How to Avoid Razor Burn on My Neck

Razor burn on your neck can be prevented with the right tools.

Razor burn can turn a nice, clean shave into an itchy, swollen mess. Men constantly battle the annoyance of razor burn on a daily basis, hoping that the annoying red bumps do not show up. However, within a couple of hours, razor burn often appears, causing pain and embarrassment. There are simple ways to beat the heat of this burning rash by taking certain precautions every time you shave.

Things You'll Need

• Badger brush
• Hair conditioner
• Pre-shaving oil
• Safety razor
• Moisturizer or cortisone cream

Instructions

1. Soften your beard before you shave. Take a shower and allow the steam to soften the skin of the face and neck. Massage a small amount of hair conditioner into your beard and allow it to moisturize your face while you shower. Rinse it out and begin your shave as soon as you get out of the shower. A softer beard is easier to remove and helps prevent razor burn.

2. Apply a pre-shave oil onto your neck and skin first. Use a badger brush with your shaving cream when you lather up. Spread the cream on your face in small circles, making sure it gets underneath every whisker. Badger brushes help even out the shaving cream and lift up the hair before you cut it, thus preventing razor burn.

3. Shave with an old fashioned safety razor or a razor with a single blade, rather than a razor with multiple blades. Safety razors often provide a cleaner, smoother shave. Ensure that the razor is not dull, but sharp. Replace blades often and clean the blade with alcohol before using. As you shave, rinse off the blade after every stroke before continuing.

4. Shave using short strokes and do not apply too much pressure. As you shave, go with the grain rather than against the grain. Men tend to go against the grain for a smoother cut, but this often results in irritation. Make several light passes with the grain instead until you reach the desired smoothness. Move slowly around the curvature of the neck to prevent irritation and cuts.

5. Rinse your neck with cold water right after you are finished shaving to close the pores. Use a moisturizer after shaving rather than an aftershave, which may heighten irritation. Use a cortisone cream or aloe vera gel if your skin is particularly sensitive.

Tips & Warnings

• If shaving cream or gel generally irritates your skin, try a sensitive variety or an oil. Never shave with just water.

References

• The Art of Manliness: How to Prevent Razor Burn
• Prevent Razor Burn: How to Prevent Razor Burn