tends to be the best choice. Don’t use products containing alcohol since these can dry the skin and make it difficult to avoid razor burn. The best choice to avoid razor burn is aloe vera gel, applied about 15-30 minutes after shaving.

Men may want to use an electric razor, which tends to minimize razor burn, though the shave is not so close. Women can use waxing, or laser hair removal to reduce the number of times they need to shave. Further, in many countries, women do not shave their legs, and in the US, there are a few women who also make this choice. This is an entirely optional choice, but it is true that folks may think you a little odd if you don’t shave regularly, at least in the US.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon121110 — On Oct 23, 2010

Get a TracII or an old ATRA, shave with one of the three T's (brands of shaving creams), shave in the shower or right after, use a pre-shave oil, witch hazel and an aftershave with no alcohol. And use a shaving brush to lather your face.

The new stuff you see in the stores such as razors with 5 blades are all a scam and stink.

By anon62632 — On Jan 27, 2010

The best way to actually avoid razor burn is to leave all these three and four razor blade contraptions behind, get a two blade track II or even better a safety razor, leave the goop in the can alone and pick up a puck of shaving soap or cream, and shaving brush and lather correctly. The goop stuff will dry out your face and assist in the razor burn.

By PrettyPecan — On Nov 13, 2008

I actually came across a really good product to help with razor burn and stuff. It's called PrivateRx by Femnene... my aesthetician uses it after she anybody's eyebrows and after brazilians and it's great in the reduction of bump, itching, swelling, and ingrown hairs... For anybody looking for help.. TRY THIS PRODUCT!!! I wish I could show you my before pictures but... well, just wouldn't be a good look... but seriously... it's great and cheap and the site is

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-can-i-avoid-razor-burn.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.