How to Avoid Razor Burn

Shaving is a super quick, easy and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. But the itchy, burning sensation that comes with improper practice is far from great. It’s painful, it’s irritating and it’s ugly. So say goodbye to razor burn and hello to super smooth skin with the following shaving rituals that will help you avoid the burn for good.

#1 Prep your skin

Before you even take the razor blade to your skin, it’s important to thoroughly cleanse the area. Wash and exfoliate your skin to help remove dead skin and oil, soften the hairs and ensure more effective results.

A body wash will do the trick – we like L’OCCITANE Almond Shower Scrub as it is enriched with almond oil and almond shells to leave the skin soft and clean.

#2 Pick the right razor

A fresh, sharp razor works wonders for smooth skin. Some of our favourites include Schick Hydro Silk, Gillette Venus Embrace and Remington Easy Shaver.

Remember not to keep your razor in the shower as the humidity can breed rust and bacteria, meaning it won’t last nearly as long. And switch the blade as soon as you notice it looking a little worse for wear – a dull, rusty blade is a sure-fire way to end up with irritated skin.

#3 Shave with the grain

If you’re prone to razor burn, it’s best to shave in the direction of hair growth. When you shave against the grain, the razor tugs at the hairs and increases the risk of irritation, whereas when you shave with the grain, there is less tugging and pulling involved and irritation is minimised.

#4 Lather on the shaving cream/gel/oil

Do not – I repeat do not – shave without first applying shaving cream, gel or oil. It softens the hair, helps the razor glide over the skin and allows for a smooth, close shave that doesn’t irritate the skin.

bh recommends: Weleda Shaving Cream, NIVEA Men Sensitive Shaving Foam (it may be men’s but it’s pretty darn effective on ladies’ legs too), Environ Skincare Shaving Oil

#5 Rinse with cold water

Once you’re done, rinse your skin with cold water to close your pores and prevent razor burn as well as ingrown hairs. It may be a tough step to follow (especially in winter) but it certainly helps.

#6 Moisturise!

As soon as you’re out of the shower, moisturise your skin while it’s still slightly damp. Look for products that contain coconut oil and aloe vera, as these ingredients boast anti-inflammatory properties and work to soothe the skin.

bh recommends: Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula with Vitamin E Body Lotion, Vaseline Aloe Fresh Hydrating Lotion

Do you suffer from razor burn? Which of these shaving rituals will you implement to minimise irritation?

69 Member Comments

Miss19 15 Nov 2018 3:49 PM

Razor burn is seriously the worst

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BeautifulJusty 22 Jun 2017 7:11 AM

Agree. The right razor is also critical.

AP1992 25 Apr 2017 6:31 PM

Great article. some good tips here

onlyoni 18 Apr 2017 9:07 PM

I just rub body lotion all over my legs and then shave off using warm water to rinse the blade. I never have any cuts, and the body lotion keeps the skin smooth. I then wipe my legs over with a damp cloth and apply more body lotion.

cosmoslyn 30 Jan 2017 7:51 PM

i shower first, and shave after a whole load of lotion applied. works for me,

Tatoulla 30 Jan 2017 1:54 PM

I use normal hair conditioner instead of shaving cream. Even a cheap conditioner should do the trick. The conditioner helps the razor glide easier across your skin which should mean less razor burn! And I always moisturize afterwards. I reckon moisturising is the best part (actually only good part!) of shaving!

Petal 27 Jan 2017 7:23 PM

I've only had razor burn once and it took a few weeks to heal.

Hayley644 24 Jan 2017 9:16 PM

A good razor will prevent this from happening.

clearcrystalwater 24 Jan 2017 3:22 PM

I love how in hot weather a leg moisturiser can help cool me down a bit - just add a fan after putting moisturiser on and feel the cool!

Cheapohippo 24 Jan 2017 1:41 PM

Good tips but I have tried all these and still get razor burns. So annoying!

Beckky 23 Jan 2017 6:29 PM

Just shave in the shower. I've never had razor burn.

fortune favours the beautiful 21 Jan 2017 10:06 PM

I do all these things, still get razor burn

Peta908 21 Jan 2017 3:21 PM

I use men's razors with the five blades and get a great job every time. I also use shampoo to help create a lather

Trinasmakeup 20 Jan 2017 10:51 PM

Great tips

Tracey879 15 Jan 2017 8:38 PM

I have always used men's razors and their shaving foam my legs are so smooth and I never cut myself

Goddess..... 15 Jan 2017 3:32 AM

I don't get any of this, I use a really good razor Schnick- Sensitive brand & it's great on my skin. Ladies try a few brands until you find the one that is good for your skin but don't go for cheap ones as this would happen to you it pays to go for quality.

Jodie730 12 Jan 2017 5:11 PM

Great tips BH

Meedee 12 Jan 2017 10:14 AM

Ive found that different razors can cause problems for me. I need good quality razors...none of this plain pack stuff for me.

keppers 12 Jan 2017 9:50 AM

I don't really get razor burn anymore . I love to use Trishave's 3 in 1 because it doesn't have all that foam you have to keep rinsing out of the razor and it smells great whilst leaving my legs moisturised.

Jessica712 11 Jan 2017 12:01 PM

Razor burn sucks.

Vi 11 Jan 2017 11:44 AM

I have to apply moisturiser on my legs after shaving as soon as I get out of the shower otherwise they start to feel itchy and irritated.

Queen_Heidi_15 11 Jan 2017 8:54 AM

I remember when I was younger and trying to shave, I never wet my legs or anything but was so lucky to never get razor burn!! Always lather up some kind of gel or cream

Scarlett_Angel 11 Jan 2017 12:41 AM

I guess I'm lucky as I never get razor burn, even when I dry shave my underarms! I love that new Gillette Venus Swirl razor- gives the best results! Previously I used a men's razor as the women's ones were never as good. I just use a good ol' moisturising body wash instead of shaving gel in the shower. Lather it on my legs/arms, etc, shave, rinse off... check for any left behind hairs. Great time saver lol! Even on my 'sensitive' areas I've never experienced any issues.

Waxing always gives me ingrown hairs and red sore bumpy skin! Shaving is the only method that gives me super smooth skin as it exfoliates at the same time. Honestly I have to write a review on this new razor soon as it's changed my life! Although I am considering buying an epilator for longer lasting results, with shaving in between. I absolutely hate body hair!!!

brooklynsmith 10 Jan 2017 8:36 PM

great read!

Beautybabe140194 10 Jan 2017 7:30 PM

I have not had razor burn in a while thankfully. Razor burn is so painful. I always use a shaving cream to help prevent it.

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