Preventing Shaving Nicks and Cuts

So you’re shaving your face and suddenly, ouch—you nick yourself with the razor. Little cuts like these can hurt and ruin that smooth look you were going for. But nicks and cuts can easily be avoided with the right tools and technique.

Mistakes like pressing too hard with the razor, shaving against the grain on sensitive skin, and using dull razor blades are just a few of the factors that can make shaving cuts more likely.

Here’s our best advice for no more nicks and cuts.

Are You Using the Right Tools?

Find a Quality Razor

Using the right kind of razor is key in reducing your risk of shaving cuts. Remember, your razor should be doing most of the work here, not your hand.

The Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor is designed to reduce some of the pressure while you shave so every glide is softer. It’s also got extra lubrication before and after the blades to help prevent razor bumps and other kinds of skin irritation, making it perfect for shaving sensitive skin.

Another great choice is the Gillette ProGlide Razor. This option has what we call “FlexBall technology”, that makes it easier to move and shave every curve of your face.

Don’t Skip the Shaving Cream

We always recommend using shaving cream or gel for extra protection while shaving. Our two favorites are SkinGuard Sensitive Shaving Gel and Fusion 5 Ultra Sensitive Shaving Gel. Wash your face before you shave, scrubbing your skin clean of any trapped or ingrown hairs. Steam can also help, which is why some guys like shaving in the shower. All of this can help minimize your risk of shaving cuts.

Tips for Shaving to Avoid Nicks and Cuts

It’s not just what you use to shave, but also how you’re shaving. If you’ve had lots of nicks in the past, or if you’ve got sensitive skin, try checking the direction of your hair growth – this may be change on different parts of the face and neck. Try shaving against the direction of hair growth with gentle strokes. You can also try shaving with the grain, which means shaving in the same direction your facial hair grows. This helps reduce nicks and cuts, as well as ingrown hairs and razor burn.

Pro tip: Rinse your blade after every few strokes, but never tap your razor on the edge of the sink or wipe it on a towel. This will damage your razor over time.

Ready for some new blades? Joining Gillette’s shave club means you can personalize your own shave kit and make sure you’ve always got a fresh supply of sharp razor blades, as often as you need them. Plus, there’s no commitment and you can cancel at any time.

How to Stop Shaving Cuts from Bleeding

Now that you know how to prevent shaving cuts, how can you stop them from bleeding? The trick is to apply pressure to the cut with a warm cloth or paper towel as soon as the cut happens.

When the bleeding eases up, usually after a couple minutes, apply some moisturizer to soothe your skin. You might feel a little sting here, but it won’t last long. Try to include moisturizer in your routine after every shave, and opt for a product that goes easy on sensitive skin—something fragrant- and made without alcohol is best, like the Gillette Aftershave Balm.

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