Nicks and cuts are part and parcel of shaving. No matter how experienced a shaver you are, you will always suffer cuts. While totally preventing cuts while saving is impossible, you can minimize the chances you’ll get them. More importantly, you can minimize the damage they do.
Taking care of shaving injuries is an important part of the shaving regiment. It’s important that every shaver know what to do after cutting man’s face to prevent infection, and what to do if you do get an infection.
How to Keep the Razor Clean and Prevent an Infection
The most important factor in preventing infection from razor cut is keeping your razor clean. Keeping your razor clean and sanitary will not only keep you safe from infection, but will increase the lifespan of your metal as well. You should clean your razor both before, during, and after your shave. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to do a rigorous “spring cleaning” on your razor every once in a while.
Before the shave: Rinse your razor under hot water, so that it’s clean. The warm blade will feel more comfortable on your skin, too.
During the shave: Every one or two swipes, run your razor under hot water. Rinse off any hair. Hair on your razor not only gets in the way of a nice clean shave, but can cause friction and pressure, which will dull your blade over time.
After the shave: This is the most important part. You don’t want to allow hair, skin, and bacteria to stay on your blade and form into a nasty residue while your razor is not in use. To clean, use high pressure and high water to flush out your razor’s blades. If you see any gunk left behind, angle your blade at different degrees until you get the rest. Dry with a clean towel and store in a cool, dry place away from moisture–you don’t want your razor to rust!
Spring cleaning: You can use either bleach or vinegar for this step. Soak your razor in either a solution of bleach and water (one teaspoon of bleach to four cups of water) or vinegar and water (equal parts vinegar to water). Do not mix bleach and vinegar together, as this will cause a harsh chemical reaction! Soak your razor in your chosen solution for 5 to 10 minutes. Then take a toothbrush and use it to scrub off any built-up debris left behind. Once finished, rinse your razor in warm water and dry with a clean towel. Viola–good as new!
Preventing Cuts While Shaving
The key to preventing cuts while shaving is by prepping your face and shaving properly. First, wash your face with warm water. Then apply pre-shave oil. Then apply shaving cream or moisturizer with your shaving brush in circular motions, working it up into a rich lather. Only once you’ve properly prepared your skin for shaving should you start to shave. Shave slowly and carefully, following proper shaving techniques, and your skin should stay relatively nick and cut-free!
Treating Razor Cuts
Most men don’t think twice about shaving, since it’s something they do on a regular basis. However, nicks and cuts from shaving are just as subject to infection as any open wound. Cuts left open too long will attract bacteria and get infected. Infections can lead to nasty problems you really want to avoid. That’s why it’s key that you treat your razor cuts and nicks immediately. The best way to do so is by wiping the cut clean with warm water, and then using a styptic pencil on the cut. A styptic pencil will stop the wound from bleeding and will cause blood to clot and effectively cover up the open cut.