Shaving artist know that wet shaving in practice is considerably more safe than other methods of shaving. Despite the fact that many issues related to shaving are solved via wet shaving, its worth noting that no one is perfect. There will come a time when things may slip or all of a sudden you’re left with a cut, a nick, a rashburn or even a bleeder. Before you pull out the tissue paper again, keep on reading to find out a few tips on how to prevent and treat wet shaving accidents. Let’s start with what you can do to prevent these things from happening during your shaving routine.
How to Prevent Nicks and Cuts When Wet Shaving
1. Wash
The more clean your skin is, the less likely it is that you will have rashes and infections due to a small cut. It is ideal to shave after a shower as the heat from the shower will soften the skin as well as the bristles.Similar to how a professional barber may use a hot towel before they shave you, taking your own hot shower will have similar results. To start off with clean skin, use a quality face wash before starting your grooming process.
2. Preshave
To prepare the skin for knicks and cuts, be sure to use a preshave oil. Using an oil on the skin before the lather gives another layer of lubrication between the blade and your skin.
3. Good Lather
Creating an adequate lather is an essential step to prevent getting nicks when shaving. Be sure to use a soap of high quality and lather it thoroughly. When creating a lather that is well whipped and hydrated lather should look like the consistency of a thick yogurt. It should be a little thicker and last in shape. Use a shaving brush to lift the whiskers, enabling the blades to give a smooth and cut free shave.
4. Use Less Pressure
Probably the most simple tip, this one is likely the most important. When using a high quality razor, be sure to let the weight of the razor do the brunt of the work. If you add any additional pressure, it is more likely that there will be redness, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and overall irritation
5. Choose the Correct Blade
There is a blade that works best for your razor and for your hair type, find that one. If a blade is too sharp than one can end up with a rash or a razor burn. This is especially the case when you fail to create a good lather like we mentioned in point #3 and use unnecessary pressure, like we state in point #4. It should be noted that using a blade that is too dull can tug and pull, resulting in the need to use additional passes that can assist in causing infections. When a blade is too dull, it is best to toss it.
6. Don’t Rush Your Shave
There is a reason why they say more accidents happen when we are rushing. When we are in a hurry, it is more likely that we will nick ourselves. by taking shortcuts, it makes our technique sloppy and then with a little unnecessary pressure - boom - we get a nick or cut. It is common between wet shavers that this is one of the things that they enjoy the most about classic shaving. It feels therapeutic for the, to go through the process of lathering, prepping, and shaving. Self care should not be hurried or rushed. This creates an overall more enjoyable experience.
How to Treat Wet Shaving Nicks and Cuts
1. Aftershave
There is a reason why aftershave is notorious for stinging a little when you splash it on your face. Most aftershaves have antiseptic properties that create a healthy shaving experience. Aftershaves, alcohol based ones or otherwise will sting when coming in contact with tiny knocks and cuts because it will kill any bacteria that might come in contact with your face during the shaving process. A clean base is less susceptible to becoming irritated or red from infection.
2. Balm
If your skin is feeling a little worse for wear after battling it out with a razor, then you may think twice about using an alcohol based after shave post shave. A more gentle alternative to aftershave is to use a balm. Many Balms provide moisturizing and cleansing properties without the sting. They are generally alcohol free and are formulated with ingredients such as Witch Hazel that have soothing properties. Witch hazel has been known to calm sensitive skin and reduce inflammation. In addition to this, the magic ingredient also helps fight acne by killing bacteria and contracts pores, making them appear smaller. If Aftershave is a little too much for you, smooth on a balm.
3. Styptic pencil or Alum
Whoops you’ve really done it this time. If you’ve got a bleeder on your hands, don’t reach for the tissue paper right away. Instead grab a styptic pencil or an alum block. If you hold these items on a bleeding nick or small cut, it will assist in stopping the bleeding process. Doing this may hurt at first, but we promise you it is the best way to stop bleeding. Alum is a hemostatic agent that works by tightening the tissue to seal the damaged blood vessels. Styptic Pencils act similar to alum, being it is alum ground and pressed into a lipstick size and shape. Using either of these items will slow bleeding almost immediately and can last for years of use. It is also a good indicator of where you are using too much pressure in your shaving technique, due to the tingling sensation it has on areas.
