Cuts from shaving are a near inevitability for most men. No matter how much experience you have, no matter how much your razor tilts and glides and caresses your face, those blades will bite eventually. Having a good, sharp razor is actually a great step to minimize cuts, as it tends to glide through rather than catch on your facial hair. Additionally, proper preparation of the shaving area can go a long way to making sure your shaving experience is smooth and cut-free. But, if you do find that you’ve nicked your skin, consider being prepared for a more professional solution than simply sticking a bit of toilet paper on the cut. While eventually effective, and good for emergency situations, this faux-mummy look isn’t something to strive for, especially because those little bits of paper are so easy for you to forget and for others to notice once you leave the bathroom.
Proper and more effective treatment is possible with a variety of products available online and in most pharmacies that use astringents and minerals to help coagulation and stop the bleeding. And, if you’re in a pinch, there are some home remedies that offer more elegant solutions than turning to TP:
- Cold water
- Ice
- Anti-perspirant
- Lip balm
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
- Listerine
- Aftershave
Keep in mind, these are all solutions for minor shaving cuts. If the bleeding won’t stop, treat it as a wound by applying pressure above and below the affected area. If the bleeding won’t stop, seek medical attention.
Styptic pencil
Pros: Perfect for spot treatments
Cons: 1. Can leave a chalky residue
2. Not ideal for widespread use.
Use: Simply dip the tip in water and then hold it against your cut for a few seconds to stop the bleeding.
Alum block
Pros: 1. Good for all over use and minor nicks
2. Useful as an antiseptic
Cons: 1. Not as effective for spot treatments
2. Harder to find in pharmacies
Use: Wet the block and rub it all over the affected area.
Shaving nick rollers and gels
Pros: Often include aloe or vitamin E to soothe skin.
Cons: 1. Move difficult to find
2. More expensive
Use: Simply remove the cap and roll the tip across the cut with pressure.
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Submitted by: Peter in Manchester, England
