Why does shaving rash happen?

Getting rid of razor burn 🪒

Quick summary 📝

1️⃣ Shaving rash (or razor burn) is a common skin irritation that usually clears in a few hours to a few days

2️⃣ Soothe it with a cool flannel and fragrance-free moisturiser, and avoid shaving the area until it heals

3️⃣ Prevent it by never dry shaving, going with the grain, and using a fresh blade

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Shaving rash, or razor burn, is a form of skin irritation lots of you may have experienced already.

It’s very common and can appear anywhere on the body after shaving. It can look like a red rash and may feel itchy, stingy, or have a burning sensation.

Whilst a shaving rash normally heals on its own, it can be uncomfortable.

So luna’s rounded up some things you can do to help soothe it, and how to prevent it happening as much 🪒

How does a shaving rash happen?

It can happen for lots of different reasons, but some of the most common ones are:

👉 Shaving against the direction your hair grows

👉 Shaving too quickly

👉 Using a blunt razor

👉 Dry shaving (without foam, gel or soap)

All of these things can irritate your skin, and leave you with a rash.

How to heal a shaving rash

Although they are super annoying, shaving rashes usually clear up in a few days with a bit of TLC 💞

Here's what you can do to help:

👉 Cool it down: hold a cool, damp flannel on the area to calm the stinging

👉 Be gentle: don’t scrub or rub, as this can make it more sore

👉 Moisturise: use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera gel

👉 Give it a break: avoid shaving that area until it’s healed

How to prevent a shaving rash

Once your shaving rash has cleared up, you probably don't want it coming back!

So, a few preventative measures can really help 💪

Here's what you can do:

👉 Shave after a warm shower: this softens your hair and skin

👉 Never dry shave: use shaving foam, gel or soap so the razor glides easily

👉 Go with the grain: shave in the same direction your hair grows

👉 Use light, short strokes: and try not to go over the same spot again and again

👉 Rinse your razor often: this clears out hair and foam while you shave

👉 Use a fresh razor: swap your blade after 5 to 7 shaves

👉 Moisturise after: a fragrance-free moisturiser helps calm your skin

👉 Wear loose clothes after: tight clothes can rub freshly shaved skin

When to check in with a doctor

Shaving rash is really common, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Lots of people get it at some point!

If it hasn’t gone after a few days, looks infected, or keeps appearing when you haven’t shaved, it’s worth seeing a doctor.

Noticed small, pimple-like bumps instead? These might be ingrown hairs rather than razor burn.

And if you get blisters or sores, especially down there, it’s a good idea to get them checked 💙

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