Aside from skin irritation, one of the things head shavers dread the most is getting cut while shaving.
So what do you do once you cut yourself?
Don't worry. Minor cuts aren't severe and can be treated at home.
Join me as we talk about first aid, tips on how to avoid cutting your head, and discover the best solution for head cuts.
Let's get to it.
How to Stop the Bleeding from a Head Shaving Cut
Step 1 - Apply Pressure
Apply pressure on the cut for 30 seconds using a warm compress. This helps slow down the blood flow.
Step 2 - Disinfect
Next, we clean the area and disinfect the cut. Make sure it's an alcohol-free disinfectant to avoid the sting. A witch hazel-based toner is a good choice as it helps heal your cut faster without the burn from alcohol.
Step 3 - Cold Compress
If you're still bleeding, use ice cubes to shrink blood vessels and help stop the bleeding. Wrap the ice in a clean washcloth before applying.
Step 4 - Seal with a Protective Barrier
The last step is applying a protective barrier to prevent more bleeding and stop infection. Here are some products you can use:
Alum Stick: A classic way to seal and heal cuts, natural potassium alum is an excellent antiseptic and astringent that helps soothe nasty head cuts
Styptic Pen: Alum in pencil form. Write over your head cut to help heal and stop further bleeding.
Lip Balm: Lip balm acts as a barrier to prevent infection and bleeding. Just remember to use "new" lip balm because a used lip balm may transfer germs from your mouth to your head cut.
Anti-Perspirant: Your favorite anti-perspirants may contain aluminum chloride. Check the label. If it's in there, you can use it to help control bleeding from shaving head cuts.
How to Avoid Cutting Your Head While Shaving
Pull Skin Taut While Shaving
Cuts often happen when your manual razor blades snag on some skin, ingrown hair, or bumps. Harry James of Baldcafe says that to prevent this, pulling your skin taut with your free hand while shaving is one trick he's learned over the years.
Adjust Your Grip
Harry also recommends holding your manual razor properly. He grips his razor closest to the head for more control. Holding your razor near the edge may work when shaving other body parts but will increase the risk of head cuts.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating before shaving helps remove dead skin, dirt, sweat, and oil buildup. Without this layer of grime, your blade can glide smoothly across your scalp, lowering the chances of getting cut.
Lubricate
Razors that glide smoothly across your chrome dome lessen the chances of getting nicked or cut. Never skip your pre-shave routine, especially lubricating with shaving cream, gel, or oil before you shave. Freebird has a shaving gel that's designed explicitly for baldies.
Use Fresh Blades and Less Pressure
Dull blades can cause cuts as they pull and tug on hairs. Always use sharp blades when shaving. When your blades are fresh and sharp, there's no need to put added pressure when shaving.
Shave Gently and Slowly with the Grain
Using sharp blades is essential in avoiding head nicks and cuts. It would be best if you shaved gently and slowly since these "sharp" blades can cut you when you're in a rush.
Shaving with the grain is another way to avoid cuts and irritation, especially for shavers with sensitive skin.
Buzz it Short
Trimming your hair as short as possible (a buzz cut) is another trick to lessen the chances of head cuts. With shorter hair, blades have better contact with your scalp and can glide more smoothly across your head. A hair clipper or beard trimmer (if you don't have a hair clipper) can give you a pretty decent shave.
Use a Fogless Mirror
If you shave in the shower, using a fogless stick on shaving mirror can be a game changer. You'll see where you're shaving, which lessens the risk of cuts.
The Best Solution for Head Cuts - Switch to an Electric Head Shaver
If you're tired of bleeding from the head when shaving, the best solution is to switch from your manual razor to one of the best-selling electric rotary shavers in the market: The Freebird FlexSeries.
The FlexSeries has non-exposed sharp blades that can shave your head in 90 seconds without nicks and cuts.
I haven't encountered a head shaver who got nicked or cut when shaving with the FlexSeries.
Get one now for only $39.95
Your shaving kit includes $60 worth of freebies:
Hair clipper with three guards
Nose and ear trimmer
Scalp scrubber
Exfoliating brush
Conclusion
It's normal to worry when your head is bleeding. Don't panic. Most nicks are minor and can be treated by applying what we shared in this guide.
If bleeding doesn't stop or you suspect something serious, seek medical help immediately.
To prevent future head cuts, apply our tips or, better yet, get the FlexSeries for a smoother nick-free experience.
FAQs
If I Cut My Head Shaving, Will the Hair Grow Back There?
Yes, your hair will grow back in the cut's location, but it may take some time. Hair follicles remain unharmed beneath your scalp as the cut is only above the surface.
What to do if a Head Cut Won't Stop Bleeding?
A shaving head cut that won't stop bleeding is serious. You may have cut deeper than you thought. Seek medical attention at once.
How Do You Know if a Head Cut is Serious?
You'll know that a head cut from shaving is serious when:
The bleeding is severe and won't stop even after applying 15 minutes of pressure
The cut is deep or gaping
You feel dizzy, confused, or lose consciousness
You feel like there's an object lodged in the cut
Seek medical help when you notice these symptoms.
How Long Does a Shaving Cut Take to Heal?
It varies from person to person. Generally, minor head cuts heal within a few days to a week. Healing depends on the depth of the cut and your body's ability to heal.
Does Vaseline Help Shaving Cuts?
Yes, Vaseline can help you during a shaving mishap. It forms a protective barrier that helps stop bleeding and prevent scarring.
Why Do Head Cuts Bleed So Badly?
Head cuts bleed more because our scalp has more blood vessels than other body parts since our brain needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to work properly.
Does Ice Stop Shaving Cuts?
Applying ice on shaving cuts can help stop bleeding as it constricts the blood flow to the area. When applying ice to your cut, wrap it in a clean cloth and put a little pressure to help stop bleeding.