Common shaving mistakes and how to avoid them

How can common shaving mistakes lead to irritation?

Bad grooming habits can cause irritation by damaging the surface of the skin and trapping hair follicles underneath. These poor practices can lead to different types of irritation, such as razor burn, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs.

Why do I get razor burn after shaving?

Up to 57% of people experience redness (erythema) and irritation after shaving.¹ Razor burn can be caused by the following bad grooming habits²:

• Dull blades: Clogged or dull razor blades tug at your hair and skin as you shave, causing irritation that leads to redness and razor burn.
• Dry skin: A lack of lubrication between your skin and your razor blade creates plenty of friction. This can lead to tiny cuts, inflammation, and a damaged skin barrier.
• Shaving against the grain: Shaving against the direction of hair growth pulls the hair up so that the blade actually cuts below the surface of the skin, making it a major cause of irritation.
• Too much pressure: Pressing too hard with your razor increases friction and creates tiny cuts. It also removes more of your skin as you shave, which is both irritating and bad news for your skin barrier.

To avoid shaving irritation, make sure you’re prepping your skin before hair removal and are using a clean, sharp blade to reduce friction.

Why do I get razor bumps after shaving?

Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis) are the inflamed, red spots caused by ingrown hairs after shaving.³ They’re a sign that you might be:

• Shaving too close to the skin
• Using too much pressure
• Using a dull blade
• Shaving too often
• Shaving, waxing, or trimming hairs

Why do I get ingrown hairs after shaving?

Ingrown hairs after shaving occur when you cut too close to the skin, use a dull blade, or shave too regularly. The tip of the hair curls back in on itself, causing it to grow under the skin and creating itchy, painful bumps.⁴

Understanding these common shaving mistakes you’re making is the first step to steering clear of them for smoother hair removal. Now you know what not to do when shaving, you can move on to tips for a better shave.

The proper way to shave to reduce irritation

Reduce irritation when shaving by carefully prepping your skin, using the right tools, and following a good technique. Soothing aftercare also reduces the chance of post-shave issues, like dryness and ingrown hairs.

Get started by following these preparation tips for a better shave:

1. Wet your skin to soften any hair: Thoroughly wetting the skin helps soften the hair and makes it easier for the blade to cut cleanly. This reduces tugging and allows the blade to move more smoothly across the skin. If you can, shaving during or after a shower is the best approach.
2. Gently wash the skin with a mild cleanser: Using a mild cleanser removes excess oil, sweat, and debris that could interfere with the blade. Clean skin helps reduce friction and lowers the risk of irritation or clogged pores.
3. Apply a pre-shave oil or moisturiser: A pre-shave product creates a protective layer that improves glide and reduces direct friction from the blade. This is especially helpful for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Technique is just as important as preparation. Follow these steps for smooth skin and avoid shaving mistakes that lead to irritation:

• Shave efficiently: A shorter shave reduces irritation.⁵ While you should always take your time (especially if you want to avoid nicks and cuts), avoid going over the same area more than once for a quicker, less irritating shave.
• Stretch your skin: Using your free hand to lightly stretch the skin creates a smoother surface for the blade to glide across. This prevents the razor from dragging or catching, reducing the chance of cuts.
• Rinse your blade regularly: Hair, shaving cream, and dead skin can quickly build up between the blades of your shaver. Make sure you rinse your blades frequently to get rid of potential blockages and achieve a sharp, smooth shave.

Tips for a better shave: Shaving tools for sensitive skin

To reduce irritation, opt for a shaver that’s designed for ultimate skin comfort, like the Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra. A wet and dry shaver, it gently lifts hairs at the root to reduce contact between the blade and the skin, all while maintaining a close cut for smooth hair removal.

Advanced skin protection around the blade makes for smoother shaves, while AI-powered feedback helps you adjust your technique for efficient hair removal.

With a fleet of sensitive-skin features, the Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra is suitable for hairs that grow in different directions. The flexible head adapts to your face contours for a clean and precise shave.

FAQs: Avoid shaving irritation

Should I be shaving with or against the grain?

Shaving with the grain is generally best if you’re prone to irritation, as it reduces friction and the risk of razor burn or ingrown hairs. Shaving against the grain can give a closer result, but it’s more likely to irritate sensitive skin, so it’s better saved for when your skin tolerates it well.

Is it bad to shave without proper preparation?

Shaving without preparation leaves hair stiff and skin unprotected, which increases friction and irritation. Proper prep helps soften hair and create slip, allowing the blade to glide more smoothly and reducing the risk of razor burn.

Why do I get rashes after shaving?

Rashes after shaving are most commonly a form of razor burn, caused by friction between your skin and the blade. This can happen if you’re using a dull blade, your skin isn’t properly prepped, or you're shaving with poor technique. Try using a shaving cream or lotion before hair removal and shaving in short, light strokes.

From razor burn to pesky ingrown hairs, post-shave irritation is caused by some common shaving mistakes. By remembering what not to do when shaving (like using a dull blade and pressing too hard), prepping your skin beforehand, and using the right shaving tools, you’re on your way to a smarter, smoother shave that protects your sensitive skin.