How to Get Rid of Razor Burns

If you’ve ever experienced the sting of razor burn, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. But you’re not alone—this common irritation affects almost everyone who shaves. Removing unwanted hair can be painful, especially if you experience a burning sensation after shaving.

If you feel this burning sensation along with skin irritation after shaving, you are suffering from razor burns. In many cases, a red rash also appears on the skin. Razor burns can be painful and can make you highly uncomfortable.

However, we have good news! You can treat razor burns easily with a few effective home remedies.

In this article, we will learn about the causes of razor burns, tips to prevent and treat them, home remedies for razor burns, and preventive steps.

What are Razor Burns?

Razor burns are skin irritations that appear after shaving unwanted hair from the body. They may appear immediately after shaving or when the hair starts to grow. You may experience redness or inflammation on the shaved area. Small bumps also can appear on the skin.

Razor burns are temporary and go away with the right care and treatment.

Causes of Razor Burns

Curly Hair:
Curly hair tucks back into the skin when shaved instead of growing straight out. Ingrown hairs cause irritation, redness, and bumps, which are typically mistaken for razor burns.

Those with more tightly coiled or curly hair experience this more frequently. This condition is also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae and is commonly found in individuals with coarse or curly hair types.

Sensitive Skin:

Sensitive skin is one of the major reasons razor burns occur. When the skin seems to react adversely to a razor blade’s friction, it may cause redness and irritation, which may sometimes get inflamed.

Sensitive skin may also react to shaving products such as creams, gels, or aftershaves, worsening the burning. Dull blades or shaving without good lubrication can also lead to skin irritation, thereby increasing the tendency for razor burns.

How to Treat Razor Burns

• Cold Compress: Apply a cool, moist cloth to the affected part. This reduces inflammation and helps soothe the irritation. This home remedy for razor burns also reduces redness and prevents swelling.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel is well-known for its healing properties. Applying aloe vera gel to razor burns brings relief by moisturizing and calming the skin. You can apply this gel every day to improve skin texture and strength.
• Moisturizers: Moisturizers help keep skin supple and healthy. They improve the skin’s barrier, reduce dryness, and enhance healing. Remember to select a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic one.
• Avoid Further Irritation: Let the area heal after shaving. This helps prevent further irritation, and the skin will heal much faster when allowed to rest.
• Remove Ingrown Hair: Exfoliate your skin to avoid the risk of ingrown hair. This can also prevent inflammation and reduce the likelihood of razor burns.

Topical Creams: Use topical creams or steroids to remove inflammation caused by razor burns.

These tips on treating razor burns will help you soothe the pain and avoid discomfort. In addition to these preventive tips, try some home remedies to treat and soothe razor burns.

Home Remedies for Razor Burn

You can heal razor burns through various home remedies. These home remedies are free of side effects and provide effective treatment.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which work well in reducing inflammation and itching or burning sensations. The presence of acetic acid also helps prevent infection.

• Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected area.
• Let it dry, then wash it off with water.
• Repeat the process until the burning sensation is gone.
• If you have sensitive skin, dilute apple cider vinegar with water.

Read More: How ACV Benefits Skin, Hair, And Health

2. Aloe vera:

One of the best razor burn bum remedies is aloe vera. Its soothing and cooling properties instantly relieve inflammation and the burning sensation. It also helps keep the skin moisturized and boosts the healing process.

• You can scoop out the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves or opt for readymade gel, which is available in stores.
• Rub the gel on the affected area.
• Let it dry, and wash it off with water.
• Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for best results.

3. Black Tea:

You can also use black tea bags to get rid of razor bumps. Black tea contains tannic acid, which helps reduce inflammation and redness.

• Hydrate a tea bag in warm water for a few seconds.
• Allow the bag to cool or put in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.
• Now, rub the cool tea bag on the affected skin.
• Repeat this process till you get relief.

4. Honey:

Honey is filled with antibacterial properties, which help treat razor burns. Along with keeping the skin moisturized, honey also helps reduce swelling and inflammation and prevent infection.

• Apply honey to the affected area.
• Let it dry, and rinse with water after some time.
• You can also mix honey with a tablespoon of yogurt.

Read More: Health Benefits of Raw Honey

5. Cold Compress:

A cold compress is another remedy for treating the burning sensation caused by razor burns. It reduces inflammation and helps soothe the area.

• Take a cloth and dip it into the cold water or wrap it in ice.
• Place the cloth on the affected skin.
• You can also splash some cold water on the skin immediately after shaving.

6. Baking Soda:

Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin. It is also helpful in reducing redness and itching.

• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water.
• Add a cotton ball to this solution on the affected area.
• Leave it for 5-6 minutes.
• Wash it off with water.
• Repeat the process 2-3 times every day.

 Read More: 20 best beauty benefits of baking soda

7. Cucumber:

Cucumber’s hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties effectively treat razor burn symptoms. It also contains two important ingredients, vitamin C and vitamin K, which help relieve pain and itchiness.

• Cut cucumber into slices.
• Keep the slices in the refrigerator for 30 minutes
• Rub these cold slices on the razor burn for at least 10 minutes.
• Repeat the process until the skin heals.

If you don’t get any relief from trying these remedies, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend the right course of treatment to get rid of razor burns.

Prevention of Razor Burns

Home remedies or over-the-counter topical creams often reduce the discomfort of razor burns. However, with certain tips, we can prevent razor burns altogether.

Follow these tips to avoid the development of razor burns on the skin:

• Avoid shaving with an old razor or against your hair growth.
• Avoid shaving your legs when they are dry. Shave at the end of your shower or after exfoliating to ensure your skin is softened and ready.
• Replace your razor after using it 5-7 times.
• Always wash and rinse the razor well after each use.
• Don’t shave too frequently or too quickly.

Conclusion:

Razor burns often resolve on their own, but applying treatments can speed up the recovery process. Several treatments are available, including natural remedies that are both effective and easy to use. Always exfoliate your skin before shaving, and make sure to moisturize afterward.

Gentle care of your skin is key to preventing razor bumps. Of course, there are natural treatments, including aloe vera, cucumber, baking soda, and even honey, that can be very helpful in soothing and curing razor burns. However, if the natural remedies still do not give relief or if the irritation continues, then it is wise to see a dermatologist and discuss other treatment options. Maintaining healthy skin pre- and post-shaving must be your goal to avoid razor burns.

• Jul 2017
  Written by Prajakt
• Jan 2025
  Edited by Vaishnavi