How to Treat a Shaving Cut

Learning how to treat a shaving cut is one of those lessons that every bloke should know. 

After all, we’ve all nicked ourselves on one occasion or another while grooming - though, with the right know-how, you can speed up the healing process and reduce the odds of any infection. 

For any guys eager to learn how to treat a shaving cut, we’ve got you sorted. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to properly caring for any minor shaving cuts - check it out below!

Why Do I Keep Cutting Myself While Shaving?

Before we cover the basics of treating a shaving cut, it’s important to understand why these minor nicks are occurring in the first place. Here are a few common causes of shaving cuts!

Shaving Against The Grain

‘Don’t shave against the grain’. You may be tired of hearing this one, but it’s one of the first shaving lessons we hear for a reason. When we shave against the grain, we’re moving our razors in the path of most resistance - which is a recipe for razor bumps and a shaving cut or two.

Instead, be sure to move your blades in the same direction as hair growth. It creates a much smoother glide for your razor and reduces your odds of getting any minor cuts. 

Pressing Too Hard

Many guys are experiencing shaving cuts because they’re putting too much force on their razor - though more pressure doesn’t create a better shave. This just causes the skin’s surface to become uneven, making it harder for your razor to plough through facial hair. Not to mention, it increases your odds of a shaving cut. 

For cleaner results, a lighter touch is the way to go. 

Using Blunt Blades

If you’d like to reduce your odds of a shaving cut, it’s worth getting rid of your old blades and replacing them with a fresh, sharp set. After all, those blunt blades are likely dragging over your skin, catching on your facial hair, and causing more nicks and cuts.

It’s not worth the struggle. Instead, grab yourself a new razor. 

Not using lubricant

With the demands of modern living, sometimes it's tempting to skip the lube to save time & hassle when shaving. But what good is it saving time on the shave, if you then need to spend 10 minutes nursing a cut that won't stop bleeding? Lubricant performs a special function. It insulates the skin from the razor blade and helps it glide over lumps & bumps which might otherwise be nicked. If you leave it out, odds are you'll cut too deep at some point. 

When looking at lubricants, we recommend staying away from soap-based products as they can dry the skin out. There are far superior soap-free shave lubricants available these days that actually moisturise the skin, rather than drying it out. If you're interested in saving time, they're also great because they are transparent so you can see exactly where you're shaving. 

How To Treat A Shaving Cut 

Now that we know the common causes of minor shaving cuts, let’s get into the good stuff. Learn how to treat a shaving cut with these 4 simple tips below. 

Apply Light Pressure

You’ve just put down your razor and have noticed a few small nicks while shaving - what’s the first thing you should do? Start by applying light pressure. 

Get your hands on a warm, clean hand towel and hold it over the cut for about 1-minute. This won’t only work to gently cleanse the area, but it’ll also help to reduce any slight blood loss. 

Use Toner 

Once you’ve applied gentle pressure for about 1-minute, you’ll need to reach for a toner. These products will help to disinfect by washing away any dirt or other impurities lingering on the surface of the skin. 

All you need is a small dash of alcohol-free toner to help clean a shaving cut.

You can skip this step if you’re using an aftershave that contains witch-hazel and toning antioxidants (such as the one we’ve listed below). 

Grab An Ice-Cube 

Ice cubes are a simple, yet effective tool to have when it comes to stopping the bleeding from a small shaving cut.

After you’ve gotten your hands on an ice cube, wrap it in a tissue and hold it against your skin for bouts of 30-seconds. This will constrict any blood vessels around the wound to further reduce any bleeding. Don't try to apply the ice directly to your skin as it may cause tissue damage.

Finish With Aftershave 

Aftershave is easily one of the most important steps when looking after a small shaving cut - especially with the powerhouse of benefits these products offer. 

Not only do they work to soothe any skin irritation and provide a kick of hydration, but they should also help to combat damage caused by the razor - how nifty is that? 

If you’re chasing an aftershave, you can’t go wrong with these game-changing Aftershave Serums by Milkman. What we love about these formulas is that they don’t sting when applied - which is particularly handy when you’re dealing with a minor shaving cut. 

Plus, the formula contains witch hazel and antioxidants - eliminating the need for a skin toner. 

In Summary 

Even with the right shaving tips by our side, no guy is completely immune to the occasional shaving cut. Though by knowing how to properly care for any minor nicks or cuts, we can speed up the healing process and decrease any risk of infection. 

All we need to remember is to apply light pressure, gently disinfect with a toner, constrict blood flow with an ice cube, and finish with a skin-nourishing aftershave. 

With this 4-step guide by your side, you’ll be healing those small nicks and cuts like a pro in no time.