Extinguish Razor Burn

What:
Looks like a rash and, as the name suggests, comes with a mild scorching sensation.

Causes:
Insufficient lubrication, a blunt blade dragged across the skin with too much pressure or, in some cases, bacteria that’s been festering away on an old razor.

Solutions:
A sharp, new blade coupled with adequate lubrication in the form of a dense shaving cream or gel. Moisturising with an alcohol-free aftershave balm will also calm any irritation.

What:
Visible incisions or tiny microcuts that can slice through several layers of skin and are prone to bleeding.

Causes:
Shaving against the grain, going over the same area without re-applying a shaving barrier, using too much pressure or a blunt blade.

Solutions:
Always begin by shaving with the grain (i.e. following the direction of hair growth, noting that it can often change direction). Always use gentle strokes with a fresh blade.  Smoothing down the ‘landscape’ of your jaw with a cleanser or an exfoliator before shaving will also help.

What:
Inflamed red spots that look a lot like pimples, as they often have a ‘head’.

Causes:
The hair curling back underneath the skin instead of growing straight out.

Solutions:
Regular exfoliation will help release trapped hairs over time. If you can actually see the hair ‘loop’ above the skin’s surface (and you’ve got a steady hand), you can use the slanted edge of a pair of tweezers to flick the hair back out. Do not pluck it!