It’s probably the most annoying part of shaving. You’ve finally got your legs ready for summer, and there it is – a red, itchy rash that feels like you’ve been stung by a thousand bees.
Shaving rashes suck, but they are not a sign that you should stop shaving forever. They are definitely related to the process of shaving, but they aren’t permanent or inevitable.
Whether you have sensitive skin or not, these tips will help you find relief from those ugly rashes once and for all.
The Cause of Shaving Rashes: What’s actually going on?
Rashes like the ones that come from shaving are often referred to as “shaving bumps”, “razor bumps”, or “ingrown hairs”. All of these things are basically the same thing – an irritation of the hair follicle caused by pulling or tugging at the hair. This causes inflammation and the release of histamines, which causes redness and an itching sensation.
There are three main reasons why this happens:
- Dry skin:
Never shave dry skin. Shaving with dry skin is one of the worst things you can do.
It’s important to always use warm water when shaving to soften up that dead layer of skin that can clog pores and lead to ingrown hairs.
The skin is our natural barrier to infection, irritation, and bacteria. When it’s dry, it’s less effective at doing all of these things.
When the skin is moisturised and hydrated, it’s less susceptible to irritation. Wet shaving (shaving in or after a long shower) helps keep the skin soft for easier shaving whilst opening the pores makes it easier to get the benefits of your shaving cream.
- Poor shaving technique:
Shave with the grain – not against it!
Going against the grain might feel like it’s getting rid of all those pesky hairs, but in reality it’s just rubbing harder against your sensitive skin, causing irritation and redness in the process.
I know, I know - it’s slightly more difficult when shaving your legs but it will reduce the chances of irritating your skin and that’s got to be worth it.
When you shave, it's essential to have a gentle touch. This ensures that your skin isn't damaged by unnecessary tugging or pulling against your hair follicles.
While it may seem counterintuitive not to apply pressure when shaving, doing so will ensure that you get a closer shave without irritating your skin.
Glide the blade over your skin with very little pressure applied so that it barely touches.
Top tip - use a weighted razor and let gravity do its work!
- Preparation is key:
It may seem like a no-brainer, but never use a dull razor blade. A dull blade doesn't cut cleanly through hair, so it catches and pulls on your skin instead. That's how you get inflammation around your hair follicles, which can result in irritation, redness and bumps that look like acne.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it’s important to take good care of it. Use a shaving cream that’s designed to soften hair so you can get a closer, smoother shave.
Our skin-protecting shave cream nourishes & moisturises your skin as well as protecting it from irritation, rash and razor burn during shaving.
To combat shaving rash, ensure you’re using a natural shaving cream that is free of triethanolamine, glycols or sulfates. These ingredients have been known to irritate the skin causing dryness and rashes. If you have dry skin, look for moisturizing ingredients like avocado oil which absorbs deep into the hair & skin.
Bottom line
Shaving is one of the best ways to remove unwanted hair. It’s important, though, to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Moisturise your skin, use a clean razor, shave in the direction of your hair, and use the right shaving cream to help prevent shaving rashes.