How to Shave Without Razor Burn: 6 Steps 💈

You finish a shave, splash your face, and an hour later your neck is red, itchy and dotted with little bumps. Better prep, a gentler stroke and a cool finish go a long way, whatever razor you own.

Here's a six-step routine, A to F, plus two cheeky extras.

The no-burn shave, A to F

A is for after the shower. Shave at the end of it, when skin and hair are warm and soft. No shower? Wash, then hold a warm, damp cloth on the area.

B is for barrier. Wet skin first, then a moisturising shaving cream or gel. Sensitive skin? Pick one labelled for it. Dermatologists say to use cream even with an electric razor.

C is for check the grain. Look in the mirror and feel the stubble before the blade goes near it. Hair can grow different ways in different spots, so check each patch.

Hidden tip: hair growing every which way? Dermatologists at the AAD say gently brushing it daily with a toothbrush can train it into one direction.

D is for don't stretch. Shave with the grain, in light strokes, and as few of them as you can manage. Never pull the skin tight. Lads do it to get closer, and that's how hairs get cut too short and grow back in.

E is for every stroke, rinse. Rinse the blade after each swipe so cream and hair don't clog it.

F is for finish cool. Rinse with warm water, then press a cool, damp cloth on your skin. Follow with a soothing aftershave. If it burns or stings, stop using it and try another.

The tricky letters

X is for eXchange the blade. I know, I know. A blunt blade drags, and I see the rash it leaves in the chair every week. Swap it after five to seven shaves, and let it dry fully outside the shower.

Z is for zero close. Not the goal! The NHS says leaving at least 1mm of stubble can help reduce ingrown hairs. Prone to bumps? The NHS also suggests trying an electric razor instead of wet shaving.

Already got one? An ingrown hair is best left alone. Picking or squeezing it can damage the skin and cause infection. See a GP if it gets very painful, hot or swollen.

The letter that matters most

D, every time. I learned on a straight razor, and the first thing drilled into me was light hands and loose skin. The other letters only help once you stop yanking your face tight.

Cheat sheet: shave without the burn

Six letters, two cheats, one calm neck. Which letter would you change?