Shaving sensitive skin can be challenging. Razor burn, bumps, redness, and irritation suck.
Is there a way to get rid of the post-shave sting and irritation?
Join me as we share tips and tricks for conquering sensitive skin and achieving a clean, painless, and irritation-free shave.
Understanding Sensitive Skin
For shavers, having sensitive skin makes you more prone to irritation after shaving. This can manifest in several ways. The most common are:
Razor burn: Razor burns are red bumpy rashes that appear after shaving. Your hair follicles get inflamed and irritated.
Razor bumps: Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs, which happen when hair curls back into the skin
Redness and dryness: Sensitive skin can become red and dry after shaving
What are the usual causes? Some are sensitive to fragrances in shaving products, while others get irritated by alcohol-based aftershaves. Irritation can also occur when using dull blades or shaving against the grain.
Let's deal with these issues and bid farewell to skin irritation.
The Best Shaving Tips for Guys with Sensitive Skin
Identify Problem Areas
Some men are more sensitive in specific neck, scalp, or face areas.
I discovered that I had sensitive skin at the back of my neck when I failed to lubricate before shaving. It was my first time switching from my trusted Wahl clipper to my rotary shaver. I was used to dry shaving (buzz cut) and knew you could dry shave with a rotary shaver.
After shaving, the back of my neck got burned and red, a painful experience that I didn't want to happen again. I now apply coconut oil as part of my pre-shave routine, and I've never had razor burn again.
Map Out Hair Growth
Mapping out your hair growth pattern is a game changer for shaving sensitive skin. Some guys get irritated in their neck area because their hair grows sideways instead of downward. Knowing your hair growth direction allows you to shave with the grain, which we'll discuss later.
Here's how to map your hair growth:
Let your hair grow out for a few days
Run your fingers over your face and neck and see how they lay (use a mirror)
Take note of the direction of your hair growth in specific areas
Don't Rush Prep (Warm Up, Cleanse, Exfoliate) and Shaving
Guys shouldn't rush the pre-shave routine and shaving sensitive skin.
Preparing your hair with lukewarm water (not hot) helps open pores and soften hairs. Cleansing and exfoliating are also essential parts of the routine. You must remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that may clog razor blades and cause irritation. Use a gentle cleanser that won't irritate your skin.
Rushing the shave isn't good whether you have sensitive skin or not. It increases the chance of nicks and cuts (manual shavers), razor rash, ingrown hairs, and missed spots.
Choose the Right Shaving Cream, Gel or Oil
Men with sensitive skin should choose gentle shaving products. Look for shaving creams and gels, or oils that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free. Some men are allergic to fragrance, while alcohol can be drying and irritating.
If you're shaving your head, choose products specifically designed for scalps. The same applies to shaving facial hair using products formulated for the face.
Freebird has a complete shave care kit for head shavers that you may want to check out. It's designed for baldies and includes pre-shave oil, shave gel, and post-shave lotion, which are excellent additions to your shaving arsenal.
Choose a Quality Razor
A quality razor or electric shaver is crucial for shaving sensitive skin. Never use a razor with a dull blade. An electric or manual shaver with a sharp blade is your only option.
Freebird FlexSeries - Best Rotary Shaver for Sensitive Skin
We recommend the FlexSeries from Freebird. It has a powerful motor and patented ScalpSafe Blades specifically designed for sensitive scalps. You can get a smooth shave in 90 seconds, which lessens the chance of irritation. You may wonder if electric shavers cause ingrown hairs. Generally, they don't. Click on the link and read our guide to find out more.
The FlexSeries also comes with free attachments worth $60, including:
Precision Clipper
3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
Nose & Ear Trimmer
Exfoliation Brush
Silicon Scalp Scrubber
The Schick Hydro Sensitive Razor - Best Manual Razor for Sensitive Skin
If you prefer manual razors, the Schick Hydro Sensitive is the right razor for you. It gives a close and smooth shave with minimal passes and has skin guards on all its blades for the best protection against irritation.
For more options, you can check out our article on the best razors for shaving your head.
Shaving with the Grain
To avoid irritation, the proper shaving techniques matter.
We know that many shavers want a close shave (which shaving against the grain provides), but if you have sensitive skin, shaving toward your hair growth is your best option, and here's why:
Minimizes friction and tugging on the skin
Lesser chance of ingrown hairs
More comfortable shave
Reduce irritation and razor burn
When shaving with the grain, use gentle strokes (not too much pressure) and let your sharp blades do their job. Rinse your blades after each pass (manual shavers). Electric razors have hair capture chambers that take care of hair clippings without the need for rinsing after every pass.
Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, you'd like to minimize passes because numerous passes may do more harm and irritate the skin. This is where choosing the right shaver with sharp blades plays a big role.
Moisturize with an Alcohol-Free Aftershave
Shavers have a tradition of using aftershave. However, traditional aftershaves are alcohol-based, which can dry and irritate skin, resulting in redness, stinging, and burning.
The good news is that some aftershaves are alcohol-free. You can also pick one with gentle-to-the-skin moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter.
The Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm is a good option here.
Sport a Buzz Cut or Stubble
image via productplacementblog
If frequent head and face shaving irritates you, why not consider a buzz cut and growing a beard? It won't just give you a new look but may also be the solution to sensitive skin that you've been looking for.
The Bottom Line
A clean, painless, and comfortable shave for sensitive-skinned men is achievable if they follow these tips and choose the right tools and skincare products.
It's time to ditch the irritation, start with a clean slate, and embrace a smoother shave.
FAQs
What Type of Shaver is Best for Sensitive Skin?
It depends on your needs and preferences. Both manual and electric razors can be the right tools for sensitive skin.
Electric Shavers
Gentler on skin
Most shavers have hypoallergenic stainless steel blades
Fewer nicks and cuts
Quicker and easier to use
Comfortable shave
Manual Razors
Offers more control
Cheaper
Gentlest shave (single blade)
Closer shave
How Often Should Men with Sensitive Skin Shave?
Daily shaving can be harsh on sensitive skin. It is ideal to shave at most every other day or even more time between shaves to allow the skin to heal and recover.
Is Dry or Wet Shaving Better for Sensitive Skin?
Wet shaving is generally better than dry shaving for men with sensitive skin. Before a shave, a warm bath and shaving gel open pores, soften hair and reduce friction.
How to Shave Without Getting Razor Bumps?
To avoid ingrown hairs, wet shave, use the right razor, shave toward your hair growth, and moisturize.
For more detailed instructions on a smoother shave and shaving technique, check out our article on razor bumps.
Is it Better to Shave Before or After a Shower?
Shaving during a shower may be a better option if you have sensitive skin. The warm water helps soften your hair, and it should be part of your pre-shave routine anyway. A shower cleanses your face and scalp, removing dirt and oil that can clog razors and electric shavers. Rinsing away shaving gel is also easier when shaving during a shower.
Can You Shave with Just Water?
We don't recommend shaving with just water if you have sensitive skin. Water lacks the lubrication shaving cream provides, making you more prone to irritation and razor rash. We recommend a good shaving cream or gel to ensure your skin is lubricated.
