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    Quick tips on how to avoid razor burn

    8 Jan 2017 11:00 AM | Posted by
    bh's Caitlin's picture
    bh's Caitlin
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    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?

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

    Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.

    L'OCCITANE Almond Shower Scrub
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    Schick Hydro Silk
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    NIVEA Men Sensitive Shaving Foam
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    Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula with Vitamin E Body Lotion
    Write a Review

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    Shop A Everyday 10 Jan 2017 7:24 PM

    Love the results from this product

    Marza 10 Jan 2017 5:06 PM

    hate missing hair and cuts on legs

    Chrystalage 10 Jan 2017 2:55 PM

    Some good tips there, though I rush through shaving in the shower and by the time I've dried off I will have forgotten to do the steps

    sootyblack_14 10 Jan 2017 2:48 PM

    Great tips...

    Bellefleur 10 Jan 2017 2:45 PM

    Yes to all the above - in particular exfoliating prior to shaving and moisturising after is key for me!

    Emma171 10 Jan 2017 10:35 AM

    Ah there ya go!.. I do miss the shaving cream part out most of the time only because I'm lazy..

    Truth 10 Jan 2017 9:53 AM

    I prefer to wax but hate the pain so I shave instead

    Beauty Fan 69 10 Jan 2017 7:12 AM

    I used to suffer from razor burn but now I minimise irritation with a few of the tricks above some extra helpful one's to try in this article as well, thanks!.

    Linda_Vesinger 10 Jan 2017 1:25 AM

    I don't usually get razor burn, but I am prone to ingrown hairs, so I rarely shave - instead I use hair removal creams, they are effective minus any irrritations

    Candyfairy 9 Jan 2017 9:10 PM

    I used to get razor burn so bad for years! My skin would itch like mad after every shave that I switched to only waxing which helped, but I hated being hairy in-between sessions. I seem to be alright now, but I will definitely be trying number 3 and 5 and see if it makes any difference. Thanks so much!! xx

    Dilettante 9 Jan 2017 8:22 PM

    I've hated shaving for years because of dry and irritated legs. Nos. 1 and 3 are a revelation! Maybe I'll go back to the blade!

    Hayley644 9 Jan 2017 8:04 PM

    Great advice and tips.

    ray_jay 9 Jan 2017 7:05 PM

    Razor burn is horrible
    Great article- since using cream or comsitioner or shaving gel and fresh razors my life has been better- no more razor burn!!

    Beauty Obsession 9 Jan 2017 5:15 PM

    I haven't shaved in years but when I did I'd get shaver burn if I didn't use a shaving gel or shave just before going to beach or pools. I prefer to either wax or epilate now.

    cassandranancy_ 9 Jan 2017 3:26 PM

    I use a mens razor, I stopped getting razor burn/in-growns when I switched!

    Scarlett_Angel 11 Jan 2017 12:44 AM

    Me too, I used a men's razor for years as the women's ones sucked in comparison! Though now I bought that new Gillette Venus Swirl razor and it's as good as the men's!

    IndieAna 9 Jan 2017 2:25 PM

    I'm not a fan of shaving, I like to use an epilator. Great tips for those that do, tho!

    MelissaFay89 9 Jan 2017 2:20 PM

    I get very lazy. I just wet shave with shower gel and almost never moisturise, whoops

    Arty Girl 9 Jan 2017 2:19 PM

    I don't shave my legs but I do use a Schick Hydro Silk Razor for my bikini line. Even when I use it there, the shaving is minimal so I haven't experienced "razor burn". I will however remember to shave in the direction of hair growth after reading this article.

    clearcrystalwater 9 Jan 2017 2:17 PM

    I think I remember experiencing it when I was a teen but you learn pretty fast to not have that happen again!

    Gilded 9 Jan 2017 1:42 PM

    I don't really suffer from razor burn in the usual places but I did have terrible razor burns on my bikini area just a few weeks ago. The heat didn't help either.

    PandaBear18 9 Jan 2017 1:02 PM

    didn't know about that cold water after tip!

    blackkittykat 9 Jan 2017 10:17 AM

    I have rarely experienced razor burn and always use shower gel or preferable conditioner to lather and protect my legs when shaving.

    misfortune8 9 Jan 2017 5:14 AM

    I use Cetaphil cleanser as shaving cream, it works brilliantly. Afterwards, I use fragrance free sorbolene. It's the only time I don't use a heavily perfumed lotion. Even a mildly fragranced lotion gives me red spots!

    Jess R 9 Jan 2017 12:46 PM

    I do the same except I use a Cetaphil moisturiser afterwards as well.

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