How do you prevent razor burn?

May 5, 2013

Kelly M.

I've always had an issue with razor burn when shaving my legs. My skin is only a tad bit sensitive, but the hair is coarse and it's so hard to get a smooth shave without getting a razor burn flare-up. I shave using hair conditioner and men's razors (Gillette Fusion ProGlide with 4 blades) and it works better than using women's razors, but I still get really bad razor burn. I also exfoliate before I shave but I still get it. Should I be shaving with something other than conditioner? Or another kind of razor?

May 5, 2013

Laura-ines W.

Have you ever considered using veet cream instead of using a razor? they'll grow back slower, they won't be as coarse and you definitely won't have any razor burn.

May 5, 2013

Kelly M.

I tried Veet once and it gave me a horrible burn/rash, and it only removed some of the less coarse hairs. I tried Nair and it did the same. I think my hair is just too coarse for it to be removed chemically, not to mention the fact that I seem to be allergic to something in them. :-(

Also, I'm willing to give waxing or sugaring a try, if anyone has any suggestions on the best way to do that.

May 5, 2013

Erin G.

I got an Epilator a few months ago. I didn't really want to deal with waxing and a few people suggested getting an Epilator. I was skeptical but thought I'd give it a try. At first, I thought there's no way I am going to like this, It hurt pretty bad (it pulls out each hair on your legs) but I dealt with the pain and just finished. I only did my knees and down. I'm not goin to lie, it hurt, but I'm really glad I dealt with it. Since then, I have epilated two more times. The second time it still hurt, but not as bad as the first time. And the last time I did it, it was definitely way less painful than the first time. I epilated two weeks ago and my legs are still silky smooth! The hair grows back softer and thinner each time. I definitely recommend giving it a shot! If you can handle getting through the first couple times, it gets a lot better :) I absolutely hated having to shave every day during the summer, this year I won't have to :)

May 5, 2013

Kaitlyn R.

This isn't the most fun but its the cheapest. Do your usual routine in the shower first. Then when you are ready to shave, make the water cold. Not cold to the point that you're in pain, but just cold enough to give you chills. Let that soak for about a minute. Take your conditioner and rub over where you're going to shave and let that sit for a few seconds. Then start shaving. Not only will you avoid razor bumps or burns but you will also get a cleaner shave.

May 6, 2013

T L.

Men's razors remove a layer or two of your skin and while they seem to work better: it could actually be contributing to the razor burn. I would definitely recommend actual shaving cream and a fresh blade. Putting astringent on a cotton ball and applying to legs also helps razor burn. Hope this helps.

May 6, 2013

Kylie W.

I use wire wrapped razor, it prevents me from getting razor burn :)

May 6, 2013

Brittany O.

Exfoliate real good first amend soak your legs in warm water to loosen dead skin.

May 6, 2013

Kelly M.

@TL, all manual razors remove a layer or two of skin, it's not a problem specific to only men's razors. My razor burn was just as bad, if not more severe, back when I used women's razors.
And thank you everyone for the tips! I will look into my options.

May 6, 2013

Shauna S.

I get extremely bad razor burn. I also use the Gilette Fusion razor and I love it. Out of all the razors I think it works the best. I apply Aveeno shave gel on my legs before shaving which helps. Also, afterwards you can use Bikini Zone cream. It's not just for your bikini zone and it works amazingggg. I also moisturize with a mixture of pure shea butter and coconut oil.

May 6, 2013

Bianca B.

I have sensitive skin but what I do is after I shave I dab rubbing alcohol on my legs or wherever then afterwards some lotion and I'm good.